General Management Plan

 

A New General Management Plan: Collaborative Management for the Future

The General Management Plan (GMP) will guide Fire Island National Seashore managers for the next 15 to 20 years in protecting the Seashore's natural and cultural features. The plan recognizes the dynamic character of the barrier island environment and the important role of the developed communities within the Seashore, and outlines several approaches for working cooperatively with stakeholders to preserve and protect Fire Island for generations to come.

GMP documents and an Abbreviated Final GMP are available on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website.

Wilderness Stewardship Plan

The Abbreviated Final GMP includes the NPS response to public and agency comments on the Draft GMP, and revisions to the Draft Wilderness Stewardship Plan and Backcountry Camping Policy for the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness (WSP). The WSP will guide decisions on the future use and protection of the congressionally designated Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness and areas adjacent to the wilderness that are designated backcountry camping areas.

Foundation Document

The Fire Island National Seashore Foundation Document complements the GMP and highlights the purpose, significance, and fundamental resources and values of the seashore.

The Planning Process

Fire Island National Seashore was established on September 11, 1964. The seashore's first planning document was prepared in 1965 and adopted in 1967. Additional plans were initiated in 1971, before work on the current plan began in July 1975.

Fire Island National Seashore's first General Management Plan was published in late 1977, and signed (with an addendum) in March 1978.

Funding was received in 2006 to start the planning process for an updated GMP for Fire Island National Seashore.

The Draft GMP and Draft WSP were released together in June, 2015 for a 90-day public review period. Comments on the Draft GMP resulted in minor changes to the text but did not significantly alter the alternatives or the impact analysis.

The Abbreviated Final GMP documents those changes and factual corrections as suggested by agencies, organizations, or other commenters during the review period.