Construction work was scheduled to begin this week at the Crater Creek Trailhead to expand parking and camping spots for larger vehicles, and improve traffic flow and turn-around space. “Construction on this project was originally planned to begin in early August, but was delayed due to the fire closures,” said Methow Valley District Ranger Chris […]
USFS
Forest Service endorses mineral withdrawal for Methow headwaters
The effort to protect the upper Methow Valley watershed from future mining has reached a significant milestone, with the U.S. Forest Service recommending that a proposed mineral withdrawal go forward.
The Forest Service released an Environmental Assessment (EA) last week examining the impacts of removing 340,079 acres of Forest Service land in the upper valley from new mining activities for up to 20 years. Based on that EA and other information analyzed, the Forest Service supported withdrawing the land for 20 years “while Congress considers legislation to permanently withdraw the lands, and to protect the value of ecological and recreational resources of the Methow Valley.”
USFS cuts number of aircraft dedicated only to firefighting
New contracts allow Forest Service to shift on-call planes as necessary By Marcy Stamper There are fewer aircraft dedicated exclusively to fighting fires for the U.S. Forest Service this year, since more of the planes that drop water and retardant on fires are now on a “call-when-needed” basis. The reorganization of air tankers came after […]
