The verdict is in on the Gettysburg Park's hours...

[maryingettysburg]

From Dr. Latschar:

One of our most difficult challenges at Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) is providing the right balance between the two main goals set forth in the National Park Service mission: preservation of park resources and providing for public enjoyment of the park. Balancing these priorities is at the very heart of the issues at stake when I wrote to you in May 2005 about our proposal to modify visiting hours on the Gettysburg battlefield from our current 10 p.m. closing time to a new closing time of sunset.

The mission of Gettysburg NMP is to preserve and protect the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and provide an understanding of the events that occurred here within the context of American History. The concerns outlined in the proposal were: 1) threats to park resources during after-dark hours, 2) visitor safety, and 3) lack of adequate staffing.

We received many thoughtful comments about this proposal as a result of our public comment period – more than 200 written comments were received before the comment period ended May 31, 2005. As we read each and every letter, compelling comments from three particular groups stood out: local citizens and park neighbors who enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the park after sunset; school students whose yearly class visits to Gettysburg include an evening of reflection on the battlefield after dark; and families who travel here from great distances and can only afford to stay a short time, who wanted the ability to maximize their time on the battlefield by staying past sunset.

After carefully considering these concerns and all of the comments received, the park has decided to modify visiting hours as follows. From April 1 through October 31, there will be no change in the visiting hours – the park will remain open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. From November 1 through March 31, the park will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. We believe this compromise will strike the right balance between allowing for public enjoyment of the battlefield and ensuring that battlefield resources will not be harmed, preserving them for the enjoyment of future generations.

Park staff will continue to closely monitor potential threats to park resources at Devils Den, Little Round Top, Peace Light Memorial, the Pennsylvania Memorial, and elsewhere as a result of both deliberate abuse and unintentional acts during after-dark use. Visitor safety and adequate law enforcement staffing will continue to be a concern. In the future we may have to reconsider this issue if incidents and threats continue or increase.

The new visiting hours will become effective November 1, 2005. The National Park Service will establish a grace enforcement period from November 1 through December 31, 2005, to acclimate the public to the changes in park operating hours. Beginning January 1, 2006, fines would be enforced as specified.

Under the policy, park-approved special events, such as the annual Remembrance Illumination, youth group campground operations, and park sponsored public meetings would continue to be permitted. Certain park avenues would continue to be accessible 24 hours/day for vehicular through-travel only.

I hope this information addresses your concerns. As always, I thank for your interest and support for Gettysburg National Military Park.

Sincerely,


/s/

Dr. John A. Latschar
Superintendent


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the general consensus from other discussion boards and from locals is that this decision is very fair. Dr. Latschar is receiving much praise for his willingness to compromise ...and at the same time protect this park.

[hoosier]

I'd agree that he's being very fair.

With the staff cuts he's had to make, I would think he could easily have justified cutting back hours more than he's done.

[gary]

Be easy to have the USMC Scout-Sniper program set up a watch. Call it stalking & training exercise. They won't shoot - just call in the National Park Law Enforcement Rangers or the Park Service Police to arrest a vandal.

[ole]

Originally Posted by gary

Be easy to have the USMC Scout-Sniper program set up a watch. Call it stalking & training exercise. They won't shoot - just call in the National Park Law Enforcement Rangers or the Park Service Police to arrest a vandal.

Gary:
The training would be so much more complete, and gratifying, if the shot were taken.
Ole

[gary]

Sho' nuff and I wouldn't complain if it were some vandal. Snipers enjoy tracking targets even though they're not allowed to shoot. Happens all the time when the President is around and folks appear on rooftops. Guess who's watching them and tracking? But, human life is considered more important that property even if the property is public property on hallowed ground. Thus, no green light.