First Step In Developing An Air Tour Management Plan For The Region

The FAA, in conjunction with the National Park Service (NPS), has issued a notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment and to develop an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) for Big Cypress National Preserve in south west Florida. 

According to the notice published in the Federal Register, the objective of the ATMP is to develop acceptable and effective measures to mitigate or prevent the significant adverse impacts, if any, of commercial air tour operations on the natural resources, cultural resources, and visitor experiences of a national park unit and any tribal lands within or abutting the park. It should be noted that the ATMP has no authorization over other non-airtour operations such as military and general aviation operations.In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1E, an Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared.

The FAA and NPS are now inviting the public, agencies, tribes, and other interested parties to provide comments, suggestions, and input on the scope of issues to be addressed in the environmental process.

The FAA, as lead agency, is requesting comments on the scope of the EA for the ATMP at Big Cypress. Comments must be submitted by May 19, 2011.

FMI: www.faa.gov