Public review of the comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is continuing, as the U.S. Forest Service announced objection period is underway for the draft decision notice …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had an active account on our previous website, then you have an account here. Simply reset your password to regain access to your account.
If you did not have an account on our previous website, but are a current print subscriber, click here to set up your website account.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
* Having trouble? Call our circulation department at 360-385-2900, or email our support.
Please log in to continue |
|
Public review of the comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is continuing, as the U.S. Forest Service announced objection period is underway for the draft decision notice and environmental assessment.
Officials said the comprehensive plan is a key document that will guide the development of the non-motorized trail throughout its entire length, from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile hiking trail that starts in Glacier National Park in Montana, crosses through northern Idaho, and finishes in Olympic National Park in Washington.
Currently, about a third of the trail is on roads, and some portions in remote areas require bushwhacking with no trail.
The scenic trail was designated by Congress as part of the National Trails System in 2009.
Input on the key content in the plan and environmental analysis was gathered during a scoping period in September and November, and the comment period on the draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment was held from March through April.
According to the Forest Service, those documents have been updated to address comments received during these comment periods.
Officials said that while the comprehensive plan will only be binding on the Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the plan aims to provide a guide for local, state, federal, and tribal land managers to develop the trail and preserve its natural beauty.
The Forest Service hopes to complete the plan by late 2023.
During the objection period, the Forest Service will accept objections from those who submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during the scoping comment period or the draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period.
Officials said that input will be used to help shape the future of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.
The objection period is open until Aug. 28.
For more information on the trail and plan, go to fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52259.
