News Release

Public Comments Sought on Diablo Lake Tour Dock Project

Date: July 30, 2018
Contact: Rob Burrows, [e-mail]

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking comments on a proposal from Seattle City Light (City Light) to build a new dock for tour boat operations on Diablo Lake in Ross Lake National Recreation Area (Ross Lake NRA).  The environmental impacts of the proposed project have been analyzed through an Environmental Assessment (EA) to help determine whether the NPS should authorize City Light to carry out the proposed action on NPS land.  The NPS will select an action that best achieves the purpose and need of this project while minimizing and mitigating impacts on the resources and values of the Ross Lake NRA.

The purpose of the Diablo Lake New Tour Dock Project is to provide safe, convenient, and American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant public access to the tour boat used for the Diablo Lake tours. The tours are a recreational and educational opportunity for visitors to Ross Lake NRA. 

The proposed dock location is near the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on the north side of Diablo Lake on federal land. The new tour dock would be composed of a dock, gangway, and pier.  The western portion of the existing Peninsula Trail would be improved for ADA access, and a new trail section, approximately 115 feet long, would be built to connect the Peninsula Trail to the new pier. Construction would take approximately six weeks in late fall 2018 or spring 2019.

All comments on the EA are welcome through August 28, 2018, particularly those that assess the adequacy of the document in disclosing and evaluating the effects on the environment or identify mitigation to the proposed action.  To download and read the EA and provide comments, go to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CommentTourDock.  Comments will also be accepted by regular mail or hand delivery to the Superintendent’s Office, ATTN: Tour Dock EA, North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.  A paper copy of the EA is available by request.