Call to action: Your chance to advocate for WA Wild Sheep

[GurrCentral]

One of the keystone areas of sheep habitat is under threat of development. A new management plan is currently being created for the Chelan Wildlife Management Area. This area contains one of the biggest herds of California bighorn sheep in Washington. Currently an advisory committee is taking public input in creating a new management plan. One user group is making a push to develop the Chelan Butte and build a mountain biking trail through the heart of bighorn sheep habitat. To maintain critical bighorn habitat the Chelan Butte cannot sustain any development. It is crucial that all conservation-minded groups as well as individuals submit letters, comments, and opinions to the advisory committee and area plan managers. It is absolutely crucial that input is submitted in favor of preserving the Chelan Wildlife area and opposing all development; most immediately any mountain biking trails on Chelan Butte. All input in encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible.

Please submit all letters and comments to the following: (send to all emails)

Ron Fox, Manager of Chelan Wildlife Area: Ronald.fox@dfw.wa.gov

Lauri Vigue, Project Manager: Lauri.vigue@dfw.wa.gov

Dave Volson, District Wildlife Biologist, Wenatchee: David.volsen@dfw.wa.gov

Richard Finger, Operation Lands Manager: Richard.Finger@dfw.wa.gov

And any comments to: chelanwla@dfw.wa.gov

[scottcrb]

Thank you Garret.

[X-Force]

Tag for when I get to a computer.

[Gringo31]

This state is limited in good sheep habitat.


NOT limited in development areas or areas to find a place to mountain bike.

[GurrCentral]

Please help spread the word! It is crucial that all conservation-minded sportsman voice opinions and stress the importance of preserving the Chelan Wildlife Area for not only bighorn sheep, but critical mule deer winter range, upland bird habitat ect....

Also, it is important to submit to all five of the emails/contacts.

[cem3434]

Tag

[Romulus1297]

The butte is busy already with paragliding, hikers, train, trucks, tractors, helicopters, occasionally a dirt bike, sheep, deer, bird and coyote hunters. My wife almost got a ram on the highway today but she missed. Where would the bike trails go? Through wheat fields.

[cougforester]

Tag. Good looking out

[GurrCentral]

bump

[cougforester]

To Whom It May Concern:
It has come to my attention that a proposal for development of a mountain biking trail within the Chelan Wildlife Area has been created. I would like to voice my concern for any further development of the area. The Chelan Butte provides critical habitat for California bighorn sheep, as well as many other wildlife species.  This state is lacking in good sheep habitat, while areas for trail riding are not.
There are many other areas in close proximity to the Chelan Butte that offer excellent mountain biking opportunities without conflicting with incredibly important bighorn sheep habitat. Please reject any current and future proposals for further development occurring within the Chelan Wildlife Area. The potential negative impacts of further recreation on the sheep, mule deer in their winter range, upland bird habitat and ecosystem functions are too great.
Respectfully,
XXXX

Short and sweet!

[Romulus1297]

Now we might get the Holiday Hills development. Only a couple more thousand people living on the side of the butte.

[GurrCentral]

Just a bit over a week to submit public comments to have a voice in preserving this critical wildlife habitat!

The plan is available for review on WDFW's website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/management_plans/chelan/.


The public can submit comments online through April 30 at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/sepa/sepa_comment_docs.html.

[stickslinger]

Submitted, but likely wont do any good, they are doing the same thing in the stemilt basin, ask for comments and then do whatever they want anyway. I dont know why but these small groups have a lot of pull.(maybe it's because they can pull together and organize. We as sportsman should be doing the same thing rather than squabbling amongst ourselves)

[Skyvalhunter]

Email sent, hope it does some good!!

[GurrCentral]

Public comment closes tonight. If you care about the preservation of the Chelan Wildlife area and all of the wildlife/habitat, now is your time to be heard.

Thank you to those who took the time to send in a comment!