On Wednesday\, October 19 at 6:00 p.m.\, Pipestone National Monument (Monument) will host a public meeting in the Visitor Center to seek feedback on a proposed pedestrian access trail into the park. \; \; \;
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\nThe purpose of the new trail would be to provide safe pedestrian access from Hiawatha Avenue to the park&rsquo\;s Quarry Trail\, Circle Trail\, and Visitor Center. Currently\, many visitors access the park by walking the entrance road\, which is a safety concern. \; \; \;
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\nIn addition\, trail connectivity between the City of Pipestone and the Monument may improve recreational opportunities\, reduce fossil fuel emissions\, and benefit the local economy. The City of Pipestone has been closely involved in early project scoping and development. \; \; \;
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\nWe would appreciate public feedback on the trail routes under consideration and represented in the image above and attached. The NPS is preparing a draft plan and environmental assessment (EA)\, which will provide additional information and analysis. At this time\, Trail Option #2 is the NPS preferred option. \; \;We anticipate sharing that draft EA with the public for additional review and comment in late 2022. \;
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\nHow to Review and Comment \;
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\nThe NPS will host a public meeting on Wednesday\, October 19\, from 6:00 &ndash\;7:00 p.m. at the Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center. There will be a short presentation at 6:00 p.m.\, and park staff will be available to answer questions until 7:00 p.m. The information is also available at \;https://parkplanning.nps.gov/PIPE_PedAccess
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\nComments submitted in October will be used to inform the development of the plan and environmental assessment. Comments may be submitted online\, in-person\, or can be mailed to the park at the address below. Future opportunities will be available when the draft EA is released. \;
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\nSuperintendent\, Pipestone National Monument
\n36 Reservation Avenue
\nPipestone\, MN 56164-1269 \;
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\nBefore including your address\, phone number\, e-mail address\, or other personal identifying information in your comment\, you should be aware that your entire comment &ndash\; including your personal identifying information &ndash\; may be made publicly available at any time. \; \;Personal identifying information is not required to comment. \; \; \;
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\nIf you have questions about the project or would like more information about Pipestone National Monument\, please call the park&rsquo\;s Information Desk at (507) 825-5464. \;