Hello, thank you for providing this time period for the public to digest and reflect on this very comprehensive 5-year-plan. As an avid outdoor recreational user and enthusiast, outdoor recreation is my sole priority when exploring both new and familiar places.

A few thoughts on the plan:

• An additional "Gallery Card" specific to Wildlife Habitats Protections and "Minimal Impact" tourism-generated visitation. A "ground-up" approach to sustainable outdoor recreation development that aligns with wildlife and resource protections. A key component of "land conservation," rather than a byproduct, in my opinion.
  • Think of Virginia's Southernmost State Park- False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for reference. Accessible only by hike, bike, and park-operated tram for visitors to experience and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife habitat and natural resource protection. The area is home to some 54 rare and endangered species that rely on these undisturbed and diverse habitats to exist. Folks visit this park, whether by tram for senior and accessibility needs, or by foot, bike, or e-bike.
• Additional mentions of the importance in protecting/ expanding wildlife refuges.
• An emphasis on visitor centers as hubs of land conservation and wildlife, guest safety knowledge and adequate and future staffing for educated wildlife, resource, and conservation rangers with knowledge to inform the public on their areas and how to have minimal impact on protected areas.
• Educational programming on biodiversity and Appalachia's Temperate Rainforest/ such a unique and special natural resource asset with needs to be protected for future generations. I like your sections on "youth programming" and getting younger generations interested in the natural world with hands-on educational programming.
• Under Section 1.1:  Recommend "Fund and expand natural areas protection efforts and wildlife corridors, as well as staff who are educated and informative on wildlife, resource protection, and conservation in their areas" in addition to improvements of resiliency." Protect the resource/ source.
• Under Section 2.1- Add a breakdown of outdoor recreation by type- I.e. "Human-Powered:  hike, bike, backpack, bike-pack, horseback, kayak, paddleboard, raft, fish and Motorized/ Assisted: ATV, off-road, e-bike, all-terrain wheelchairs (Could further breakdown by environment- water, land, air (skydiving, base jumping, bridge rappelling).
• Under Section 1.3 "Future Considerations," What about considering implementing new programming such as a model similar to Colorado's new "All-access State Park Pass?" Implement state parks access programs. CO's model is a $29 annual vehicle registration fee which provides users with a pass for all state parks, which resulted in generating funding for outdoor affiliated partners ($41 million in revenue for CO in a fiscal year benefitting partners like local search and rescue, state parks, etc.).
• Under Section 2.1.4- Love the overarching ideas presented in this section. Safety, physical/ mental health benefits of being in nature- from survey respondent. SO much great information here, it's a lot to scroll and digest. What about summarizing it to headers/ subheads with external links to "read more?" Breakdown categories by "safety, regional maps, health, etc.?"
• Under Section 2.3/ Storymap- Would like to see a chart that unites the differing partners, emphasizing the importance of the mutual connection rather than individual listing/ maybe a pie chart or visual representation with option to "learn more" about each.
• Great mention of "greenways" and survey responses with protections on "natural areas" and "native flora and fauna." Maybe some additional programming for visitor centers on pollinator gardens and native plants.
• Love this response:  “Recreation planners should consider converting previously disturbed natural areas within developed parks into nature-based recreation areas, and seek opportunities to connect developed and natural area parks with greenways and adjacent parcel acquisitions that support trails, and can serve as wildlife corridors.”
• **Provide further funding for case studies to similar areas that are doing just this^ like Costa Rica national parks– Manuel Antonio– wildlife areas are protected with a greenway for tourists/ visitors that does not disrupt animal habitats off the path/ additionally this economy thrives on outdoor recreation and adventure tourism, with a similar forested environment.
• Under Section 3.1- A more dominant early emphasis on "biodiversity" and "ecological restoration"
• Great mentions under ecological restoration and tribal community involvement as opportunities- "Build from the ground up" approach:  Habitat Protections>Wildlife/ endangered species Education/ Protections> Biodiversity Education> Invasive Species Removals>Training/ Programming>Sustainable Outdoor Rec/ Parks Development>Trails Maintenance/ Future Staffing>Tourism/Visitor Growth>Continued Funding for Conservation/ Preservation
• Emphasis on education, tools, and funding for volunteerism/ training/ stewardship
• Kudos on the mention of Dark Skies

Overall, great job on the in-depth content and availability of information! The format seems to be user-friendly for the digitally adept. I would suggest, in light heart, a consistent format from one "Gallery Card" to the next, as they seem to each have their own "flow" that can seem chaotic when trying to navigate as a collective guide/ plan.

Thank you to everyone involved in putting this together, and thank you for your thought to survey respondents and future generations.