URGENT: Please stop the Forest Service from shutting down hunting in Cascades

[sebek556]

jfm, I think the point here is your new, and recently with other issues hunters are facing we have had alot of fake people trying to get the hunting community to side with them instead of what is right for hunters. Might help you to post some pics of you with game? multiple would be great because it is all to easy to get one photo off the net.. but I will look into this further and see where I sit.

[fireweed]

Question: is that the road that goes to the short USFS trail to Slide Lake? 

[huntrights]

In my opinion, this is a good example of a need to make a united effort to prevent the loss of access to a prime hunting and outdoor recreational area.  It doesn’t take long to scan the material provided by the Forest Service; I would recommend you take the time to do it.

This is the Forest Service web site regarding this topic ( http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29892 ); please take the time to read the documents so you can write your letter or make your phone call from a position of being informed.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) is the primary document you may want to review, but there are several available:

Project Documents
Scoping
Public Scoping eLetter (PDF 81kb)
Project Information (PDF 287kb)
Location map (PDF 92kb)
Project Map (PDF 817kb)
alternative project detail map 1 (PDF 791kb)
alternative project detail map 2 (PDF 798kb)
alternative project detail map 3 (PDF 766kb)
Analysis
Invitation to comment on EA (PDF 140kb)
EA (PDF 2223kb)
Appendix A (PDF 280kb)
Appendix B (PDF 1038kb)


Of the alternatives they have listed, Alternative M (Marten Lake Upgrade) appears to be the best choice to keep access open (in my opinion).  I believe they should pursue this alternative or some similar alternative and NOT decommission the road.  However, the upgrade comes at a very real cost for the Forest Service.  Please read their material and look at the associated maps on their web site.

You can also get a very nice satellite image of the area using GOOGLE Maps:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=el

Type in: Illabot Creek Road, Marblemount, WA

[huntrights]

I have written the Forest Service again asking that they consider a long-term, phased upgrade and maintenance plan that focuses on areas of the road that have a high risk of failure and fits into their budget.

This appears to be a tough one for the Forest Service as they have to work within their budget, and comply with safety and environmental standards.  I do hope others are taking the time to look into the Illabot Creek Road Project and sending their comments to the Forest Service representative (contact information below):

Jon Vanderheyden, District Ranger
Mt. Baker Ranger District
810 SR 20
Sedro-Woolley WA 98237

jvanderheyden@fs.fed.us

[huntrights]

Did the Forest Service make a decision on this?  I have heard nothing.

[huntrights]

On December 27, 2011, District Ranger Jon Vanderheyden signed the Decision Notice for the Illabot Project. The project will decommission approximately 16.07 miles of road and upgrade approximately five miles of road.

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29892

[Boss .300 winmag]

No he didn't his office flunky did (/S/), he probably didn't even write it. I wonder how pissed they will get when people ride ORV in there? This dude is a tool!

[Bob33]

I am missing the link between how decommissioned roads will "also completely prevent hunting for grouse, deer and bear."

Please clarify. 

[JimmyHoffa]

I am missing the link between how decommissioned roads will "also completely prevent hunting for grouse, deer and bear."

Please clarify.

It doesn't if you hunt on foot.  But if you can't get away from the vehicle you lose your hunting ability.  Just moves the road hunters to a different area--making it even more crowded (for them).

[Boss .300 winmag]

They are going to remove all culverts, and remove road bed with a excavater broad casting it to match the slope of the land. In a short few years you will have no way to travel down the path.

[Bob33]

They are going to remove all culverts, and remove road bed with a excavater broad casting it to match the slope of the land. In a short few years you will have no way to travel down the path.

You can't walk through the woods even?

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Baby steps first....restrict access is the start...........

[Boss .300 winmag]

I am missing the link between how decommissioned roads will "also completely prevent hunting for grouse, deer and bear."

Please clarify.

It doesn't if you hunt on foot.  But if you can't get away from the vehicle you lose your hunting ability.  Just moves the road hunters to a different area--making it even more crowded (for them).

Just blocking the road would be better than what they are doing, it would let bicycles and hikers access the many lakes at the end of road.

[Elkaholic daWg]

They are going to remove all culverts, and remove road bed with a excavater broad casting it to match the slope of the land. In a short few years you will have no way to travel down the path.

 I see a budget cut that could save a million or two!

[SWHUNTER]

I don't see myself hiking 17 miles to slide lake. Its too bad they went through with this. Thats a huge chunk of land that will turn very remote very soon. Its a shame. Looks like the letter writing and phone calls were a waste of time.