Get Involved
Public participation is vital throughout the management plan review process. The initial review began with a scoping period, in which important issues and opportunities facing the sanctuary were identified. These issues and opportunities provided the framework for reviewing the existing management.
During the scoping period, the sanctuary accepted comments at a series of public meetings. Written comments were 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, prepared a draft management plan.
With the release of the draft plan, the public is invited to review the plan and to comment. Public and scoping meetings for the draft management plan 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
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