OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2001

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633
Rick Cook (O) 305/242-7714

FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
TO BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY

Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes will be in Key West, Florida, to meet with media about the final management plan for Dry Tortugas National Park on Friday, January 5, at 10:00 a.m. The final plan will be published in an upcoming Federal Register and will be available on the National Park Service's internet site.

"This is a very exciting day for coral reefs, fish nurseries and spectacular under sea cultural resources," Hayes said. "The National Park Service has undertaken an extensive public outreach process and partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in developing this final plan."

Under the plan, the remote off-shore Dry Tortugas National Park will create a balance between access for Park visitors and protection of coral reefs, underwater cultural resources such as shipwrecks and fish nursery areas, scientific research areas, and diving and other recreational opportunities.

WHO: Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes

WHAT: Dry Tortugas National Park final plan

WHERE: Radisson Hotel Key West; 3820 North Roosevelt Blvd.

WHEN: Friday, January 5^th, 10:00 a.m.

-DOI-

The Final Management Plan for Dry Tortugas National Park will be located from January 5 on their web site: http://www.nps.gov/drto/planning