National Park Service invites public opinion on Laurel Falls Trail Management – The Cherokee One Feather
GATLINBURG, Tenn. – The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting public opinion on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan. The plan addresses the visitor experience and safety, parking, and trail infrastructure refurbishment for the most visited trail in the park.
The first public comment on the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan will be open from July 9th to August 7th and will include the opportunity to submit written comments and attend a public session that will be held virtually. The information gained during this civic engagement phase is used to identify and refine the elements and alternatives considered.
“We are excited to offer this opportunity to learn from our visitors how we can address the preservation and viability of the Laurel Falls Trail,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash.
A virtual public session to discuss the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan and answer questions about the process will take place on Wednesday, July 22nd, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. During the first 30 minutes of the session, the NPS presents an outline of the proposal, with the remainder of the session being dedicated to a question and answer session. It is recommended that attendees join the meeting 5 to 10 minutes early to test audio and Internet connections. Additionally, while listening-only, attendees can call and not view the presentation by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the passcode 83225451780 #.
The NPS is also accepting written comments online or by mail for review of the original draft plan. Comments can be submitted:
Online (the preferred method)
visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/LaurelFalls
Select “Open for Comments” from the left menu bar, open the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan folder and click the green Comment Now button to access the online comment form. or
By post
Send comments to:
Superintendent Cassius Cash
Warning: Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Written comments on the first draft of the Laurel Falls Trail Management Plan must be submitted online or postmarked by August 7th to be considered.
For more information on the proposed Laurel Falls Trail management plan, including details on public sessions, virtual long-in instructions, and more, please visit the planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/LaurelFalls.
– Publication of the National Park Service
