Devils Tower Plans Accessibility Improvements

Press Release – Devils Tower National Monument plans to design and construct a new accessible approach route to the Tower Trail, a 1.3 mile hiking trail around the base of the Tower.

The National Park Service recently created an Accessibility Task Force to recommend a more effective organizational approach to improving accessibility across the service. Barriers to National Park Service facilities and programs deny visitors with disabilities the opportunity to experience their parks.   “We intend to break down the barriers and embrace greater inclusivity by strategically upgrading existing facilities, programs, and services for accessibility by focusing on key visitor experiences at Devils Tower.” Tim Reid, superintendent.

In addition to the new accessible approach route to the Tower Trail, new accessible interpretive wayside exhibits along the trail, an accessible interpretive plaza and exhibits, accessible walkways to the trailhead, visitor center, and climber registration office will be developed and installed.  Plans will also include new accessible exhibits inside the visitor center, additional accessible parking spaces and a new bus drop off area.

An Environmental Assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to park resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts.

The National Park Service encourages public participation throughout the NEPA process, during which the public has two opportunities to formally comment on the project: once during initial project scoping and again following release of the Environmental Assessment.  The project is currently in the scoping phase, and comments may be hand-delivered or submitted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/DETOTAIP December 1 through December 31. All comments will be considered during preparation of the Environmental Assessment.  Comments will not be accepted via phone, fax or e-mail.