Cuyahoga Valley National Park has announced three dates for the first public input sessions concerning the new Trail Management Plan (TMP) and Environmental Impact Study (EIS). These dates are Thursday, February 11th from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, February 13th 10:00 am-noon. All meetings are at the CVNP Happy Days Lodge (500 West Streetsboro Road (Route 303), Peninsula, Ohio).
Currently, the TMP has no direct effect on climbing in CVNP (as it is prohibited throughout the entire park). However, the TMP last for many years, (the current one was implemented in 1985) thus it will undoubtedly have an effect on future efforts. Also, it will have a direct impact on other sports that climbers participate in (such as mountain biking).
Please plan to attend one of these sessions and let the park hear your ideas. Most important is what the park refers to as “substantive comments.” These comments tell the park not only what you want trails for (i.e. access to cliffs/boulders or mountain biking), but WHY you want trails for these uses. For example, maybe you think there’s a lot of health benefits or maybe you think it makes the region a better place to live. Think creatively and don’t be afraid to express your opinion!
Background
The TMP and EIS are the first part of a federal process needed for the park to consider new trail uses. The park is currently operating from its 1985 Trail Master Plan. The park recognized that it and its users have evolved and it faces new challenges and opportunities. To address this, the TMP and EIS processes have been initiated. The processes are transparent and provide for ample public input.
Purpose of the Open House
The purpose of the public input sessions is to collect input on various issues. Examples of this would be:
1) How can the trail network be improved or enhanced to provide opportunities for a wide variety of users?
2) How can the trail network’s condition, operation and stewardship be enhanced?
3) How should the trail be improved or enhanced to minimize resource impacts?
Links
-Event Information
-More information including directions, details on the plan process, additional documents and online comment form.
