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Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail Crafts Long-Range Interpretive Plan, Just Needs Funding

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A long-range interpretive plan has been crafted for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail/NPS

A long-range interpretive plan has been crafted for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail/NPS

A long-range plan has been crafted to heighten the interpretation of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and while some aspects can be relatively quickly and inexpensively implemented, others will require longer lead times and more funding.

When you realize the trail stretches across 16 states, from Pennsylvania to the Pacific Coast, that's probably not too surprising.

"Given the difficulties of predicting funding resources, it is understood that implementing these recommendations will be a gradual process, and that park decision makers will need to reevaluate and make adjustments in the plan periodically as circumstances change," notes the narrative of the 84-page plan.

Consider the history of the trail and you begin to appreciate some of the challenges in improving the interpretive plan:

One of the first four trails created under the National Trails System Act as amended by Congress in 1978, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail commemorates an epic journey in the history of the United States: the 1804 -1806 expedition – 3,700 miles and 28 months – across the North American continent from Wood River, Illinois, to the Pacific Ocean and back again. The Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the Great Plains, traversed high western deserts, and climbed the northern Rockies, ultimately reaching the temperate rain forest and windswept coastline of the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, the “Corps of Discovery” met with more than 50 Indian tribes, described vast landscapes, endured dramatic climates and weather variations, and documented hundreds of plant and animal species.

The foundation of the plan is built on developing:

* More communication among partners and the National Park Service

* Improved community awareness and audience development

* Greater tribal engagement

* Expanded development of interpretive media, including traditional wayside exhibits as well as social and digital media to reach new audiences

* Additional trail-wide youth and educational programming

* Interpretive staff and assistance

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