Join Pinnacles National Monument in Planning for the Next Century.

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input for a new general management plan (GMP) for Pinnacles National Monument. The general management plan will serve as a "blueprint" for guiding the park, which was established in 1908, into its second century. A general management plan identifies important park issues, visitor opportunities, and development goals while setting program objectives and directing resource protection programs for the next twenty years.

Everyone who is interested in Pinnacles National Monument is encouraged to participate in the planning process. The NPS is hosting public meetings in the area to explain the general management plan process and listen to public ideas and concerns.

Meeting Dates:

Wednesday, March 7th (7-9 pm)

Soledad High School Mission Room

425 Gabilan Drive Soledad, CA

Monday, March 19th (7-9 pm)

San Benito County Board of Supervisors Chambers

481 4th Street Hollister, CA

Tuesday, March 20th (7-9 pm)

Jefferson School Meeting Hall

221 Old Hernandez Road Paicines, CA

Saturday, March 24th (1-3 pm)

Santa Clara University Arts and Sciences Bldg (Building 804), Room 129

500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA

The public is also invited to share thoughts and ideas by mail, e-mail or through the park website. Comments can be mailed to: Pinnacles National Monument GMP, 5000 Highway 146, Paicines, CA95043, or e-mailed to pinn_gmp@nps.gov. The public comment period for this phase of the planning process extends through May 31st, 2007.

Background

Pinnacles National Monument preserves an ecologically rich, geologically spectacular, and culturally significant landscape in the Central Coast region of California. Established in 1908 and named fordramatic rock formations that are the remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles reflects a landscape shaped by earthquake, fire, and flood. Protected for nearly a century, Pinnacles today represents an unspoiled piece of historic California. The national monument is rich in plant and animal life residing in diverse habitats which include talus caves, chaparral, and oak woodland.

The early history of Pinnacles National Monument was characterized by local initiative and participation. Once established, its success and, at times, its very survival depended on the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment of local citizens and county organizations. The same holds true today.

The last general management plan for Pinnacles National Monument was completed in 1976. Since then, the national monument has grown in size and its staff and researchers continue to learn more about the significance of the Pinnacles' geology, ecosystems, and history. Pinnacles has made advances in resource protection, reintroducing California condors and California red-legged frogs, removing invasive exotic plants and destructive non-native pigs, restoring Chalone Creek, and rerouting Bear Gulch Cave Trail to protect Townsend's big-eared bat colonies while keeping cave routes open to visitors.

This general management planning effort initially started in 1998 but was put on hold until the purchase of Pinnacles Ranch was completed in March 2006. The Ranch provides new planning opportunities for the monument, including options for better parking and transportation, camping, education, and a wider range of opportunities for people with different interests and abilities.

A draft general management plan is expected to be available for public review in fall 2008. The final general management plan is scheduled for completion in 2009.

For more information:

• Carl Brenner, Supervisor, Interpretation & Education, (831) 389-4485, ext. 265
• Martha Crusius, Project Manager, (510) 817-1447
• Pinnacles General Management Plan, Newsletter #1 (attached)
• Pinnacles planning website

General park information can be obtained by visiting our Web Site or by calling 831-389-4485 extension 0.