Newsletter January 13, 2022

Climbing Management Plan Begins Public Scoping January 13, 2022

Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) has been engaging with the public on the development of the Climbing Management Plan (CMP) since early 2021. During our engagement we have received over 2,400 comments on the proposed plan and appreciate the amount of interest and participation thus far.

Civic Engagement >>Public Scoping >>>Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) >>> Final EA/Decision

We are now entering into the public scoping phase of our planning process. During public scoping we will be presenting management actions the park is proposing to meet the Purpose and Need.

The purpose of the Climbing Management Plan is to guide the management of rock-based recreation activities for the protection of cultural resources, natural resources, and wilderness character, and to support the public’s desire to enjoy the park through climbing and related activities.

JTNP will be accepting comments for 45 days starting on January 13 and ending the comment period on February 27, 2022. For more detailed information on the CMP please read our newsletter, interact with our story map, visit our Climbing Plan website, and make comments on our CMP comment website. Use the links below to access these resources.

45-Day Public Scoping:

• Begin January 13, 2022
• End February 27, 2022

Virtual Public Meeting

• Date: February 8, 2022
• Time: 6-8 pm
• Link: Zoom Link can be found on our CMP Website

Climbing Management Plan Story Map

Our CMP story map is the best source to review all the information on the CMP. Click the link below to access this interactive tool the park is using to convey the CMP planning process. Story Map Link.

Climbing Management Plan Website

On the CMP website is all the information presented to the public thus far, including:

• All newsletters sent to the public.
• A link to the recording of the virtual public meeting held on April 20, 2021.
• A summary of the 2,400+ public comments sent during our May 4, 2021 - Jun 13, 2021 comment period.
• Links to the 1993 Climbing Management Plan, 2000 Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan, and information on Wilderness.
• Updated links to the latest public scoping newsletter, story map, and where to provide comment.
• Information on how to join the February 8, 2022 Virtual Public Meeting.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/getinvolved/climbingplan.htm

How to Make Comments

Comments can be made on the NPS PEPC (Planning, Environment and Public Comment) website.

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/JOTRclimbing

We encourage you to read the newsletter, interact with the story map, review all the information on the Climbing Management Plan website, and attend the virtual public meeting to inform your comments.

Barker Dam Parking Lot Expansion Decision

On December 29, 2021, Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent approved the expansion of the Barker Dam Parking Lot. Click on link below to view the decision documents.
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/barker_dam_parking_expansion

We look forward to your continued participation in the planning process for Joshua Tree's Climbing Management Plan. If you have any questions please call us or send us an email.

Sincerely,

David A. Smith,
Superintendent
[phone]
[e-mail]