The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Philip plans three meetings for public comment on the site's Draft General Management Plan. The plan will establish a management philosophy for decision-making. All national parks are required by Congress to have current, complete planning documents.

Minuteman Missile's document identifies and assesses various management alternatives and related environmental impacts relative to site operations, visitor use and access, resources management, and general development at the new national historic site. There are four alternatives presented in this draft. The National Park Service Preferred Alternative is No. 4.

Site superintendent Mark Herberger said the recent approval of a draft plan from the National Park Service's federal office gives the site the green light to start a 60-day public comment period that will run through April 29.

Address comments to Superintendent Mark Herberger, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, 21280 Highway 240, Philip, SD 57567.

People who wish to comment may also call 605-433-5552 or fax comments to 605-433-5558.

Or, review the plan and submit comments online by at the Web site parkplanning.nps.gov and clicking on the link to Minuteman Missile.

Three open -house meetings are scheduled for site staff to present information and invite comments. Prepared written comments are encouraged and will be accepted at the open houses, planned for:

* Tuesday, March 18 - 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wall Chamber Community Center on Main Street in Wall

* Wednesday, March 19 - 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre

* Thursday, March 20 - 3:30 to 6 p.m., Black Hills Visitor Information Center, I-90 Exit 61, Rapid City