In 1996, President Clinton issued an executive order directing the agencies to work together to restore natural quiet to the park by 2008. It is an important responsibility of the National Park Service to provide an opportunity for people to experience these valuable resources. The National Park Service has already begun implementing new projects to reduce noise pollution in the park. The park has plans to eliminate 80 percent of private vehicles entering the park by creating a light-rail system and utilizing electric busses. Travel will still be permitted on State Highway 64, which runs through the park and people with hotel or campground reservations will be able to drive into the park but will be required to use the light-rail or bus system to travel within the park.
Every step forward is a step in the right direction.
A public comment period on the proposed rules, published in the Federal Register July 9, will end Sept. 7. A final draft of the rules is set for the end of the year and the rules should be implemented by the summer of 2000.