Date: September 9, 2010
Contact: Jon Riedel, 360-854-7330
In response to the record floods of 1995, 2003 and 2006, the National Park Service has developed the Draft Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan Environmental Impact Statement to address, in a comprehensive way, the steps needed to continue to implement the 1995 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area General Management Plan. The goals in creating this plan are to provide high-quality recreational experiences, protect natural and cultural resources, support the private community of Stehekin, and establish sustainable administrative facilities.
“We appreciate the public input over the past three years that has helped us create this draft plan,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Once again, we seek your help. Please review the draft alternatives and provide us with your thoughts and specific recommendations on how these can be improved.”
Major elements of the preferred alternative of the Draft Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan Environmental Impact Statement include the relocation of about two miles of the Stehekin Valley Road around flood-prone McGregor Meadows, a change to large wood management at the river mouth, and a revision of the 1995 Land Protection Plan to update priorities for land protection and federal land available for exchange. The preferred alternative would also make several new recreational opportunities available to the public, including a new raft take-out at the river mouth, a new campground at Rainbow Falls, and a Lower Valley Trail to connect the Stehekin Landing to High Bridge. Other important elements of the preferred alternative are carried forward from the 1995 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area General Management Plan, including a move of the NPS maintenance facility and some NPS housing on Company Creek Road out of the floodplain.
“I and the planning team will be at three public meetings in October to discuss your ideas, thoughts, and concerns,” said Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “In addition, I encourage people to join Jon Riedel, project manager for this draft plan, on one of two site visits in September to see where proposed actions might take place.”
Public Meeting Schedule:
Tuesday, October 19 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Golden West Visitor Center, Stehekin
Wednesday, October 20 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Supervisor’s Office , 215 Melody Lane , Wenatchee
Thursday, October 21 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park , 319 Second Avenue South, Seattle
Site Visit Schedule:
Wednesday, September 29
Look at proposed actions along the Stehekin River (meet at the Golden West Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m.)
Thursday, September 30
Walk the proposed Stehekin Valley Road reroute at McGregor Meadows (meet at the Golden West Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m.)
Comments on the draft plan are due December 13 and can be made:
An Executive Summary, Frequently Asked Questions, supporting documents, and the complete Draft Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan Environmental Impact Statement also available at https://www.nps.gov/noca/parkmgmt/srcip.htm
