March 27, 2008
(Asheville, NC)-The Blue Ridge Parkway (Parkway) is seeking public input, through May 20, on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for managing vistas within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (CNFS) habitat along the Parkway. Listed as an endangered species in 1985, some 25-30 years after the construction of the Parkway through its habitat, the CNFS now receive additional protection through the Endangered Species Act and through NPS Management Policies.
Parkway officials said the EA evaluates the impacts of developing a long-term management strategy that would best protect and preserve Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (CNFS) while providing for an enjoyable visitor experience of traveling the BLRI. The EA analyzes three alternatives which include no action, historic management methods, and developing management guidelines and mitigation objectives utilizing mechanical treatment techniques for each individual vista within potential CNFS habitat.
Those who wish to review and comment on this document may do so by
visiting the Internet site. Select Blue Ridge Parkway from the park dropdown menu and then click on project title "EA for Vista Management within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Habitat." Even though using this website is recommended, written comments may also be submitted to:
Blue Ridge Parkway
ATTN: Suzette Molling
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803.
Comments must be sent by May 20. Ideas and concerns expressed by those who comment will be used to prepare the final proposal and impact analysis.
Comments are typically treated as a public record and made available for public review. Individuals may request that the National Park Service withhold their name and address from disclosure. Such requests will be honored
to the extent allowable by law.
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