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<br />. , . <br /> <br />000246 <br /> <br />their character and detract from the solitude and quiet of the <br />natural scene. The protection and maintenance of natural <br />conditions and a wilderness atmosphere are paramount <br />management objectives. The only facilities allowed in these lands <br />are of the type mentioned in the Wilderness Use and Management <br />Policy statement. <br /> <br />Class VI are the lands, including historic structures, of historical or <br />cultural significance, such as the agricultural community of Cades <br />Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. <br /> <br />Wilderness Hearings <br />One of the finest new public land planning procedures introduced <br />by the Wilderness Act is the opportunity for the public to express <br />its views on the preliminary wilderness proposals prior to these <br />proposals being firmly established for recommendations to the <br />Congress. These hearings are held In the State in which the <br />wilderness is proposed. <br /> <br />Notice of such public hearings is published in the "Federal <br />Register" and newspapers having general circulation in the area of <br />the park at least 60 days prior to the hearings. During this 60.day <br />period, the Master Plan documents are available for public review <br />at the park, in the appropriate Regional Office, and in the <br />Wa sh i ngton 0 ffice. Moreover, public information packets <br />explaining national park wilderness proposals are available at the <br />same time for distribution to all those requesting them. <br /> <br />The Wilderness Act requires that the public hearing be held on the <br />wilderness proposals only. However, it is the practice of the <br />National Park Service to make avai lable the general development <br />plan for the park or monument at the time the preliminary <br />wilderness proposal is released. The Service welcomes public <br />comments and views on these plans. Moreover, once the Corigress <br />has defined the wilderness areas within the national parks and <br />monuments, it shall be the practice of the National Park Service to <br />give public notice of 60 days on any proposal to change the <br />classification of any Class I, Class II, or Class III lands within the <br />park or monument. In this way, the Service shall afford the public <br />a continuing opportunity to participate in the planning and <br />management of its national parks and monuments. <br /> <br />8 <br />