News Release

FONSI Released on Environmental Assessment for Backcountry Camp Modifications in North Cascades National Park

Date: July 6, 2023
Contact: Rob Burrows

Sedro Woolley, WA– The Environmental Analysis (EA) process for the Backcountry Camp Modifications in North Cascades National Park Service Complex has been completed and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued. The FONSI provides documentation on the decision to implement a modified version of Alternative I from the EA as well as a finding that no significant adverse impacts will occur from implementation in the two project areas. 

The first project consists of rerouting a 2,400-foot section of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (along a segment locally known as the Brush Creek Trail) and the relocation of the Graybeal Hiker and Stock camps along this same trail segment. The second project consists of constructing additional backcountry camp accommodations at Six Mile and Bridge Creek camps along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. No additional area in designated wilderness will be developed for camping near the Bridge Creek Camps.  This alternative was evaluated against a No Action alternative in the EA. 

The FONSI documents contain a summary of the EA, clarification of the selected alternative, rationale for selecting Alternative I, errata indicating text changes to the EA, response to substantive public comments, non-impairment determination which finds there will be no impairment of park resources and values from the project, a list of mitigation measures, and a minimum requirements analysis. 

The FONSI documents are available at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/BCCampMods2023FONSI