Zion National Park officials are seeking input on a draft Comprehensive Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for sections of the Virgin River that runs through the park in southwestern Utah.

The plan is necessary as sections of the river in 2009 were added to the National Wild and Scenic River System. The Wild and Scenic River designation includes segments of the Virgin River, La Verkin Creek, Taylor Creek, and North Creek (including some tributaries) in Zion National Park and adjacent Bureau of Land Management wilderness. The completed plan will provide a framework to guide future resource management and visitor use.

The public is invited to review and comment on the CMP/EA at this time. The document can be reviewed online at this site.

If you'd like a CD or paper copy of the document, please send an email to [email protected].

Comments on the CMP/EA may be posted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/zion or mailed to: Zion National Park, Attn: Virgin River CMP/EA, Springdale, Utah 84767. Comments are most helpful if submitted by September 9, 2013.

The public is also invited to participate in open house sessions where park staff will be available to provide information on the proposed plan, answer questions, and take comments. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. The meeting dates and locations are as follows:

* Tuesday, August 20, 2013- Dixie Center, Entrada Room, 1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT;

* Wednesday, August 21, 2013- Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Blvd, Springdale, UT; and;

* Thursday, August 22, 2013- University Park Marriott, Conner Room, 480 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT.