The San Juan National Forest has released the final Chimney Rock National Monument Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Management Plan. The U.S. Forest Service was directed to prepare a management plan within three years after Chimney Rock National Monument was established on Sept. 21, 2012.

The management plan establishes a framework for future decision making within the monument and also proposes several specific projects, including construction of interpretive trails, visitor facilities, and additional parking; extension of the season of operation; as well as various prohibitions designed to prevent resource damage. In addition, it emphasizes continued consultation with Native American Indian tribes.

Chimney Rock National Monument has 4,726 acres of National Forest System lands managed by the San Juan National Forest in partnership with the Chimney Rock Interpretative Association. The monument includes nationally significant objects, including archaeology, visual and landscape characteristics, geological and biological features, as well as objects of cultural and educational value.

The final EIS, final management plan, and draft records of decision can be downloaded from the San Juan National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects.

The documents are also available for viewing at the Pagosa District Office in Pagosa Springs, Columbine District Office in Bayfield, and San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango.

Since the plan includes both planning-level and project-level decisions within the monument, two separate records of decision are being issued. The planning-level decision is subject to objection during a 60-day period, and the project-level decision is subject to objection during a 45-day period. More information on the objection process will be posted in legal notices on the webpage. For more information, contact Sara Brinton, at 264-1532.