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<br />(;;j~2d3 <br /> <br />the Wilderness Act is the opportunity for the public to express its <br />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 />8 <br /> <br />Notice of such public hearings is published in the "Federal Register" <br />and newspapers having general circulation in the area of the park at <br />least 60 days prior to the hearings. During this 60.day period, the <br />Master Plan documents are available for public review at the park, in <br />the appropriate Regional Office, and in the Washington Office. <br />Moreover, public information packets explaining national park <br />wilderness proposals are available at the same time for distribution <br />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 National <br />Park Service to make available the general development plan for the <br />park or monument at the time the preliminary wilderness proposal is <br />released. The Service welcomes public comments and views on these <br />plans. Moreover, once the Congress has defined the wilderness areas <br />within the national parks and monuments, it shall be the practice of <br />the National Park Service to give public notice of 60 days on any <br />proposal to change the classification of any Class I, Class II, or Class <br />III lands within the park or monument. In this way, the Service shall <br />afford the public a continuing opportunity .to participate in the <br />planning and management of its national parks and monuments. <br />