Reaction to Olympic National Park plan invited

Olympic National Park is getting a new management plan that will set a course for the park over the next 20 years.

The public is asked to comment on whether the park should continue to be managed as it is today; whether to place greater emphasis on preserving the park as a wild ecosystem; or to increase development for visitors and tourism.

National Park managers have extended the public comment period on the plan, as well as scheduled a public hearing on it in Seattle.

The hearing is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Seattle REI, 222 Yale Ave. N.

To review the plan, go online to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/olym. Or, to request a printed or CD version of the document call 360-565-3004.

Copies also are available at the Seattle Public Library and at the University of Washington Library.

The public-comment period is open through Sept. 30.

Comments may be mailed or faxed to Olympic National Park General Management Plan; National Park Service; Denver Service Center; P.O. Box 25287; Denver, CO 80225. The fax number is 303-969-2736.

Comments also may be submitted online by visiting the Web site: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/olym.