Public Comments Sought for Improvements to Meterological Monitoring

Date: September 19, 2007
Contact: Jon Riedel, 360 854-7330

Public Comments Sought for the Improvement of

Meteorological Monitoring in Alpine Environments

The National Park Service is seeking public comments for a proposal to upgrade the existing meteorological monitoring network to gather better information on weather, climate and precipitation patterns. This action is needed to support North Cascades’ long term ecological monitoring program, and to improve understanding of watershed processes and glacier dynamics in response to global climate change.

The National Park Service, in cooperation with Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy and the Natural Resource Conservation Service would implement the following actions:

·        Convert the existing Browntop Ridge snow course and Easy Pass aerial marker to Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) stations.

·        Install basic climate monitoring stations near Silver Glacier and Noisy Glacier.

·        Discontinue use of the Jasper Pass aerial marker and remove equipment (within 5 years of Easy Pass upgrade).

Comments on this Environmental Assessment must be postmarked or submitted via the internet, fax or hand delivery no later than Friday, October 17, 2007. Questions regarding this proposal should be directed to Jon Riedel, Geologist (360.854.7330; [e-mail]).

You may submit your comments by any of the following 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: [phone]