Superintendent Phil Francis
Blue Ridge Parkway
National Park Service

Re:  General Management Plan

Dear Superintendant Francis:

The Blue Ridge Parkway contributes greatly to the quality of life in Roanoke and is a critical economic asset for our entire region and we thank you for providing the opportunity to comment on the General Management Plan (GMP).  We recognize how difficult it is to maintain the number of parks and campgrounds within the Park Services given the current economic situation and commend you and your staff for the work you do.  

We've reviewed the plans and commend your staff for compiling a variety of options for public input. However we do not feel the GMP adequately addresses the President's America's Great Outdoors initiative, which includes a goal to "enhance recreational access and opportunities" on public land. It is also inconsistent with the Call to Action: Preparing for a Second Century of Stewardship and Engagement Initiative of National Park Service director Jon Jarvis which challenges park managers to; (a) expand the use of our national parks for outdoor recreation, (b) connect parks in or near urban areas through public transportation and pedestrian and bike paths, and (c) decrease each park's carbon footprint.

The consistent reference to the Parkway being "actively managed as a traditional, self-contained, scenic recreational driving experience" is troublesome.  Motorized vehicles should not be the only way to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The GMP adds very few new actions that encourage active recreation.  The economic vitality that cycling, hiking, birding, horseback riding, and running bring the Parkway and surrounding communities should not be ignored.