Get Involved

Public participation is vital to the management plan review process. The review begins with a scoping period, in which important issues and opportunities facing the sanctuary are identified. These issues and opportunities provide the framework for reviewing the existing management.

During the scoping period, the sanctuary will accept comments at a series of public meetings. Written comments are also encouraged via mail, fax, or e-mail. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the Monitor sanctuary and the advisory council, with assistance from the community and other experts, will prepare a draft management plan.

The draft plan will then be circulated to the public and a draft management plan hearing will be held to gather further public comments and suggestions. Public meetings will be advertised through various media outlets, including Virginia and North Carolina local newspapers, and the sanctuary Web site. After considering public comments, the sanctuary will complete the final management plan, and that plan will be approved by NOAA.

Public Input Opportunities

• Public scoping meetings
• Sanctuary advisory council meetings
• Public workshops
• Written comments via mail, fax, or e-mail
• Draft management plan hearings
• For updates on the Monitor sanctuary management plan review process call (757) 591-7328 or visit http://monitor.noaa.gov
• You may also register to receive periodic updates, by sending your full name, address, phone, and email address by mail to MPR Team, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23602; by email to shannon.ricles@noaa.gov; by fax to 757-591-7353; or by phone to 757-591-7328.