Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Upper Stehekin Valley Road, Car Wash Falls (MP 12.9) to Cottonwood Camp (MP 22.8)
North Cascades National Park Superintendent Bill Paleck announced the signing of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for closing the Upper Stehekin Valley Road in North Cascades National Park. Paleck said: “This decision concludes lengthy planning and recovery efforts following the extensive flood damage 2 ½ years ago. We anticipate keen interest in this decision because this is a place important to many people who care deeply about the North Cascades.”
An October 2003 storm caused a 500-year flood on the Stehekin River and extensive damage to property in the Stehekin Valley, including the Stehekin Valley Road. A smaller flood in 1995 damaged the furthest 2 miles of this road, which extends 22.8 miles from the Stehekin Landing in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area on Lake Chelan to Cottonwood Camp in North Cascades National Park.
The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to close the road at Car Wash Falls (MP 12.9) as described in Alternative B in the Environmental Assessment. The National Park Service has determined that road closure at Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9) will not have a significant effect on the human environment; therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. Road decommissioning is expected to begin in late summer 2006. Visitors will continue to have non-mechanized trail access to the Stehekin River and Upper Stehekin Valley via portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and sections of the former road.
The National Park Service released the Environmental Assessment (EA) on March 29, 2006 for a 60-day public review and comment period. It also convened public meetings in Stehekin, Chelan and Seattle to summarize the EA and answer questions about the proposal. A total of 260 public comments were received. Key concerns included loss of vehicle access to important parts of the park, reduced access for those with physical disabilities, complaints about high cost and perceived unreasonable alternatives. Many comments proposed an additional alternative for road reconstruction within the non-wilderness corridor. An ongoing landslide in close proximity to the Stephen Mather Wilderness boundary, however, renders that alternative infeasible.
To request a hard copy of the FONSI package, please write to: North Cascades Superintendent, Attn: Upper Stehekin Valley Road FONSI, State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, e-mail NOCA_Superintendent@nps.gov , fax to 360.856.1934. Or, download the documents from: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca

CONTACT:

Charles Beall 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The Flick Creek Fire, which started on July 26th, continues to burn approximately three miles south of Stehekin. All visitor services in Stehekin are open, but the following trails and campgrounds in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and Wenatchee National Forest remain closed:
Lakeshore Trail (#1247) from Stehekin to its intersection with the Fish Creek Trail (#1248) – just north of Moore Point Campground.
Purple Creek Trail from Stehekin to its intersection with the Summit Trail (#1259) – just west of War Creek Pass.
Summit Trail (#1259) from its intersection with the Purple Creek Trail to its intersection with the Fish Creek Trail (#1248).
Flick Creek Camp.
The Flick Creek Fire will continue to burn in the Fourmile Creek drainage until the fire runs out of fuel or is smothered by rain. Visitors to the area can expect to view smoke and an occasional helicopter monitoring the fire.

CONTACT:

Charles Beall 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service is restricting open campfires in portions of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and adjacent North Cascades National Park. Effective Friday, August 11, campfires are banned in all campgrounds and picnic areas (as follows) in the Stehekin Valley and along the NPS-managed portion of the Lake Chelan shore:
Basin Creek
Cottonwood
Flat Creek
Park Creek
Bridge Creek
Shady
Dolly Varden
Tumwater
High Bridge
Harlequin
Bullion
Harlequin
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Falls
Purple Point Campground, overflow & picnic area
Weaver Point
Manly Wham
Flick Creek
This restriction means that no campfires (using wood, briquettes, or any other fuel; in the fire pits provided or in any kind of fire pan or barbecue grill or other device) are permitted until further notice. This closure parallels a widespread ban on campfires in the lower portion of Lake Chelan in the Wenatchee National Forest.
In the remainder of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area, open fires are permitted as usual: in established fire pits in both designated campgrounds in the frontcountry and designated campsites in the backcountry. Open fires are not permitted in other areas.
Visitors are urged to exercise great caution with all fire. Do not burn toilet paper. Do not discard cigarettes.

CONTACT:

Charles Beall 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

A website has been established to provide the most up to date information regarding the status of the Flick Creek Fire in Stehekin. Readers should go to http://www.inciweb.org/incident/360/ to find the most current information.

All visitor recreation and transportation services are open in the Lake Chelan and Stehekin areas. Visitors to both areas report blue skies and optimal summer recreation conditions, while staying informed about fire conditions. Most trails remain open, and opportunities for rafting, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, lodging, and good food abound. Questions about specific trails or campgrounds can be answered at the Chelan Ranger District Office at 509-682-2576. Evacuation information can be obtained at the Chelan County Sheriff’s office at 509-667-6864 or http://www.co.chelan.wa.us. For questions about the Flick Creek Fire, an information number (509-687-0816) is also available at the Twenty-Five Mile Creek Fire Camp.

CONTACT:

Terry Knupp
509-687-0816

This is an update on the Flick Creek Fire, which was reported the afternoon of July 26. The fire is burning in steep rocky and forested terrain above Lake Chelan, from Flick Creek in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area southward on the east side of the lake. Flick Creek is about 3 miles south of Stehekin Landing.

The fire is estimated at about 2,000 acres as of mid-afternoon today. Most of the fire growth fire has been towards the south; that is, down lake. It has also continued to back slowly down hill, at some points approaching cabins along the lake shore. In all cases, firefighters have succeeded in protecting these structures, burning out the area up to the approaching fire.

The northern edge of the fire continues to be on the ridge between 4-Mile Creek and Flick Creek. As it moves southward the fire is burning into the area of the Wenatchee National Forest where the Rex Creek Fire occurred in 2001. The U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service are jointly managing and staffing the fire.

Two helicopters borrowed from the Tin Pan Fire in the Glacier Peak Wilderness have been dropping water to protect cabins along the lake shore. Thirty National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service firefighters continue to work on cabin protection, which they began yesterday shortly after the fire was reported.

Four 20-person crews are on order. Management of the fire will transition Friday morning to a Type 1 team.

In Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, the Lake Shore Trail, Summit Trail, and Purple Pass Trail are closed, as is Flick Creek Camp on the lakeshore. U.S. Forest Service trails in the vicinity of the fire are also closed.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

This is an update on the Flick Creek Fire, which was reported to the National Park Service at Stehekin today at 2:45 pm. The fire is burning above Lake Chelan near Flick Creek on the east side of the lake and about 3 miles south of Stehekin Landing.

Aerial reconnaissance provided an update on acreage and location early this evening. The fire is estimated at roughly 1,400 acres. It is burning on the ridgeline between 4-Mile Creek and Flick Creek, moving uphill and slowly backing downhill at about the 2,000 foot level. The fire has also burned downlake into the area of the 2001 Rex Creek Fire. About half the fire is in the National Park Service’s Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and half is on the Wenatchee National Forest.

Two helicopters borrowed from the Tin Pan Fire near Holden Village have been dropping water to protect cabins along the lake shore. National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service firefighters and some local residents are working on cabin protection and have water pumps in operation. They will remain at the cabin locations overnight. Four 20-person crews have been ordered.

Efforts are underway to contact owners of property along the lake shore below the fire.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The Flick Creek Fire in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area was reported to the National Park Service at Stehekin today at 2:45 pm. This human caused fire is burning above the lake shore near Flick Creek about 3 miles south of Stehekin Landing. Wind is spreading the fire downlake into the Wenatchee National Forest. The estimated acreage of the fire as of 5:00 pm was 500 acres. A report from the crew at the scene indicated that as of 5:30 pm, fire was not north of Flick Creek.

One large and one medium helicopter borrowed from the Tin Pan Fire near Holden Village have been dropping water for some hours to protect cabins along the lake shore. National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin are also working on cabin protection. In addition to the privately owned cabins along the shore of Lake Chelan there is an historic shelter at the National Park Service’s Flick Creek Camp.

A 10-person crew from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is en route. Additional National Park Service personnel are providing support at the fire cache in Stehekin and at the fire management facility in Marblemount.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Thunderstorms passing over the Stehekin Valley in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park early this week ignited 3 fires in the Stehekin Valley. All were reported on July 4th. Each fire spread to less than one-tenth acre before being brought under control by National Park Service firefighters based at Stehekin.

Lightning ignited the Bridge Creek Fire in heavy timber a few hundred feet above the Stehekin River across from Bridge Creek Camp in North Cascades National Park. This is approximately 12.5 miles NW of Stehekin Landing. Members of the park’s fire crew suppressed this fire on July 5 with logistical support from trail crew members and park rangers.

The 2 other fires, also lightning-caused, were on Rainbow Mountain above the lower Stehekin Valley and were dubbed “Rainbow Mountain 1” and “Rainbow Mountain 2”. They were burning just 200 feet apart in subalpine fir and whitebark pine at about 5,800 feet elevation approximately 5 miles NNW of Stehekin Landing. National Park Service firefighters suppressed these fires on July 5 to prevent burning material from rolling downslope and spreading fire towards the floor of the valley and the community of Stehekin. It should be noted that despite recent warm weather there is still an abundance of green grass from the spring rains, which tends to stop or significantly slow fire spread.

These particular fires were lightning-caused, but members of the public are reminded to be cautious with fire throughout the summer. In the national park and national recreation area, regulations require that fires be made only in the grates or fire pits constructed for them at camps.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

On Friday June 23 and Saturday June 24, 2006, scientists studying topics in National Park Service areas in Washington, from forest carnivores and glaciers to archeology and whitebark pine, will report on their work. The presentations will be at the Brazeale Interpretive Center, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Reserve in Bayview, Washington. On June 23, the talks will go from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. and on June 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no charge or registration required, and all presentations are open to the public. People may attend all the presentations or only those in which they are especially interested.

The complete agenda is at http://www.padillabay.gov/hottopics.asp?topicid=33. For driving directions, go to http://www.padillabay.gov/aboutlocationhours.asp During this two-day event National Park Service staff and independent researchers will present summaries of 19 studies taking place in the National Park Service areas of Washington. Eight parks, collaborating as the North Coast and Cascades Network, together facilitate research in these federal parks. The presentations will focus on research being done at Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and San Juan Island National Historical Park. (Other National Park Service areas in the network include Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.) The event at Padilla Bay will be hosted by North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which is headquartered in Sedro-Woolley. For abstracts of the presentations, send a request to Tim_Manns@nps.gov or call 360/856-5700 extension 365.

North Cascades National Park Superintendent Bill Paleck, who will open the event, describes this as one of many steps being taken to meet the goals of the National Park Service's Natural Resource Challenge. "The Natural Resource Challenge," Paleck said, "gives science a more prominent role in the management of national parks as well as in their purpose. Through this initiative," he said, "the Park Service is working to inventory the natural resources of the national parks, monitor their condition, better use science in management decision-making, welcome researchers to use parks as laboratories, and share the knowledge gained with the public."

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service is holding 3 public meetings on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Upper Stehekin Valley Road in North Cascades National Park.

The meetings will be held April 25-27, 2006, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the following locations: · Stehekin Community Building, Stehekin, WA 98852 (April 25) · Campbell’s Resort, 104 W. Woodin St., Chelan, WA 98816 (April 26) · Mountaineers Building, 300 Third Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119 (April 27)

Each meeting will include: (1) a summary presentation of the EA; (2) a description of the scale of flood damage and the ongoing mass wasting (i.e. landslide) triggered by the flooding; and (3) an overview of the public comment and decision making process. These presentations will last about 30 minutes. Park Superintendent Bill Paleck will then host an informal question and answer session for the remainder of each meeting. No formal oral comments or testimony will be received during the meetings.

Comments on the draft environmental assessment can be sent to the National Park Service by mail, fax, or e-mail through May 27, 2006. The public comment period began March 29, 2006. The full text of the Upper Stehekin Valley Road Environmental Assessment can be found at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca. Copies of the EA have been distributed to area libraries and the NPS visitor centers at Stehekin and Newhalem. You can have a copy sent to you by calling 360-856-5700 extension 351.

In October 2003 a 500-year flood on the Stehekin River extensively damaged roads and property in the Stehekin Valley. A smaller flood in 1995 damaged the furthest 2 miles of this road, which extends from Stehekin Landing in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area on Lake Chelan 23 miles to Cottonwood Camp in North Cascades National Park. The Environmental Assessment presents alternatives related to the portion of the road within the national park from High Bridge to Cottonwood. Park Superintendent Bill Paleck said that, “This environmental assessment addresses the results of that large storm 2 ½ years ago but also the effects of repeated floods in the upper Stehekin Valley. We anticipate a lot of interest in the EA because this is a place important to many people who care deeply about the North Cascades.”

The environmental assessment analyzes four options for access to the upper Stehekin Valley along what was a 10-mile section of road. Since October 2003, the route has been impassable to vehicles beyond Car Wash Falls, about 2 miles above High Bridge. During high river flows, the road corridor can be a challenging or unsafe route for hikers in a number of places.

Summary of the four options described in the Environmental Assessment:

A. No action: do not repair or remove the flood damaged road beyond the Car Wash Falls parking area (mile post 12.9). Non-mechanized travelers (e.g. hikers, stock users) could continue to access the upper Stehekin Valley by using portions of the Pacific Crest Trail roughly paralleling the road and damaged sections of the former road. The road would remain impassable for motorized travel beyond the Car Wash Falls parking area and turnaround.

B. Close the upper Stehekin Valley Road to all mechanized vehicles (including bicycles) at Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9). Convert sections of the former roadbed to trail and remove the former road infrastructure (e.g. culverts, concrete, steel). Establish a new foot, stock and cross-country ski trail from Carwash Falls to Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8) by linking together: (1) the Pacific Crest Trail from High Bridge to Car Wash Falls; (2) a new trail on the former roadbed from Car Wash Falls to Glory (mile post 20.3); and (3) the existing trail from Glory to Cottonwood. This alternative would not require a legislative change to the Stephen Mather Wilderness boundary, which is 50 feet either side of the center line of the road. The former non-wilderness road corridor would be eligible for future wilderness designation. This is the National Park Service’s preferred alternative and the environmentally preferred alternative.

C. Rebuild the upper Stehekin Valley Road largely in its former location from Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9) to Glory (mile post 20.3). The rebuilt road would accommodate mechanized use (e.g. cyclists, snowmobiles and high clearance vehicles). The final section of former road (flood damaged in 1995) between Glory and Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8) would not be rebuilt. However, Cottonwood Camp and points beyond would remain accessible by trail to hikers and stock.

D. Reroute the upper Stehekin Valley Road from Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9) to Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8). The new road would accommodate mechanized use (e.g. cyclists, snowmobiles and high clearance vehicles). The road reroute would follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Car Wash Falls to the vicinity of Bridge Creek; a replacement section of PCT would be built between the new road and the river. The remaining section of road from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood Camp would reconnect undamaged sections of road with various reroutes around damaged areas. This action would reroute the road away from the Stehekin River floodplain and reduce the risk of future flood damage. Rerouting the road would require a legislative change to the Stephen Mather Wilderness boundary.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Deep snow will blanket the high country for months yet, but National Park Service areas in western Washington and northwestern Oregon offer snow-free hiking right now. Here are samples from 6 of the 8 areas making up the North Coast and Cascades Network of national park sites.

Please note that overnight hikes in the parks mentioned here require a backcountry permit.

Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island has year-round hiking along the Bluff Trail beginning at Ebey's Landing State Park at the foot of Ebey's Landing Road off State Route 20 near Coupeville. This trail can be done as a loop or walking the same way out and back. The 200 foot bluff which gives the trail its name looks out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Allow 1.5 hours for this hike traversing a variety of habitats and land owned by Washington State Parks, the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy. This trail connects with others leading to the historic Town of Coupeville and Fort Ebey State Park. For a map of the Reserve, including its trails, go to http://www.nps.gov/ebla/naturalist/naturemap.htm.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, established in 2004, combines Fort Clatsop National Memorial with state park lands in Oregon and Washington associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The multiple trailheads of the Fort To Sea Trail, built in commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, offer the opportunity for hikes up to 6.5 miles one way. Hikers stroll through a varied landscape from the replica of the fort through wetlands, coastal woods, along the edge of a coastal lake and through shore-pine covered dunes. The Fort To Sea Trail traces the route members of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery may have taken from the original site of Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean. For more information, go to http://www.forttosea.org/hikingFAQs.htm or call 503-861-2471, x 214.

Mount Rainier National Park’s Carbon Glacier Trail offers early season hiking with a round trip of 7 miles and 1,200 feet of elevation gain. This trail’s gentle uphill grade parallels the Carbon River through old growth forest, then crosses the river on a suspension bridge to reach the snout of the Carbon Glacier, the lowest elevation glacier in the contiguous 48 states. The trailhead is at Ipsut Creek Campground, 5 miles inside the northwest entrance to the park at Carbon River. Questions? See http://www.nps.gov/mora/recreation/day_tr.htm#carbon or call Longmire Wilderness Information Center (360) 569-HIKE.

North Cascades National Park Service Complex (North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Ross Lake National Recreation Area). The Thunder Creek Trail provides a serene day hike through ancient forest with frequent glimpses of the creek, spring wildflowers, and resident and recently returned migratory birds. From its start at Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130 on the North Cascades Highway, State Route 20) the trail eventually climbs to snowy higher country and crosses Park Creek Pass into the Stehekin drainage. For more information go to http://www.nps.gov/noca/thundercreek.htm or call 360-856-5700 ext. 515.

Olympic National Park’s Elwha River Trail offers opportunities to hike along the park's largest river drainage, view historic homestead cabins and see wildlife such as elk, deer, and bear as well as harlequin ducks which migrate up this river to breed. The drive to the trailhead passes Glines Canyon Dam, one of the two dams scheduled for 2009 removal to allow spawning salmon and steelhead back up the river. The trail is likely snow free for at least 17 miles one way and will probably soon be snow free 25 miles. For more information, go to http://www.nps.gov/olym/wic/delva.htm and for the latest trail report and overnight permit information, call (360) 565-3100. Overnight permits need to be obtained at the park’s Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles.

San Juan Island National Historical Park has opportunities for strenuous hiking, leisurely strolls through wildflower fields, and walks on the beach. There are multiple choices at both American Camp and English Camp. Go to http://www.nps.gov/sajh/Exploring_Park.htm for maps and photos or call (360)378-2240 or (Wed.-Sun.) (360) 378-2902.

The North Coast and Cascades Network includes these areas of the 390 in the National Park System: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Washington Mount Rainier National Park North Cascades National Park Service Complex (North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Ross Lake National Recreation Area) Olympic National Park San Juan Island National Historical Park

These parks provide each other mutual support in a variety of ways, including the accomplishment of projects and the inventorying and monitoring of natural and cultural resources.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The Artist-in-Residence program at North Cascades National Park invites artists of all media to spend time living in the park while immersing themselves in the park resources, stories, and people. The artists provide public programs to help park visitors, staff, and neighbors explore the meanings and significances of the park in new and unique ways.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

To celebrate Earth Day and National Park Week, the staff of North Cascades National Park has organized opportunities to get involved with your National Park and experience the dynamic emergence of spring in the North Cascades. Help with clean-up or trail work or take a hike to renew your commitment to the care of the Earth. How better to commemorate this special time of the year than by volunteering, exploring, and learning in the North Cascades? For more information or to register for any of the events listed here, call 206/386-4495 extension 12.

North Cascades Highway Clean-up
Wednesday, April 19, is the annual “Park Clean-up Day.” Join park staff, community members, and other volunteers to help free the scenic North Cascades Highway of litter. Meet at the Wilderness Information Center on Ranger Station Road in Marblemount at 9:00 a.m. Bring water, lunch, warm clothing, and raingear.

Trail Work
Help get the Thunder Knob Trail or Newhalem Creek Trail in shape for the coming summer season. Meet park trail crew members on April 22 at 9:00 am at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center near Newhalem. Wear hiking boots and bring water, raingear, and work gloves.

Guided Hikes
On Saturday, April 22, join others at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center near Newhalem for a guided hike or walk. Field guides, binoculars, and cameras are great to bring along. · Ruby Creek Trail: Meet at the visitor center at 9:00 am to participate in a 4-mile hike led by local historian and long-time resident Jim Harris on the historic and scenic Ruby Creek Trail. This guided walk will finish about 4:00 p.m. Wear hiking boots and bring water and raingear. Please reserve a spot by calling 206/386-4495 extension 12. · River Loop Trail: Meet at the visitor center at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm for an easy 2 hour, 2 mile family-friendly walk through the western hemlock forest to the Skagit River.

The North Cascades National Park Visitor Center is located across the Skagit River from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near milepost 120. Watch for the sign just west of Newhalem and cross the Skagit River Bridge.

Have a wonderful Earth Week experiencing spring in your National Parks!

CONTACT:

Charles Beall 206 386-4495 ext 12;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service would like public comments on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Upper Stehekin Valley Road in North Cascades National Park. In October 2003 a 500-year flood on the Stehekin River extensively damaged roads and property in the Stehekin Valley. A smaller flood in 1995 damaged the furthest 2 miles of this road, which extends from Stehekin Landing in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area on Lake Chelan 23 miles to Cottonwood Camp in North Cascades National Park. The Environmental Assessment presents alternatives related to the portion of the road within the national park from High Bridge to Cottonwood. Park Superintendent Bill Paleck said that, “This environmental assessment addresses the results of that large storm 2 ½ years ago but also the effects of repeated floods in the upper Stehekin Valley. We anticipate a lot of interest in the EA because this is a place important to many people who care deeply about the North Cascades.”

The environmental assessment analyzes four options for access to the upper Stehekin Valley along what was a 10-mile section of road. Since October 2003, the route has been impassable to vehicles beyond Car Wash Falls, about 2 miles above High Bridge. During high river flows, the road corridor can be a challenging or unsafe route for hikers in a number of places.

Summary of the four options described in the Environmental Assessment:

A. No action: do not repair or remove the flood damaged road beyond the Car Wash Falls parking area (mile post 12.9). Non-mechanized travelers (e.g. hikers, stock users) could continue to access the upper Stehekin Valley by using portions of the Pacific Crest Trail roughly paralleling the road and damaged sections of the former road. The road would remain impassable for motorized travel beyond the Car Wash Falls parking area and turnaround.

B. Close the upper Stehekin Valley Road to all mechanized vehicles (including bicycles) at Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9). Convert sections of the former roadbed to trail and remove the former road infrastructure (e.g. culverts, concrete, steel). Establish a new foot, stock and cross-country ski trail from Carwash Falls to Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8) by linking together: (1) the Pacific Crest Trail from High Bridge to Car Wash Falls; (2) a new trail on the former roadbed from Car Wash Falls to Glory (mile post 20.3); and (3) the existing trail from Glory to Cottonwood. This alternative would not require a legislative change to the Stephen Mather Wilderness boundary, which is 50 feet either side of the center line of the road. The former non-wilderness road corridor would be eligible for future wilderness designation. This is the National Park Service’s preferred alternative and the environmentally preferred alternative.

C. Rebuild the upper Stehekin Valley Road largely in its former location from Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9) to Glory (mile post 20.3). The rebuilt road would accommodate mechanized use (e.g. cyclists, snowmobiles and high clearance vehicles). The final section of former road (flood damaged in 1995) between Glory and Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8) would not be rebuilt. However, Cottonwood Camp and points beyond would remain accessible by trail to hikers and stock.

D. Reroute the upper Stehekin Valley Road from Car Wash Falls (mile post 12.9) to Cottonwood Camp (mile post 22.8). The new road would accommodate mechanized use (e.g. cyclists, snowmobiles and high clearance vehicles). The road reroute would follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Car Wash Falls to the vicinity of Bridge Creek; a replacement section of PCT would be built between the new road and the river. The remaining section of road from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood Camp would reconnect undamaged sections of road with various reroutes around damaged areas. This action would reroute the road away from the Stehekin River floodplain and reduce the risk of future flood damage. Rerouting the road would require a legislative change to the Stephen Mather Wilderness boundary.

Public comments on the EA will play a key role in the decision making process. To facilitate public comment, the National Park Service will host three public meetings this April in Stehekin, Chelan and Seattle. Each meeting will include: (1) a summary presentation of the EA; (2) a description of the scale of flood damage and the ongoing mass wasting (i.e. landslide) triggered by the flooding; and (3) an overview of the public comment and decision making process. These presentations will last about 30 minutes. Park Superintendent Bill Paleck will then host an informal question and answer session for the remainder of each meeting. No formal oral comments or testimony will be received during the meetings.

The meetings will be held on April 25-27, 2006, from 6-8 p.m. at the following locations: · Stehekin Community Building, Stehekin, WA 98852 (April 25); · Campbell’s Resort, 104 W. Woodin St., Chelan, WA 98816 (April 26); · Mountaineers Building, 300 Third Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119 (April 27)

The National Park Service will receive public comments by mail, fax, or e-mail for 60-days from March 29, 2006, through May 27, 2006. The full text of the Upper Stehekin Valley Road Environmental Assessment can be found at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca. Copies of the EA have been distributed to area libraries and the NPS visitor centers at Stehekin and Newhalem. You can have a copy sent to you by calling 360-856-5700 extension 351. The assessment describes the various ways to send comments. The deadline is May 27, 2006.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Roy Zipp, Environmental Protection Specialist at 360-856-5700 extension 367.

CONTACT:

Roy Zipp 360-856-5700 ext.367;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The public comment period for the draft revision of the National Park Service’s Management Policies released October 18, 2005, will close February 18, 2006. The complete draft and a comparison with the current (2001) edition is at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/waso. This website also explains how to submit comments. The document can also be found at http://www.nps.gov. National Park superintendents, planners, and other National Park Service employees use the Management Policies as a reference when making decisions affecting units of the national park system. National Park Service Management Policies have been reviewed and updated various times in the past, most recently in 2001. The current revision resulted from a series of meetings among National Park Service and Department of Interior officials. The draft was undertaken in response to interest from Congress in seeing the National Park Service review its policies and interest from the Department of the Interior in ensuring achievement of both the NPS visitor enjoyment and conservation missions.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The North Cascades Visitor Center (near Newhalem along State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway) is now open weekends only, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The center offers exhibits, audiovisual programs, and assistance in deciding what to see and do in the vicinity. This building will be closed the weekend of December 24 and 25.

In November the Golden West Visitor Center at Stehekin Landing will be open on November 25 and 27 during the time the passenger ferry is at Stehekin, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m. Beginning December 21, the center will be open these same hours through March 14. Come to the Golden West for answers to your questions, maps and books, backcountry permits, exhibits, and an audiovisual program. The Golden West Gallery, located in the information center, features thematic exhibits of arts and crafts influenced by the experience of living in the Stehekin Valley. A show of work by Stehekin winter residents will open in late December.

Information about Lake Chelan National Recreation Area may also be obtained in Chelan at the U.S. Forest Service’s Chelan Ranger Station, open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (phone 509/682-2549).

The information station which the National Park Service operates jointly with the U.S. Forest Service along State Route 20 in Sedro-Woolley (phone 360/856-5700 ext.515) is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Golden Age and Golden Access Passes, for free admission to federal areas and half-price at federal campgrounds, can be obtained here. The Golden Age Passport is available for a one-time $10 charge to citizens or permanent residents of the U. S. who are 62 years of age or older. The Golden Access Passport is free to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability. Yearly Golden Eagle Passes ($65) or National Park Passes ($50) are also available.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

North Cascades National Park is pleased to present a pair of free programs by Artist-in-Residence David Snyder. David is a professional photographer and journalist on leave from his work as a press officer for Catholic Relief Services, based in South Africa.

David’s first program will be October 26 at the Upper Skagit Library, 45770 Main Street, Concrete, at 7:00 p.m. He will present the same program again on October 27 at the North Cascades National Park Service Complex Headquarters, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley at 11:30 a.m. During this one-hour program, David will share pictures and stories from the front lines of global aid response. He was witness to relief work in tsunami-torn Sri Lanka and India, civil war-torn Sudan, and many other exotic places.

David’s second program will be November 2 at the Upper Skagit Library, 45770 Main Street, Concrete at 7:00 p.m. and November 3 at the North Cascades National Park Headquarters, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley at 12:30 p.m. In this one-hour program, David will share pictures and stories from his exploration of North Cascades National Park. He has joined a fire crew on a prescribed burn in Eastern Washington, traveled with historic preservationists to a historic backcountry cabin, and joined Rangers on patrol of Ross Lake north to the Canadian border.

The National Park Service’s Artist-in-Residence program invites professional artists to spend 4-6 weeks exploring the North Cascades landscape and its people while sharing their craft and artistic interpretation of the area with park visitors, staff, and community members.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

With the summer season over, the National Park Service is reducing the services and facilities open in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.

As of October 16, the North Cascades Visitor Center (near Newhalem along State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway) is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekends only. The center offers exhibits, audiovisual programs, and assistance in deciding what to see and do in the vicinity.

Campers can use Goodell Creek Campground, at milepost 119, and Colonial Creek Campground (south side, Diablo lakeshore sites), near milepost 130. Because water has been turned off for the season, campers need to bring their own for drinking and washing. Vault toilets are available. There is no campground fee at this time of the year. Newhalem Creek Campground and Hozomeen Campground (at the north end of Ross Lake) are closed.

The Cascade River Road, which extends from State Route 20 at Marblemount into North Cascades National Park, is open to its end at the Cascade Pass Trailhead (mile 23). The last few miles of the road will be closed when icy conditions or snow create hazardous driving conditions. The Northwest Forest Pass is no longer required for parking at this or any other National Park Service trailhead in the North Cascades.

Visitors to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area will find the Golden West Visitor Center (phone 360/856-5700 ext.340, then ext.14) at Stehekin Landing open during the time the passenger ferry is at Stehekin, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m., through October 31. Come to the visitor center for answers to your questions, maps and books, backcountry permits, exhibits, and an audiovisual program. The Golden West Gallery, located in the information center, features thematic exhibits of arts and crafts influenced by the experience of living in the Stehekin Valley. There is no shuttle bus service in Stehekin at this time of year.

Information about Lake Chelan National Recreation Area may also be obtained in Chelan at the U.S. Forest Service’s Chelan Ranger Station, open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(phone 509/682-2549).

People planning to camp overnight in the backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, or Lake Chelan National Recreation Area need a free backcountry permit. The main places to obtain these permits are the Wilderness Information Center (phone 360/873-4500 ext.39) at Marblemount and the Golden West Visitor Center at Stehekin. Through October 23, the Wilderness Center is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. When the stations are closed, self-issue permits can be obtained outside the buildings.

The information station which the National Park Service operates jointly with the U.S. Forest Service along State Route 20 in Sedro-Woolley (phone 360/856-5700 ext.515) is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Golden Age and Golden Access Passes, for free admission to federal areas and half-price at federal campgrounds, can be obtained here. The Golden Age Passport is available for a one-time $10 charge to citizens or permanent residents of the U. S. who are 62 years of age or older. The Golden Access Passport is free to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability. Yearly Golden Eagle Passes ($65) or National Park Passes ($50) are also available.

The Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year) is required for parking at U.S. Forest Service trailheads outside the park. Trails further east along the North Cascades Highway are maintained by the Okanogan National Forest and require the same pass for trailhead parking. The pass may be purchased at U.S. Forest Service and North Cascades National Park Service Complex stations, at some local vendors, and on line at http://www.naturenw.org (phone 1-800/270-7504)

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

In partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife , Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks recently collared nineteen mountain goats as part of a multi-year study to improve the way biologists count this species.

Each of the 19 mountain goats was fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) radio collar. Over the next two years, scientists will use the GPS data to improve techniques for counting and estimating goat population numbers. The collars will also provide information about how goats use different types of habitat throughout the year.

Five goats were collared at Mount Rainier, ten at Olympic National Park and four at North Cascades. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has already marked 40 mountain goats throughout the Cascade Range, mostly on lands outside the national parks.

Working across agency boundaries in both the Cascade and Olympic ranges will enable biologists to develop standard guidelines for surveying mountain goats throughout western Washington.

Being able to accurately estimate mountain goat populations is a key issue in all three of Washington’s national parks. Over the last few decades, mountain goat populations have declined in many parts of their native range in Washington, including Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks, raising concerns about the future of goat populations there. In contrast, mountain goats are an introduced species in Olympic National Park, where past management efforts have focused on reducing mountain goat populations to protect unique park ecosystems.

CONTACT:

Mount Rainier National Park:

Lee Taylor 360-569-2211 ext. 3312
North Cascades National Park:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext. 365
Olympic National Park:

Barb Maynes 360-565-3005

North Cascades National Park Superintendent announced today that the Thunder Creek Bridge destroyed in the storms of late October 2003 has been replaced and is open for hikers and horseback riders. “This was the largest of the trail bridges the park lost in that major flood event,” Paleck said. “Its replacement brings us very close to completing the repair of the damage the October storms did to the trail system.” The new bridge has a single 120 foot span supported by steel girders. The deck and rails are wooden.

The old Thunder Creek Bridge was about a mile by trail from Colonial Creek Campground, which is along the North Cascades Highway. Because the area near the east end of the bridge frequently flooded in the spring, the Park Service chose a location for the replacement bridge which would not have this problem. The new bridge is about 2 miles from the campground. The park trail crew constructed about a mile of new trail as part of this project.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service has completed a 3,600 foot reroute of the Stehekin Valley Road and will open the road all the way to Car Wash Falls at 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 15. The Stehekin River flood of late October 2003 severely damaged the road about 9 miles from Stehekin Landing. Bill Paleck, Superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, said, “This reroute takes a significant piece of the Stehekin Valley Road out of the flood plain and reduces the chances of future storm damage.” Next year a bridge will be built across Coon Run along the reroute to replace the culvert installed to reopen the road this season. People driving along the reroute and beyond should keep an eye out for crews who will be working along the road finishing the reroute work and repairing minor damage beyond that section. There is a turn-around at mile 12.8, where the October 2003 flood destroyed the road just downriver of Car Wash Falls

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The Northwest Forest Pass is no longer required in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex as of September 6, 2005. For the last 5 years, people parking at 6 trailheads in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park portions of the park complex have been required to display the Northwest Forest Pass. Federal legislation now precludes this requirement in these locations managed by the National Park Service. It is important for people to know, however, that the Northwest Forest Pass is still required for parking at many trailheads on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service adjacent to the park complex and elsewhere. When hiking into the park complex via these Forest Service trails, people are still required to purchase and display the pass.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Superintendent Bill Paleck of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex announced today that the campfire ban in Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas and North Cascades National Park will be lifted effective 12:01 am on Thursday, September 15. Campers and other park visitors are again allowed to have campfires in the grates and constructed fire pits provided at frontcountry and backcountry sites. Paleck said that, "Rain, cooler weather and decreasing day length have reduced the fire danger enough to allow campfires again." The fire ban went into effect several weeks ago. Paleck also stated that, "Campers should continue to exercise special caution because conditions in some parts of the park may still be quite dry." Park visitors should note that at certain higher elevation camps, fires are not permitted at any time of the year because of the scarcity of available wood.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

After considering materials submitted by WeavTel, National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent Bill Paleck has modified his finding related to a proposed phone system in Stehekin. The NPS had prepared an environmental assessment of the company’s proposal to use NPS property in Stehekin in support of a phone system. On July 25, 2005, Superintendent Paleck decided that the NPS would not issue a Special Use Permit (SUP) to use NPS property. WeavTel then formally requested reconsideration of Paleck’s decision and submitted additional information.

Superintendent Paleck said that, “I consulted closely with NPS Regional Director Jon Jarvis and Regional Solicitor Bill Back, and weighed supportive information I had not previously seen from state and federal agencies along with our own finding that the environmental impacts would not be unacceptable. We then established strict conditions and controls which, if met, will allow our granting the Special Use Permit which WeavTel has requested.”

These conditions include acquisition by WeavTel of needed easements across private properties spanning the Stehekin Valley and Company Creek Roads, obtaining a building permit from Chelan County for a proposed “call center”, and the presence of NPS representatives to monitor any ground disturbing activity or clearing of vegetation on NPS property.

Bill Paleck said that, “The next step is to finalize the Finding of No Significant Impact, which will respond to any substantive comments by the public on the Environmental Assessment.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

In partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife , Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks are working to improve the way biologists count mountain goats. During August and September, a total of nineteen mountain goats in the three parks will be fitted with global positioning system (GPS) radio collars. Working across agency boundaries will enable biologists to develop standard guidelines for surveying mountain goats throughout western Washington.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has already marked 40 mountain goats throughout the Cascade Range, on lands outside the national parks. National Park Service and U.S. Geological Survey biologists are now working to expand the study area to include goats within the three national parks.

Collaring is scheduled to be completed by the end of September. Once the collars are in place, scientists will use the GPS data to improve techniques for counting and estimating goat population numbers. The collars will also provide information about how goats use different types of habitat throughout the year.

Being able to accurately estimate mountain goat populations is a key issue in all three of Washington’s national parks. Over the last few decades, mountain goat populations have declined substantially in many parts of their native range in Washington, including North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks, raising concerns about the future of goat populations there. In contrast, mountain goats are an introduced species in Olympic National Park, where past management efforts have focused on reducing or eliminating mountain goat populations to protect unique park ecosystems.

CONTACT:

Mount Rainier National Park: Donna Rahier 360-569-2211, ext. 2301

North Cascades National Park: Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext. 365

Olympic National Park: Barb Maynes 360-565-3005

North Cascades National Park Superintendent Bill Paleck has extended the public comment period on the draft Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/EIS) until September 15, 2005. This is to give interested parties more time to provide written comments on the lengthy document.

The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) prepared the draft Plan and EIS. These documents evaluate four alternatives for managing non-native fish in the natural lakes in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. The final plan will govern all fishery management actions in the natural lakes of the park complex, including removing reproducing populations of non-native fish and fish stocking. The park complex includes North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Congress has also designated about 93% of the park complex as the Stephen Mather Wilderness.

The 90-day public comment period began May 27, 2005, and was originally scheduled to end on Friday, August 26, 2005. Comments already submitted need not be resubmitted. Additional comments will be fully considered if they are post marked or submitted electronically by September 15th.

The Plan/EIS is on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). Click on “Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan/EIS”. Comments can be submitted on line using this website. For a paper or CD copy of the Plan/EIS, call the park at 360-856-5700 extension 351 or write the Superintendent at the address below. To send written comments other than electronically, fax them to 360-856-1934 or mail them to: Superintendent William F. Paleck ATTN: Draft Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan/EIS North Cascades National Park Service Complex 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

The draft Plan/EIS describes and analyzes four alternatives. The decision-making process now underway will lead to one becoming the final “Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan,” which will guide actions for the next 15 years.

In summary, the four alternatives are:

Alternative A - The “No Action” alternative, required by the National Environmental Policy Act, is the existing approach to managing the natural lakes fishery under an agreement with WDFW which allows stocking of certain lakes. Continuing this approach would require clarification from Congress on the appropriateness of continued fish stocking as would alternatives B and C.

Alternative B – The “Agency Preferred Alternative” would implement an adaptive management approach allowing continued stocking of certain lakes with non-reproducing trout stocked at low densities to provide continued fishing opportunities. Reproducing populations of introduced trout would be removed from all lakes where feasible. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of management actions would allow adaptation for improvements in conserving biological integrity.

Alternative C– This alternative is similar to B, maintaining a mountain lakes sports fishery in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas but discontinuing stocking and also removing reproducing populations of introduced trout in North Cascades National Park.

Alternative D– The “Environmentally Preferred Alternative” would discontinue fish stocking in all mountain lakes in the park complex. The long-term goal would be to remove, wherever feasible, reproducing populations of non-native trout.

Background information on mountain lakes fishery management in North Cascades including history and scientific research is at http:www.nps.gov/noca/highlakes.htm.

CONTACT:

Roy Zipp 360-873-4590 ext.31;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service in cooperation with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will be offering two showings of the “The Greatest Good,” the new documentary film celebrating the Forest Service Centennial. President Theodore Roosevelt established the U.S. Forest Service on July 1, 1905. Most of the area now designated the North Cascades National Park Service Complex was managed by the Forest Service before the park’s establishment in 1968.

“The Greatest Good” brings the history of the Forest Service to a broad audience. The two-hour film will be shown at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center near Newhalem on Thursday, August 25, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday, August 27 beginning at 3:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. To reach the Visitor Center turn south off the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near mile post 120 just west of Newhalem. Cross the Skagit River and continue straight up the hill following the visitor center signs.

“The Greatest Good” uses rarely seen footage and photos, sweeping landscape aerial shots, and dozens of interviews to tell a complex and compelling story of the American land. The film features an original score and is narrated by Charles Osgood. The movie trailer and schedule of film showings can be viewed at:http:www.fs.fed.us/greatestgood.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

It is important for park visitors to both be careful with fire and to know that park regulations require that campfires be confined to pits constructed by the park for that purpose. The National Park Service strongly discourages backcountry campers from burning toilet paper for disposal and suggests instead packing out paper or using the toilets at backcountry campsites.

The Davis Peak Fire was reported by a park volunteer early in the afternoon of Wednesday, August 3. The fire was burning beneath the large Seattle City Light power line, which had to be de-energized to allow the fire to be fought safely. Smokejumpers, water-dropping helicopters, retardant planes, and ground crews all came quickly to the scene and suppressed the fire. The North Cascades Highway was restricted to one lane and was completely closed for a time.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Hot, dry conditions have led the National Park Service (NPS) to ban campfires in portions of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and adjacent North Cascades National Park. Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 12, campfires are banned in all campgrounds and picnic areas (as follows) in the Stehekin Valley and along the NPS-managed portion of the Lake Chelan shore:
Basin Creek
Cottonwood
Flat Creek
Park Creek
Bridge Creek
Shady
Dolly Varden
Tumwater
High Bridge
Harlequin
Rainbow Falls
Purple Point Campground, overflow & picnic area
Weaver
Manly Wham
Flick Creek

This closure means that no campfires (using wood, briquettes, or any other fuel; in the fire pits provided or in any kind of fire pan or barbecue grill or other device) are permitted until further notice.

In the remainder of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area, open fires are permitted only in established fire pits in both designated campgrounds in the frontcountry and designated campsites in the backcountry. This is the usual rule in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Visitors are urged to exercise great caution with all fire. Do not burn toilet paper. Do not throw down cigarettes.

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service is seeking public comments on the repair of the most popular campground in Ross Lake National Recreation Area along the North Cascades Highway. The agency has released the Environmental Assessment for Storm Damage Repairs – Colonial Creek Campground (North), Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which describes several alternatives.

The storms of late October 2003 damaged facilities, roads, and trails in the Skagit and Stehekin River drainages in North Cascades National Park Service Complex and many other places. Colonial Creek, near mile 130 on the North Cascades Highway 10 miles east of Newhalem, changed course and now flows through its namesake campground. During the storm the creek destroyed campsites, uprooted power and water lines and trees, and tore out pavement. This was the most damaging of the several times that the creek has changed its channel in the several decades since the campground’s construction. The purpose of the environmental assessment is to choose a plan that will allow the continued use of this north side of Colonial Creek Campground while reducing the risk of future flood damage.

The Environmental Assessment considers three alternatives, all of which would allow the creek to continue to flow in its new channel. The various alternatives result in different numbers of drive-in and walk-in sites and different types and degrees of environmental impacts. · Alternative A: Abandon the Damaged Campsites (No Action) · Alternative B: Rebuild Loop Roads Closest to Pre-flood Location (Preferred Alternative) · Alternative C: Rebuild Shortened Loop Roads Farther from Pre-flood Location

The complete text of the environmental assessment is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca (click on the project title “Storm Damage Repairs -Colonial Creek Campground”) or by contacting the park (360-856-5700 ext. 351).

You can comment by any of several methods. We encourage you to do so on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). At the PEPC web site, select “Storm Damage Repairs-Colonial Creek Campground”. You will find the full text of the document, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab. Please use the on-line comment form to submit your ideas, questions, or comments.

You can comment via e-mail to: NOCA_Superintendent@nps.gov

Please submit Internet comments as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include “Attn: Cathi Jones” and your name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your Internet message, contact Dan Allen directly at (360) 856-5700 ext 367 or e-mail dan_allen@nps.gov with the subject: Environmental Assessment.

You can also mail or hand deliver comments to:

Superintendent North Cascades National Park Service Complex 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Finally, you can fax comments to the Superintendent at: (360) 856-1934 Comments on this Environmental Assessment must be postmarked (surface mail) or sent (on-line, e-mail or fax) no later than August 30, 2005.

CONTACT:

Dan Allen 360-856-5700 ext.367;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The 109-acre Shady Fire in North Cascades National Park is now 95% contained and should be at 100% by the end of Saturday, August 6. The Pacific Crest Trail through the fire area is open. Tomorrow, August 7, personnel at the fire will be down to one 20-person crew cooling hot spots and doing rehabilitation. This work could continue for a number of days. One light helicopter will be used to transport supplies and equipment.

The Davis Peak Fire along the North Cascades Highway in Ross Lake National Recreation Area was 100% contained as of yesterday afternoon, August 5. Cooling the last remaining hot spots and rehabilitation work will occupy fire personnel for the next day or two.

The Shady Fire is in the upper Stehekin Valley along the Stehekin River and the base of McGregor Mountain. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the fire area, which is about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan.

The Davis Peak Fire is near milepost 125 on State Route 20 about 1 ¾ miles west of the town of Diablo. Ross Lake National Recreation Area is managed by the National Park Service as part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service has re-opened the Pacific Crest Trail where it had been closed because of the Shady Fire. Crews are continuing work on portions of the fire but have removed any burned trees in the vicinity of the trail which could have posed a hazard to hikers. As needed, firefighters will escort hikers along this stretch of trail. The trail is again the recommended route through the area, rather than the flood-damaged Stehekin Valley Road, along which there has also been some fire activity in the past 24 hours.

The Shady Fire is now surrounded by roadway or by handline and hose lays wherever the terrain permits. Crews are treating the remaining hot spots on the 109 acres of the area within the fire perimeter. Containment is estimated at 85%.

Personnel working on this fire include 8 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin, 3 twenty-person regular crews, and a twenty-person hotshot crew, for a total of 88 people. Staff in Stehekin and at the National Park Service’s Marblemount facilities are supporting the fire operation. A light helicopter provided some assistance today transporting supplies and equipment. There have been no accidents or injuries despite the difficult terrain and high temperatures.

The area affected by fire includes 103 acres bounded on the west by the Stehekin Valley Road and a 6 acre spot to the southeast near McGregor Creek. Burning in Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine forest, brush, and grass, the fire is near the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. The nearest private property lies about 2 miles to the east southeast in the lower Stehekin Valley. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s and humidity in the low teens for the rest of the week.

The 103 acre segment of the fire area extends from near Buzzard Creek on the south to and across Canim Creek on the north. The Stehekin River and Stehekin Valley Road bound the fire area on the west. To the east it extends across the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail).

Shady Camp, a small camp for backpackers, is a bit further north along the Stehekin Valley Road. This portion of the road has not been accessible to vehicles since the flood of October 2003.

The National Park Service advises hikers that they can reroute around the fire area entirely by taking the lower Stehekin Valley Road to the Rainbow Creek and McAlester Trails over McAlester Pass to the Bridge Creek Trail (Pacific Crest Trail). This adds 4.5 miles for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Shady Fire is believed to be human-caused, although this has not been confirmed. The National Park Service’s goal to prevent any spread of the fire toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Two drops of fire retardant by plane and water delivered by two helicopters largely knocked down the Davis Peak Fire yesterday afternoon along the North Cascades Highway in Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The highway is now open to alternating one-lane traffic as the fire operation continues. The estimated acreage affected by fire is 15 – 20 acres. (This is updated from yesterday’s estimate but does not represent an expansion in the area of the fire.) The fire is estimated to be 65% contained.

Personnel involved in the fire suppression include 10 National Park Service employees, the crews of 2 U.S. Forest Service wildland engines and a water tanker, and a 12-person Forest Service crew from the Methow Ranger District. Work on the fire will continue today with a medium helicopter doing water drops and crews completing handline and hose lays.

About 1:30 pm yesterday afternoon the Davis Peak Fire was reported burning beneath the large Seattle City Light power line at the base of Davis Peak and immediately north of the North Cascades Highway. The location is about 1 ¾ miles west of the community of Diablo near SR 20 milepost 125. Seattle City Light de-energized the line to permit water drops by helicopter and provide for the safety of firefighters in the area. The National Park Service sent personnel to the scene and requested smoke jumpers and retardant drops. Seven smokejumpers from the North Cascades Smokejumper Base near Winthrop responded, and planes from the Moses Lake base delivered two retardant drops.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Throughout yesterday and overnight, the Shady Fire in North Cascades National Park demonstrated low to moderate fire behavior. The area affected by fire, including 103 acres bounded on the west by the Stehekin Valley Road and a 6 acre spot to the southeast near McGregor Creek, remains at 109 acres.

Fire managers estimate that the Shady Fire is 85% contained. A control line has been established around the larger segment of the fire, which is lower in elevation and on flatter terrain. The 6 acre segment is in a very steep area, where rolling debris poses a safety concern. Today firefighters will continue establishing line around both segments of the fire, scratching line where needed and applying water via hoses. The large Kamax helicopter, which is based at 25-mile on Lake Chelan, will continue its water drops.

Personnel working on the Shady Fire include 8 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin, 3 twenty-person regular crews, and a twenty-person hotshot crew, for a total of 88 people. The 18 smokejumpers from the North Cascades Smokejumper Base near Winthrop who were the initial attack on this fire will return to their base today. The firefighters are being supported by personnel in Stehekin and at the National Park Service’s Marblemount facilities.

Burning in Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine forest, brush, and grass, the Shady Fire is near the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. The nearest private property lies about 2 miles to the east southeast in the lower Stehekin Valley. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s and humidity in the low teens today as yesterday. Hot and dry weather is expected for the rest of the week.

The 103 acre segment of the fire area extends from near Buzzard Creek on the south to and across Canim Creek on the north. The Stehekin River and Stehekin Valley Road bound the fire area on the west. To the east it extends across the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail). Shady Camp, a small camp for backpackers, is a bit further north along the Stehekin Valley Road. This portion of the road has not been accessible to vehicles since the flood of October 2003.

The Old Wagon Road Trail, coinciding with the Pacific Crest Trail in the fire area, is closed from near Bridge Creek Camp to near Carwash Falls, a total of about 2 ½ miles. The closest alternative for hikers is to follow the Stehekin Valley Road, which parallels the Old Wagon Road Trail. Walking this stretch of severely flood-damaged road involves some scrambling over logs and across steep rock faces in several places. As an alternative, hikers are advised to reroute via the lower Stehekin Valley Road to the Rainbow Creek and McAlester Trails over McAlester Pass to the Bridge Creek Trail (Pacific Crest Trail). This adds 4.5 miles for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Shady Fire is believed to be human-caused, although this has not been confirmed. The National Park Service’s goal to prevent any spread of the fire toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out. The fire is in an area where fire fighters must keep careful watch for falling trees and rolling rocks, but there are good safety zones and, as always, a very high priority placed on working safely. There have been no injuries.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

A 7-acre fire near milepost 125 of the North Cascades Highway in Ross Lake National Recreation Area has led to an intermittent closure of the road. This is to allow 2 helicopters to safely do water drops near the highway. Please note that this is a change from a report earlier today that the highway had been closed. Traffic is being allowed through as the firefighting operations permit.

National Park Service firefighters and 7 smokejumpers from the North Cascades Smokejumper Base near Winthrop are at the fire. A plane is en route from the tanker base at Moses Lake to drop retardant.

About 1:30 pm this afternoon the fire was reported burning beneath the large Seattle City Light power line at the base of Davis Peak and immediately north of the North Cascades Highway. At 3:30 an estimated 6 to 7 acres were involved. The location is about 1 ¾ miles west of the community of Diablo near SR 20 milepost 125. Seattle City Light de-energized the line to permit water drops by helicopter. The National Park Service sent firefighters to the scene and requested smoke jumpers and retardant drops.

The fire was moving up the slope of Davis Peak, and smoke spread through the valley and up to Diablo Lake. A National Park Service volunteer who was on Diablo Lake made the initial report.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

A fire near milepost 125 of the North Cascades Highway in Ross Lake National Recreation Area closed the road about 4:15 pm today to allow a helicopter to safely do water drops near the highway.

About 1:30 pm this afternoon the fire was reported burning beneath the large Seattle City Light power line at the base of Davis Peak and immediately north of the North Cascades Highway. At 3:30 an estimated 6 to 7 acres were involved. The location is about 1 ¾ miles west of the community of Diablo near SR 20 milepost 125. Seattle City Light de-energized the line to permit water drops by helicopter. The National Park Service sent firefighters to the scene and requested smoke jumpers and retardant drops. Seven jumpers were en route to the fire by 4:00.

The fire was moving up the slope of Davis Peak, and smoke spread through the valley and up to Diablo Lake.

A National Park Service volunteer who was on Diablo Lake made the initial report.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

On Wednesday morning, August 3, the Shady Fire in North Cascades National Park is demonstrating low to moderate fire behavior. The fire area did not increase overnight. Logs and other fuels within the fire perimeter are smoldering and occasionally flaming up. There has been no torching of trees or spotting into unburned areas. The 109 acres affected by the fire include 103 acres bounded on the west by the Stehekin Valley Road and a 6 acre spot to the southeast near McGregor Creek.

Fire managers now estimate that the fire is 65% contained. A control line has been established around the larger segment of the fire, which is lower in elevation and on flatter terrain. The 6 acre segment is in a very steep area, where rolling debris poses a problem. Ten to fifteen smoke jumpers will be working on this smaller segment today, establishing line and using hoses to apply water from 72 gallon water pillows delivered by helicopter. The large Kamax helicopter which arrived yesterday will be supporting them with water drops. One small and one medium helicopter will continue to deliver water and support the operation as during the last few days.

Burning in Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine forest, brush, and grass, the Shady Fire is near the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. The nearest private property lies about 2 miles to the east southeast in the lower Stehekin Valley. Temperatures in the 90’s and humidity in the low teens are expected today and for the rest of the week.

Eighteen smoke jumpers, 8 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin, and 3 twenty-person crews, for a total of 86 people, are on the fire. A “hot shot” crew of 20 highly experienced firefighters will arrive by boat at Stehekin Landing late this morning and should be at the fire in the early afternoon. The firefighters will continue treating hot areas, scratching fire line and using water gravity-fed from 72 gallon water pillows placed upslope by helicopters. The firefighters are being supported by personnel in Stehekin and at the National Park Service’s Marblemount facilities.

The main segment of the fire area extends from near Buzzard Creek on the south to and across Canim Creek on the north. The Stehekin River and Stehekin Valley Road bound the fire area on the west. To the east it extends across the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail). Shady Camp, a small camp for backpackers, is a bit further north along the Stehekin Valley Road. This portion of the road has not been accessible to vehicles since the flood of October 2003.

The Old Wagon Road Trail, coinciding with the Pacific Crest Trail in the fire area, is now closed from near Bridge Creek Camp to near Carwash Falls, a total of about 2 ½ miles. The closest alternative for hikers is to follow the Stehekin Valley Road, which parallels the Old Wagon Road Trail. Walking this stretch of severely flood-damaged road involves some scrambling over logs and across steep rock faces in several places. As an alternative, hikers are advised to reroute via the lower Stehekin Valley Road to the Rainbow Creek and McAlester Trails.

The Shady Fire is believed to be human-caused, although this has not been confirmed. The National Park Service’s goal with this fire is to stop any spread toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out. The fire is in an area where fire fighters must keep careful watch for falling trees and rolling rocks, but there are good safety zones and, as always, a very high priority placed on working safely. There have been no injuries.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

On Tuesday, August 2, the Shady Fire in North Cascades National Park is demonstrating low to moderate fire behavior and has not increased in size since yesterday. Logs and other fuels within the fire perimeter are smoldering and occasionally flaring up. There has been no torching of trees and no spotting into unburned areas. The 109 acres affected by the fire include 103 acres bounded on the west by the Stehekin Valley Road and a 6 acre spot to the southeast near McGregor Creek. Fire managers estimate that the fire is now 50% contained.

Burning in Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine forest, brush, and grass, the fire is near the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. The nearest private property lies about 2 miles to the east southeast in the lower Stehekin Valley. Today’s weather in the fire vicinity is in the 80’s with humidity in the teens. Temperatures in the 90’s and humidity in the low teens are expected tomorrow and in the following days.

Eighteen smoke jumpers, 8 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin, and 3 twenty-person crews are on the fire. A fourth 20-person crew will arrive tomorrow. This will be a “hot shot” crew of highly experienced firefighters. Today firefighters continuing treating hot areas, scratching fire line and using water gravity-fed from 72 gallon water pillows placed upslope by helicopters. A medium and a light helicopter were active again today doing water drops as well as refilling the pillows. A heavy helicopter is joining the effort in the late afternoon after arriving from northern Arizona.

The specific location of the main body of the fire has been revised as follows: from near Buzzard Creek on the south up to and across Canim Creek on the north. The fire area is bounded on the west by the Stehekin River and Stehekin Valley Road. To the west it extends across the Old Wagon Road Trail (Pacific Crest Trail). Shady Camp, a small camp for backpackers, is a bit further north along the Stehekin Valley Road. This portion of the road has not been accessible to vehicles since the flood of October 2003.

The Old Wagon Road Trail, which coincides with the Pacific Crest Trail in the fire area, is now closed from near Bridge Creek Camp to near Carwash Falls. Hikers may, as an alternative, follow the Stehekin Valley Road, which parallels the Old Wagon Road Trail. Walking this stretch of severely flood-damaged road involves some scrambling over logs and across steep rock faces in several places. As an alternative, hikers are advised to reroute via the Rainbow Creek and McAlester Trails.

The Shady Fire is believed to have been human-caused, although this has not been confirmed. The National Park Service’s goal with the Shady Fire is to stop any fire spread toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out. The fire is in an area where fire fighters need to keep a careful watch out for falling trees and rolling rocks, but there are good safety zones and, as always, a very high priority placed on working safely. There have been no injuries.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The Shady Fire in North Cascades National Park, which was reported on July 31, saw little activity overnight. Burning in Douglas-fir forest, brush, and grass, the fire is in the vicinity of the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. The nearest private property lies about 2 miles to the east southeast in the lower Stehekin Valley. Today’s weather in the fire vicinity is expected to be in the 80’s with humidity in the lower 20’s and hotter temperatures tomorrow.

Eighteen smoke jumpers, 7 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin, and 2 twenty-person crews are on the fire. A third 20-person crew will arrive at Stehekin Landing by boat late this morning (Tuesday, August 2). A fourth crew is on order. Today the firefighters will continue creating a line around the fire, tying in to the natural barriers which the abundant rock in the area provides. A medium and a light helicopter will again be dropping water. A heavy helicopter has been ordered and will be en route from northern Arizona today.

The specific location of the fire is between Buzzard and McGregor Creeks and Dolly Varden and Shady Camps along the Stehekin River and the Stehekin Valley Road. (These are small camps used by backpackers. This portion of the road has not been accessible to vehicles since the flood of October 2003.)

The national park has requested the services of a fire investigator to determine if the theory that this is a human-caused fire is correct.

The Pacific Crest Trail in the vicinity remains open, though hikers are advised to reroute via the Rainbow Creek and McAlester Creek Trails.

The National Park Service’s goal is to stop any fire spread toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

A fire detected Sunday, July 31, in the upper Stehekin Valley in North Cascades National Park had burned about 80 acres by nightfall. Burning in Douglas-fir forest and brush near Shady Camp, the fire is in the vicinity of the Stehekin River and the Pacific Crest Trail about 12 miles northwest of Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan. A National Park Ranger based in Stehekin spotted the fire and reported it at 2:30 Sunday afternoon. Eight smoke jumpers from the North Cascades Jumper Base outside Winthrop, Washington, flew to the scene and a crew of 8 National Park Service firefighters from Stehekin were also on the fire Sunday. A helicopter assisted by dropping water on the fire through the afternoon and evening.

The National Park Service’s goal is to stop any spread of this fire toward the lower Stehekin Valley, where there are homes and other structures, and to safely and quickly put the fire out. The possibility of windy weather, relatively early date in the fire season, and location of the fire in the Stehekin Valley are reasons for suppressing this fire along with the possibility that it was human-caused. The last lightning activity in the area was a week ago and the fire apparently started near a trail, suggesting that it was caused by people. The policy in North Cascades National Park is to suppress all human-caused fire.

On Monday, August 1, two helicopters will be dropping water on the fire and an air tanker will be delivering retardant. An air attack plane higher overhead will coordinate air traffic to ensure safety. An additional 18 firefighters from the park staff will be working on the fire plus a 20 person crew. On Tuesday another 40 firefighters are scheduled to arrive.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The dock at Flick Creek Camp on Lake Chelan will not be available for use for the next three weeks. Wave action damaged the ramp spanning the 30 feet from dock to shore, and the ramp has been removed for repair. The rocky shoreline at this camp in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area does not permit safe access to the shore by boat without using the dock. Flick Creek Camp is on the eastern shore of Lake Chelan about 3 miles from Stehekin Landing. Hikers can reach the camp via the Lakeshore Trail.

CONTACT:

Timothy Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service is requesting public review of the environmental assessment for the Stehekin Valley Road Improvement Project. Bill Paleck, Superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, said, “Floods and erosion frequently affect the Stehekin Valley Road. We’ve been working with the Federal Highway Administration to design solutions for problem areas along the lower part of the road from Harlequin Bridge to just beyond the Stehekin Valley Ranch. We hope people will have a look at the alternatives in this assessment and let us know what they think of our preferred solution.”

The full text of the Stehekin Valley Road Improvement Project Environmental Assessment can be found at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca. Copies of the EA have been distributed to the Chelan Community Library and the East Wenatchee Library. Copies can be obtained by calling 360-856-5700 extension 351. The assessment describes the various ways comments can be sent. The deadline is July 29, 2005.

CONTACT:

Dan Allen 360-856-5700 ext.367;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

In response to a request from WeaveTel, a private company, the National Park Service (NPS) is considering issuing a permit for installing phone equipment on public lands in the Stehekin Valley and for operating a phone system. The Stehekin Valley is in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The NPS has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) on this proposal and is inviting public comments with a deadline of June 30, 2005.

NPS Superintendent Bill Paleck said that, “WeaveTel is requesting permission to place some of its equipment on NPS land and to install underground cable along roads, some of which are on federal property. The proposed telecommunication services would include telephone and internet to Stehekin residents and businesses at rates comparable to other areas in Chelan County.”

The text of the EA is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca or by calling park headquarters (360 856-5700 extension 351) to request a copy.

Comments on this EA must be postmarked (surface mail) or sent (e-mail or fax) no later than June 30, 2005. This can be done by any of several methods.

People can comment on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). At this site, select “Stehekin Telephone System Environmental Assessment” to find the full EA text, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab.

Alternatively, comments may be mailed or hand delivered to: Superintendent North Cascades National Park Service Complex 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Comments may be sent by FAX to the Superintendent at: (360) 856-1934

Or via the Internet to: NOCA_Superintendent@nps.gov (Please submit Internet comments as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include “Attn: Dan Allen” and your name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that the NPS has received your Internet message, contact Dan Allen directly at (360) 856-5700 ext 367 or e-mail dan_allen@nps.gov with the subject: Environmental Assessment.)

The EA considers three alternatives:

Alternative A. No Action (Environmentally Preferred Alternative). Under this alternative a permit would not be issued to WeavTel to build and operate infrastructure using NPS facilities and lands in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (NRA) to provide phone service for the community of Stehekin. Homeowners, businesses, and visitors would continue to use currently available services.

Alternative B. Issue a Permit for an Underground Line and Other Use of Federal Land (Preferred Alternative). The NPS would issue WeavTel a permit to construct and operate infrastructure including the placement of conduit and cable underground using NPS facilities and lands in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The NPS would only issue a permit for use of lands on which there is clear Federal authority.

Alternative C. Issue a Permit for an Above Ground Line and Other Use of Federal Land. WeavTel would be issued a permit to construct and operate infrastructure on federal land by attaching aerial fiber optic cable to existing PUD poles to provide telephone service to the Stehekin Valley. Because the existing span is too great between some poles, approximately 30 new telephone poles would be needed. WeavTel would be responsible for reaching an agreement with the PUD for use of the existing electric transmission poles.

CONTACT:Dan Allen

360-856-5700 ext.367;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has prepared a draft Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/EIS). The Plan/EIS evaluates four alternatives for managing non-native fish in the natural lakes in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. NPS Superintendent Bill Paleck, in starting the 90-day public comment period, said that, “This draft brings us and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife closer than ever to an agreement on the long-term management of fish in much of the park complex. We hope interested members of the public will study the plan and EIS and contribute their ideas and expertise.” The final plan will govern all fishery management actions in the natural lakes of the park complex, including removal of reproducing populations of non-native fish and fish stocking. The park complex includes North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Congress has also designated about 93% of the park complex as the Stephen Mather Wilderness.

The 90-day public comment period begins May 27, 2005, and ends August 24, 2005. The goal of the comment period is for the NPS and the WDFW to learn if individuals, groups, and agencies feel that the draft Plan/EIS adequately addresses environmental issues and if the overall analysis is accurate and thorough. There will be four public meetings the week of July 25, 2005, for oral comment (details forthcoming).

You can review the Plan/EIS on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). Click on the “Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan/EIS” link. The complete Plan/EIS is available there, and you can submit your comments on line using the website. If you would prefer to have a paper or CD copy of the Plan/EIS, call the park at 360-856-5700 extension 351 or write to the Superintendent at the address below. If you would prefer to send written comments other than electronically, fax them to 360-856-1934 or mail them to:
Superintendent William F. Paleck
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

The draft Plan/EIS presents and analyzes four alternatives. The decision-making process now underway will lead to one alternative becoming the final “Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan,” which will guide future actions for the next 15 years.

In summary, the four alternatives are: Alternative A - The “No Action” alternative, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, is the existing approach to managing the natural lakes fishery in the park complex under an agreement with WDFW which allows stocking of certain lakes. Continuation of this approach would require clarification from Congress on the appropriateness of continued fish stocking as would alternatives B and C.

Alternative B – The “Agency Preferred Alternative” would implement an adaptive management approach allowing continued stocking of certain lakes with non-reproducing trout stocked at low densities to provide continued fishing opportunities. Reproducing populations of introduced trout would be removed from all lakes where feasible. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of management actions would allow adaptation for improved effectiveness in conserving biological integrity.

Alternative C– This alternative would be similar to B in approach, maintaining a mountain lakes sports fishery in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas but discontinuing stocking and also removing reproducing populations of introduced trout in North Cascades National Park.

Alternative D– The “Environmentally Preferred Alternative” would discontinue fish stocking in all mountain lakes in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This alternative would establish a long-term goal of removing, wherever feasible, reproducing populations of non-native trout.

Background information on mountain lakes fishery management in North Cascades including history and scientific research is at www.nps.gov/noca/highlakes.htm.

CONTACT:

Roy Zipp 360 873-4590 ext. 31

North Cascades National Park Complex 

A new Washington state specialty license plate honoring Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks was recently authorized by the Washington state legislature and will be available for purchase in January 2006.

“The Washington National Park Fund license plate gives Washingtonians a great new way to support their national parks,” said Betsy Edwards, Executive Director of the Washington’s National Park Fund. “Seventy percent of the purchase price will go directly to the Washington’s National Park Fund, which supports preservation projects in all three of Washington’s national parks.”

The new license plate features a dramatic mountain sunset, reminiscent of those seen at any of the state’s three national parks and the inscription ‘Preserve National Parks’. “The plate’s beautiful design will help bring the magnificence of Washington’s national parks closer to home, no matter where in the state people live,” noted Edwards.

The new license plate’s image was developed by the Washington National Park Fund, and designed by Fund trustee David Salesin using the photograph “The Cascade Mountains” by renowned Northwest photographer Lee Mann, also a Fund trustee.

Mount Rainier Superintendent Dave Uberuaga, North Cascades Superintendent Bill Paleck and Olympic National Park Superintendent Bill Laitner worked closely with the Washington’s National Park Fund board of trustees in selecting the license plate design. All three note their enthusiasm at the legislature’s approval of the new plate and the opportunity for Washington residents to further support national parks.

To learn more and see an image of the new Washington’s National Park Fund license plate, people can visit the Washington’s National Park Fund website at http://www.wnpf.org. The new license plate will cost forty dollars for initial plate and thirty dollars for renewal plates; seventy percent of the purchase and renewal prices will go directly to the Washington National Parks Fund, with the remaining thirty percent to cover the Department of Licensing’s costs.

Washington's National Park Fund is a local fund of the National Park Foundation, a congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Funds raised by Washington's National Park Fund support preservation programs in Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks. Washington's National Park Fund has provided over $1.6M to fund more than 100 priority projects including restoration of Paradise Meadows on Mt. Rainier, planning and design for new wayside exhibits about Elwha Ecosystem Restoration at Olympic National Park, and restoring the apple packing shed at historic Buckner Homestead and Orchard in North Cascades National Park.

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700, ext. 365

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Donna Rahier 360-569-2211, ext. 2301

Mount Rainier National Park 

Barb Maynes 360-565-3005

Olympic National Park 

Betsy Edwards 206-770-0627

Washington’s National Park Fund 

Bill Paleck, Superintendent of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, announced today that the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the park’s Fire Management Program is now available for public review. Paleck said that, “Throughout the National Park System parks are updating the approach taken to managing fire. This assessment looks at alternatives to achieve some basic goals. We want to ensure that lightning-caused fires can play their ecological role in the park, and we want to balance that with protecting the public, firefighters, natural and cultural resources, and private property. Please send us your comments and ideas.”

The EA and Fire Management Program apply to the three areas of the National Park System managed together as the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. These include North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

The EA analyzes three alternatives developed using input from the public and the park staff. In the three alternatives, all fires caused by human carelessness would be put out. Each alternative describes a different combination of areas where all lightning caused fires would be extinguished and others where such fires would be monitored but allowed to burn and fill their ecological role. Each alternative also describes areas where park management may light fires under strictly controlled circumstances to reduce the danger of catastrophic fire and restore fire to its ecological role.

Summary of the alternatives:

Alternative 1 – No Action (no change to current management)

• Suppression Response Zone: Fire suppression is required on 47,851 acres (7 percent of the Complex).
• Wildland Fire Use Zone: Wildland fire use is an option on 633,250 acres (93 percent of the Complex).
• Project Work:
  1. Stehekin Forest Fuel Reduction Areas: 822 acres of thinning and prescribed burning conducted on federal lands in the Stehekin valley bottom.

Alternative 2

• Suppression Response Zone: The Suppression Zone surrounding Stehekin is expanded. Fire suppression is required on 98,322 acres (14 percent of the Complex).
• Wildland Fire Use Zone: Wildland fire use is an option on the remaining 582,779 acres (86 percent of the Complex)
• Project Work:
  1. Stehekin Forest Fuel Reduction Areas: Project work is expanded to 1,209 acres of thinning and prescribed burning on federal lands in the Stehekin valley bottom.
  2. Stehekin Road Corridor Thinning: Thinning within a 150- to 200-foot buffer along the Stehekin Road will provide reliable escape routes to designated safety zones.
  3. Safety Zone Thinning: Nineteen acres within the Orchard Safety Zone and 5 acres within the Ranch Safety Zone will be thinned and pile-burned to enhance safety zones.
  4. Wyden Amendment Thinning/Burning: A portion of the 440 acres of private land in Stehekin could be thinned and pile-burned or prescribe burned for hazard fuel reduction goals, at the landowner’s request.

Alternative 3 – Preferred Alternative (and the Environmentally Preferred Alternative)

• Suppression Response Zone: Fire suppression is required on 47,851 acres (7 percent of the Complex).
• Wildland Fire Use Zone: Wildland fire use is an option on 633,250 acres (93 percent of the Complex).
• Project Work:
  1. Stehekin Forest Fuel Reduction Areas: Identical to Alternative 2.
  2. Stehekin Road Corridor Thinning: As Alternative 2.
  3. Safety Zone Thinning: As Alternative 2.
  4. Wyden Amendment Thinning/Burning: As Alternative 2.
  5. Stehekin Contours: Eleven burn units totaling 4,848 acres would be prescribe burned along the south-facing valley walls above Stehekin (4,255 acres are located in the Stephen Mather Wilderness).
  6. Hozomeen Contours: Two burn units totaling 5,219 acres would be prescribe burned above Hozomeen and Lightning Creek at the north end of Ross Lake (4,603 acres are located in the Stephen Mather Wilderness).
  7. Re-ignition of Suppressed Fires: Fires previously suppressed could be re-ignited anywhere within the Wildland Fire Use Zone (633,250 acres/72 percent of which is burnable), including within the Stephen Mather Wilderness.

Chapter 4 of the EA analyzes the environmental consequences of each alternative. It addresses primary issues identified during public and staff scoping sessions: air quality, water resources, topography and soils, fish and wildlife, vegetation and associated fire regimes, research natural areas, wilderness, cultural resources, visitor use, health and safety, and socioeconomics. The chapter also addresses cumulative impacts and mitigation measures.

You can review the EA on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). Select “Fire Management Program Environmental Assessment.” You will find the full text of the EA, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab.

If you do not have internet access or if you prefer a hard copy of the document, you can get one at he Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin or by calling park headquarters at 360-856-5700 ext.351. Copies will also be available at the Chelan Community Library and Wenatchee Public Library.

The first page of the EA describes other ways to submit comments including e-mail, fax, or surface mail. Comments must be postmarked (surface mail) or sent (on-line, e-mail or fax) no later than June 20, 2005.

CONTACT:

Cathi Jones 360 873-4590 Ext.61

Bill Paleck, Superintendent of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, announced today that National Park Service fire managers plan to burn 200 acres in the Stehekin Valley beginning May 1. The area to be burned is near Coon Run, about 9 miles up the valley from Stehekin Landing. Temperature and moisture conditions are now good for safely reducing forest fuels in the small community of Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan.

The burn that will be ignited Sunday afternoon is part of an on-going fire safety program in Stehekin. Paleck said that, "The National Park Service follows specific prescriptions in this program of reducing the danger from wildfires in the StehekinValley. If the conditions remain as they are now, we'll begin burning on May 1. Once the burning is done a small amount of smoke may be visible for up to two weeks, but the result will be a safer situation when the wildland fire season begins."

Burning the 200 acres planned and then extinguishing any remaining hot spots will probably take through Friday, May 6. A joint fire crew made up of employees from North Cascades National Park and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will do the work. The area of the burn is between the Stehekin Valley Ranch and High Bridge.

Fire managers use prescribed fires to reduce unwanted fuels and vegetation near developed areas, lessening the threat of summertime wildfire and restoring more natural processes in mixed conifer forests. As always, prescribed burning will occur with permission of the Department of Natural Resources smoke management staff in Olympia. They issue permits for management burning activities based on standards set by the Clean Air Act. Local coordination efforts with residents and park visitors also help us burn with minimal smoke impacts.

CONTACT:

Timothy Manns 360-856-5700 ext.365;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

The National Park Service would like comments on an environmental assessment for the restoration of the Stehekin Valley Road between mile 9.1 and 10.2 in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Severe flooding in late October 2003 damaged this portion of the road, which is in the lower StehekinValley. It has been impassable to vehicles most of the time since the flood. The area of the damage is known as Coon Run. (The distances given here are in miles from Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan.)

The complete text of the environmental assessment is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca or by contacting the park (360-856-5700 ext. 351).

The Environmental Assessment considers four alternatives:

Alternative A. No Action – Do Not Provide Motor Vehicle Access Above 9.1 Miles.

No action would be taken to repair the washout sections or maintain the road between the Stehekin Valley Ranch and Coon Run washout. The road would be officially closed at mile 9.1. There is potential for the Stehekin River to change course and remove the road completely or move to the other side of the valley allowing motor vehicle access to resume through the floodplain. Under this alternative, vehicle access would be prohibited above mile 9.1 but would be reassessed in response to changes in the river.

Alternative B. Construct a Lower Reroute Around the Coon Run Washout.

Under this alternative, a short reroute of 900 feet would be constructed along the top of the bench above the Coon Run washout. The reroute would follow the existing road through the lower washout to about mile 9.6, then climb the lower terrace above Coon Run washout, and follow the bench contour upstream along Coon Run. A bridge would be constructed across Coon Creek. The rerouted road would meet the existing StehekinValley Road again up-valley of the floodplain.

Alternative C. Construct an Intermediate Road Reroute Around the Coon Run Washout.

Under this alternative, an intermediate reroute of 3,500 feet would be constructed from mile 9.2. The road would climb the 25 foot high terrace and follow it for 1,600 feet. A bridge would be constructed across Coon Creek. This rerouted road would meet the existing StehekinValley Road again up-valley of the floodplain.

Alternative D. Construct an Upper Road Reroute Around the Coon Run Washout (Preferred Alternative)

Under this alternative, a reroute of 3,600 feet would be constructed from mile 9.1. A bridge would be constructed across Coon Creek. The road would then cross Coon Run and the associated wetland in the same location as in alternatives B and C. This rerouted road would meet the existing Stehekin Valley Road again up-valley of the floodplain. This reroute would relocate the road above the floodplain on the lowest terrace. This is the preferred alternative because it offers the best long-range solution by moving the road out of both floodplains and providing the best long-term benefit to natural resources and visitor access.

You can comment by any of several methods. We encourage you to comment on-line at the NPS Planning Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). At the PEPC web site, you should select the specific North Cascades National Park project on which you wish to comment, in this case “Restore Vehicle Access on the Stehekin Valley Road at Coon Run (Mile 9.1 to 10.2)”. You will find the full text document, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab. Please use the on-line comment form to submit your ideas, questions, or comments.

You can comment via e-mail to: NOCA_Superintendent@nps.gov

Please submit Internet comments as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include “Attn: Dan Allen” and your name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your Internet message, contact Dan Allen directly at (360) 856-5700 ext 367 or e-mail dan_allen@nps.gov with the subject: Environmental Assessment.

You can also mail or hand deliver comments to:

Superintendent
North Cascades National Park Service Complex
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Finally, you can fax comments to the Superintendent at:
(360) 856-1934

Comments on this Environmental Assessment must be postmarked (surface mail) or sent (on-line, e-mail or fax) no later than May 16, 2005.

CONTACT:

Dan Allen 360 856-5700 ext.367 360-856-5700 ext.364;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

APRIL 18TH-24TH IS NATIONAL PARK WEEK

Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and National Park Week by sharing your time volunteering, exploring, and learning at North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20 - PARK CLEAN-UP DAY

Pitch in to help park maintenance staff free the roadsides from litter. Meet the crew at the Wilderness Information Center at the end of Ranger Station Road in Marblemount, at 9:00 a.m. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes, and gloves.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 - TRAIL WORK DAY

Help the park trail crew clear the new Happy-Panther Trail for the hiking season. Meet at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. Bring water, lunch, sturdy shoes, and gloves.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 - HELP IN THE NATIVE PLANT NURSERY

Assist park greenhouse staff with native trees, shrubs, and grasses being grown for revegetation and restoration projects in the national park. Meet at the National Park Service nursery on Ranger Station Road in Marblemount at 9:00 pm. Bring lunch, sturdy shoes, and gloves.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 - GO FOR A HIKE

Stop at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center for suggestions on hikes to take, from short to long, easy to challenging.

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER

The visitor center is open daily beginning April 16 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Interact with the exhibits, watch the theater production, stroll to the overlook, or ask the ranger to recommend a hike.

To reach the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center, from the west, drive eastward on State Route 20 until near milepost 120 just before the town of Newhalem. Look for the large sign for the visitor center and turn right to cross the bridge over the Skagit River. Continue past the campground entrance building and straight through the four-way intersection.

CONTACT:

Cindy Bjorklund 360-856-5700 ext.364;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

Summer 2005 YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS Positions at North Cascades National Park

 Prepared April 13, 2005

Superintendent Bill Paleck of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex announced today that the park is recruiting for a limited number of positions in this summer’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). The enrollees chosen will work with the Building and Utilities and/or the Trail Crew based at the Marblemount Ranger Station in Marblemount, Washington. The 2005 YCC Program is non-residential; therefore, enrollees will be responsible for their own housing and daily transportation to Marblemount. The program will operate from June 27, through August 19, 2005. The rate of pay is $7.35 per hour. Completed applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2005, at North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, Washington, 98284-1239, attention: Judy Richmyer.

ELIGIBILITY

Men and women between 15 and 18 years of age, who will not reach 19 years of age while in the job, and who are permanent residents of the United States, its territories or possessions, are eligible for employment without regard to social, economic, racial, or ethnic background. Applicants must have a Social Security card and a birth certificate. Recruitment is happening within the Skagit Valley area only.

Applications are available at the North Cascades National Park Service Complex office at 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, at the reception area or by phoning Judy Richmyer at 360-856-5700, Ext. 372. Application packages have been sent to local high schools, Tribal offices, Marblemount Ranger Station and the Mount Vernon Employment Security office.

Completed applications must be received no later than Friday, May 20, 2005, at 4:30 p.m. at North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, Washington, 98284-1239, attention: Judy Richmyer.

MAJOR DUTIES

Working on the Building and Utilities and Trail Crews involves using hand tools for digging, cutting, pruning, sweeping, and carpentry. Work projects could include picnic table assembly, grounds keeping, trail maintenance, campground maintenance, painting, brush clearing, digging and clearing ditches, raking gravel, and installing signs and toilets. YCC enrollees will often be assisting other employees. Work locations may include a spike camp in a remote location of the park complex or, possibly, another national park.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

The enrollee must be able to follow written and oral instructions and must be able to learn and follow safe work habits. Enrollees must exhibit regular and punctual attendance and show aptitude for learning to use and maintain the various tools needed for the work.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Enrollees may be lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, such as packages, tools, and backpacks. They must be able to hike five or six miles per day, sometimes over difficult terrain.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Transportation will be provided from Marblemount to work sites in the park each day, which could include campgrounds, roads and trails. Enrollees must be prepared to work under conditions that include heat, cold, rain, wind and/or biting insects. Conditions might also include dirt, dust and noise.

Please direct questions about this information or requests for assistance in completing the application form to Judy Richmyer, North Cascades National Park Service Complex, (360) 856-5700, Ext. 372.

CONTACT:

Judy Richmyer 360-856-5700, Ext. 372;

North Cascades National Park Complex 

North Cascades National Park Seeks Comments on Thunder Creek Bridge Environmental Assessment

Prepared March 10, 2005

The floods of October 2003 caused extensive damage to facilities and trails in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, including the destruction of the Thunder Creek bridge. Located about one mile from Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130 on the North Cascades Highway), this bridge along the Thunder Creek Trail provided access to a significant portion of the park’s trail system. The park staff has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate bridge replacement options. The purpose of the EA is "to provide visitors to Ross Lake National Recreation Area with a safe, sustainable means of access to the popular Thunder Creek Trail." The EA is available for public comment from March 9, 2005, through April 8, 2005.

The preferred alternative in the EA is to construct a new, single span steel bridge with wooden decking approximately one-half mile upstream from the former bridge. This location would minimize the risk of future flood damage by securing the bridge on upland bedrock and river terrace less susceptible to flooding. A 0.5 mile extension trail would also be built from the former bridge site to reach the new bridge site.

Other alternatives under consideration include: (A) No Action--Do not rebuild the bridge and (C) Retrofit the North Cascades highway bridge over Thunder Arm (Diablo Lake Reservoir) with an all-purpose walkway to get hikers and stock to the east side of the Thunder Creek valley. Alternative C would also require construction of a 1.5 mile new trail up the eastern side of Thunder Arm. The trail would connect with the existing Thunder Creek trail in the vicinity of the Thunder backcountry camp.

Under all alternatives, the remains of the former bridge, including the concrete bridge abutment on the east bank, would be completely removed, and the former bridge site would be rehabilitated.

The decision on the selected option is anticipated in April 2005. Should the preferred alternative be selected, trail and bridge construction would begin this spring.

We encourage you to comment on-line at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/noca). At the PEPC web site, select the specific North Cascades National Park Service Complex project on which you wish to comment. You will find the full text of the EA as a pdf file, an on-line comment form and instructions for submitting on-line comments under the Documents and Links tab. Please use the on-line comment form to submit your ideas, questions, or comments.

Copies of the environmental assessment can also be requested from the park (360-856-5700 ext.351).

Alternatively, you may send comments postmarked (surface mail) or by fax no later than April 8, 2005. You may submit comments by any one of several methods:

By mail or hand delivery to: Superintendent North Cascades National Park Service Complex 810 State Route 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

By fax to the Superintendent at: (360) 856-1934

CONTACT:

Tim Manns 360-856-5700 (365);

North Cascades National Park Complex