An environmental assessment being prepared on oil drilling plans at Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida submitted by Burnett Oil Co. could prompt the National Park Service to decide a more extensive environmental impact statement on those plans is warranted.

The actual practice of drilling oil out from under Big Cypress National Preserve does not greatly concern two geologists well-familiar with the underpinnings of South Florida. However, the surface infrastructure needed to drill for oil is a concern when risks to the preserve are explored, they said.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California plans to reopen access to Alcatraz Island on March 15.

In a bid to reduce trampling of wildflowers, a group permit system for visits to the Whiteoak Sink area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be in place next month.