Forest Service issue in Girdwood, are we next ?

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bearqst
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Forest Service issue in Girdwood, are we next ?

#1 Post by bearqst »

Notice of Public Meeting and Hearing
Iditarod National Historic Trail
Seward to Girdwood
December 4 and 6, 2003

The USDA Forest Service will host two public meetings and hearings concerning the Seward to Girdwood Iditarod
National Historic Trail (INHT) project, focusing on management considerations under ANILCA Section 1110(a).

Several segments of the proposed trail cross into portions of the forest closed to motorized use under the Chugach
Forest Plan. If the trail is built, the Forest Service proposes to restrict or prohibit access to these trail segments
(specifically trails in Portage Valley and trail segments around Girdwood such as the Crow Pass and Winner Creek
Trails) for motorized use, including snowmachines. In order to prohibit the use of snowmachines for traditional
activities or travel to and from villages and homesites, such use must be found to be detrimental to the resource values
of the unit or area. The Forest Service is seeking comment and testimony to determine whether such use is detrimental
to resource values and whether other actions may be taken to protect the natural and other values of the unit or area.

The public is invited to review and discuss management considerations for the proposed routes. Forest Service staff
will be available to answer questions and explain items from the INHT Environmental Assessment.

Immediately following the meeting, a hearing will be held to collect public testimony related to the proposed access
restrictions and possible prohibition of snowmobile use, and whether such use for traditional activities is detrimental to
resource values. Testimony will be recorded and will be considered by the Forest Service to issue a decision on the
project.

Date Open House Hearing Community Location

December 4 7:00-8:00 PM 8:00-9:00 PM Girdwood Alyeska Hotel
December 6 1:00-2:00 PM 2:00-3:00 PM Moose Pass Community Hall
Written testimony, including e-mail, is also invited.

All testimony must be received by 5:00 PM,
December 15, 2003. Written testimony will be accepted at the meetings or it can be sent to:

USDA Forest Service
Glacier Ranger District
ATTN: Betty Charnon (or e-mail: bcharnon@fs.fed.us)
P.O. Box 129
Girdwood, Alaska 99587-0129

Information about the Iditarod National Historic Trail is available on the Chugach National Forest
webpage located at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach

For additional information regarding this project, contact one of the following individuals:

Alison Rein Glacier Ranger District 907-783-3242 e-mail: arein@fs.fed.us
Dan Golden Glacier Ranger District 907-743-9560 e-mail: dgolden@fs.fed.us
Pat O’Leary Seward Ranger District 907-224-3374 e-mail: poleary@fs.fed.us
Joe L. Meade
Forest Supervisor

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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