Reference Manual #2 – Chapter 5: Planning Policy Reviews

National Park Service (NPS) unit managers should seek out expertise from relevant subject matter experts, at unit, regional, and Washington Office (WASO) levels early and often throughout all phases of planning. Formal review and coordination with WASO is a requirement for some planning processes. WASO-level planning policy reviews make sure that specific types of NPS planning documents, including foundation documents, comprehensive plans, and select types of implementation plans, align with national policies and strategic goals of the NPS. WASO also aims to identify potential precedents or implications for other NPS units. WASO conducts policy reviews at key milestones during the planning process.

DO-2 has the following parameters for policy reviews:

  • Establishes the WASO Park Planning and Special Studies Division (PPSS) as the office responsible for providing overall direction and policy development for the park planning program
  • States the WASO PPSS Division will conduct a WASO-level review of planning documents and review selected plans for national policy consistency
  • Specifies that associate and assistant directors have responsibilities for particular plans, such as involvement in planning document input, development, and reviews
  • Requires WASO program managers to review planning documents at the request of the PPSS Division.

The WASO PPSS Division coordinates policy reviews for the following types of planning documents:

  • Foundation Documents
  • Initial Plans for New Units or New Lands
  • Managed Access Strategies
  • Investment Concepts in plans that exceed Bureau Investment Review Board Thresholds
  • Additional planning documents as directed by the Associate Director of the Park Planning, Facilities and Lands in coordination with Regional Directors and the Deputy Director for Operations.

Last updated: January 17, 2025

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