National Park Service Requests Public Input On Two Plans

Quagga/Zebra Mussel Comprehensive Management

As of January 2014, approximately 1,300 adult quagga mussels have been found and removed from Lake Powell. We are finding additional adult mussels as the season progresses.

The Quagga-Zebra Mussel Management Plan (QZMP) is needed to help the NPS decide what tools are appropriate to support the ongoing management of invasive mussels in Glen Canyon now that quagga mussels are present in Lake Powell.

The QZMP will consider changes to the existing prevention and monitoring efforts, and would include analysis of potential control, containment, and other park management actions. The plan will also consider options for providing a sustainable funding source.

The NPS has used a variety of tools to support extensive mussel prevention efforts for several years. This has included education efforts, monitoring, and inspection, decontamination, and quarantine of incoming boats as necessary. The NPS is seeking input to help develop the QZMP during the public scoping period from through March 7.

For more information, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/qzmp.

Rainbow Bridge Trail Improvement

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area proposes to develop a trail improvement plan for Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

A trail management plan is needed to support the ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and improvement of the existing trails within Rainbow Bridge National Monument, including the trail from the dock on Lake Powell and the overland trail that enters the monument from the adjacent Navajo Nation.

The existing trail from the lake is affected by fluctuating lake levels and periodic flood events. In 2013, a large section of the trail was damaged during a flash flood. Although short-term repairs were made to provide interim visitor access, a long-term trail repair is still needed.

The proposed Rainbow Bridge Trail Improvement Plan will also evaluate the feasibility of improving universal accessibility to comply with Outdoor Accessibility Guidelines and will evaluate the potential to develop a new trail segment around Rainbow Bridge to provide one continuous path from the shore of Lake Powell to the monument boundary.

Currently no trail around Rainbow Bridge exists and visitors are asked to not walk under Rainbow Bridge in recognition of the sacred nature of this site to several Indian Tribes.

The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an environmental assessment (EA) to evaluate different trail improvement alternatives. The Rainbow Bridge Trail Improvement EA (RABR EA) will be developed through a public process that complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Public comment is welcome through March 7. For more information, visit For more information, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/rabr-trail.

Another opportunity for input will follow after the public release of both the above plans.