OCNMS Anticipates
Management Plan Review
starting fall 2008

And We Need Your Help!

The 1994 Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) Management Plan, which outlines objectives for resource protection, research, and education programs, needs to be reviewed and updated. This important management tool is greatly enhanced by the ideas and comments of interested people. There will be many opportunities for you to provide ideas and critical feedback during the process.

State of the Sanctuary Report
OCNMS will prepare a report that describes accomplishments to date and provides a brief summary of current research, education and management issues. Use this report to brush up on what we've been working on for the last 14 years.

Notice of Intent
NOAA will publish a Notice of Intent to conduct the management plan review in the Federal Register and will also distribute the information to interested parties, through local and regional newspapers, as well as direct mailings to individuals on our mailing list. The Notice of Intent will explain the management plan review process and will include a preliminary list of topics that NOAA believes should be part of the review. These may include focus areas that carry over from the original management plan as well as emerging issues. The public will be asked to comment on these topics and other topics they believe NOAA should also address.

Scoping Meetings
Sanctuary users can help shape future management priorities during these meetings where public comment will be received. Dates and locations are pending. At the same time, a public comment period will allow for submission of comments via email or mail.

Action Plans
After a review of all comments, there will be additional workshops to solicit help from citizens and experts in tailoring action plans that address priority issues. These action plans provide the foundation for the draft management plan.

A revised draft management plan, containing the action plans and management changes, will be critiqued through public hearings and a comment period. After the close of the public comment period, a final management plan will be crafted.

To receive notices of public meetings or availability of documents please email your name and physical mailing address to
ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov