Big Thicket National Preserve has begun work on a new general management plan that will prescribe the resource conditions and visitor experiences that are to be achieved and maintained in the Preserve over the next 15 to 20 years.

Big Thicket National Preserve staff will host the first set of general management plan (GMP) open houses on July 20 through July 24, 2009. The open houses will be informal forums where the public can learn about the preserve and share their ideas on issues and concerns relating to the management of the preserve. Superintendent Todd Brindle will make a brief presentation on the general management planning process. National Park Service technical experts will also be present to answer questions and record public comments. Attendees will be provided with a variety of methods to offer comments."We want this to be a relaxed atmosphere where people feel free to share their views and listen to the views of others," explained Superintendent Brindle. ''This is an important first step in identifying the issues we will address in the new general management plan we are developing for the preserve. Your participation is vital to the success of this project."

Meeting locations, dates, and times for the open houses will be:

Wheat Elementary School

505 N. Charlton, Woodville, TX 75979

Monday, July 20, 2009, 6:00 - 8:00 pm*

Silsbee Community Center

835 Highway 96 South, Silsbee, TX 77656

Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 6:00 - 8:00 pm*

Rogers Park Community Center

6540 Gladys, Beaumont, TX 77706

Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 4:00 - 7:00 pm**

Forestry Building, Sowden Conference Room

12025 Sowden, Houston, TX 77055

Thursday, July 23, 2009, 4:00 - 7:00 pm**