It was back in March 2009 that portions of the Virgin River in and around Zion National Park were designated as "wild and scenic." In light of that designation, park officials are beginning work on a management plan for those sections.

Sections to be affected include the Virgin River as well as La Verkin Creek, Taylor Creek, and North Creek within and adjacent to Zion. Currently in the scoping phase of the planning process, the National Park Service is asking the public to identify issues and opportunities that should be addressed in the plan. The completed plan will provide a framework to guide future resource management and visitor use.

The public is invited to become part of this planning effort by assisting in identifying concerns, issues, and alternatives. Comments will be accepted until December 6. Anyone wishing to comment should visit the National Park Service planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/zion or mail comments to: Zion National Park, WSR Management Plan/EA, Springdale, UT 84767.

The public is also invited to participate in open house sessions where park and U.S. Bureau of Land Management staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about wild and scenic river management planning. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

Meeting will be held on the following days at the following locations: Tuesday, October 26, 2010, Salt Lake City, Utah – University Park Marriott, Connor Room, 480 Wakara Way; Wednesday, October 27, Springdale, Utah – Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Blvd.; and Thursday, October 28, St. George, Utah – Dixie Center, Entrada Room, 1835 Convention Center Drive.