The National Park Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Environmental Assessment at Fire Island National Seashore. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of proposed changes to the seashore’s driving regulations.
The Environmental Assessment first opened by Fire Island Notional Seashore has been gathering input from local communities, stakeholders, and the public to since the the spring of 2022, in which three basic alternatives were examined:
- Alternative A – No action; continue current management under 1987 regulations and subsequent plans.
- Alternative B (Selected) – Modify permit caps; adjust seasonal driving in May, early June, and post-Labor Day; redefine “trip”; classify construction debris under construction/business permits; and allow all-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Alternative C – Same as Alternative B, but without permit caps and with different seasonal driving dates.
The NPS selected Alternative B with modifications in response to public comments. Proposed regulation changes aim to balance appropriate vehicular access with protection of park resources and visitor safety, consistent with the park’s enabling legislation. Analysis showed no significant impacts requiring an Environmental Impact Statement. Resources considered included dunes, vegetation, wildlife, visitor safety, and local businesses. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of proposed changes to the seashore’s driving regulations, however a statement released by Fire Island National Seashore emphasized that this decision is not the Final Agency Action.
“Our goal is to ensure that vehicle access supports the needs of Fire Island’s communities while safeguarding the seashore’s natural and cultural resources,” said Alexcy Romero, superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore. “These updates reflect years of collaboration and planning with residents, stakeholders, and visitors, and they help us preserve the unique character of this barrier island for generations to come.”
Fire Island National Seashore was established in 1964 to preserve undeveloped beaches, dunes, and natural features of national significance near major urban areas. ORV management remains complex, involving multiple municipalities, businesses, utilities, visitors, and sensitive habitats.
Planning documents and the FONSI are available at: parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=97189
