A general management planning effort focused on Lookout Mountain Battlefield is now underway, said Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Superintendent Cathy Cook. The planning effort will amend the 1988 General Management Plan to provide management guidance for the Lookout Mountain unit for the next 20 years.
Ms. Cook stated that, “This amendment will consider the management direction for over 400 acres of new lands added to Lookout Mountain since 1988 because of the lands significant association with the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga. It will update the management zoning for the entire Lookout Mountain unit, with each zone defining a set of desired conditions, visitor experiences, and appropriate activities and facilities for that zone. Two concept alternatives have been developed that focus on the park’s primary purpose: battlefield preservation and heritage education. It will also address visitor use and access at a number of new locations that will enhance visitor understanding and appreciation of the historical significance of the resources on Lookout Mountain.”
The preliminary alternatives and proposed changes to management zoning for Lookout Mountain can be viewed at: www.parkplanning.nps.gov/chch. Comments can be submitted electronically through the website until April 8.
The park will host an open house on Feb. 28 between 3:30-7 p.m. at the St. Elmo Fire Hall: 4501 St. Elmo Ave. The purpose of the open house is for the National Park Service to describe the alternatives and hear ideas, concerns, and thoughts about the park. There will be presentations at 4 and 6 p.m. Comment forms will also be available at the open house.