A new web forum has been launched that will allow the public to participate in online discussions about the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s new General Management Plan and Wilderness Study.

Park superintendent Dusty Shultz said the new forum was slated to be launched Wednesday, March 21, and could be accessed through the General Management Plan/Wilderness Study (GMP/WS) section of the park’s website at www.nps.gov/slbe.

“The forum is a new high-tech method for the public to share their ideas and discuss in a public way the latest GMP/WS planning information,” said Shultz. “Although comments posted on the web forum are not official GMP/WS planning comments,” she stressed, “this is a great way for people to have dialogue during and outside the official comment periods.”

Another official comment period will be announced soon, Shultz said, following release of the Park Service’s fourth newsletter on the GMP/WS process. The newsletter will outline “preliminary alternatives” of the proposed general management plan.

In addition, public meetings will be held in Benzie, Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties in early May on dates to be announced, Shultz said. The next public comment period will remain open until May 14.

“There will be a lot to discuss in the days ahead, and the new forum will help us do that,” said Shultz. “With the public’s continued involvement, we can develop a new plan that will provide a variety of recreational opportunities while continuing to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,” she added.

Although any comments posted on the new web forum will be unofficial, everyone will be able to view the comments and those who register online as “users” will be able to post their own comments and questions in a bulletin board style format.

The “user” will get an email notification when their message has been posted to the site, according to a news release from the park. A National Park Service moderator will interact with forum “users,” answering questions, and facilitating open discussions which anyone with a computer and Internet access will be able to read.

For more information, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/slbe or call the park headquarters at (231) 326-5134.