posted 10.10.11

The environmental assessment (EA) for the Illabot Road Project and two appendices of the EA were available for comment as of Oct. 3. The EA and appendices can be downloaded at www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=29892.

The project proposes to decommission 16.07 miles of the Illabot Creek Road (Road 16) and its associated spur roads, and upgrade the remaining portion of Road 16 on National Forest System land and portions of Roads 1620 and 1620.012.  The analysis area includes National Forest System Lands in the Illabot watershed, in numerous sections of Township 34 North, Ranges 10 and 11 East.

The public is invited to review and comment on this proposal. A 30-day comment period has been established. Written comments should be sent to:

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

Comments also may be submitted to Vanderheyden via phone, fax, e-mail, or in person at the above address. The phone number is 360.854.2601. The fax number is 360.856.1934. Comments can be e-mailed to jvanderheyden@fs.fed.us.

Office hours at the Mt. Baker Ranger Station are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Vanderheyden may contacted for more information or if a paper copy of the EA is preferred.

Other stipulations apply for those commenting; contact Vanderheyden for details.

The Forest Service preferred alternative at this time is Alternative P. Through the analysis presented in this EA, Vanderheyden determined that Alternative P is not a major Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment; therefore, an environmental impact statement is not needed.

All comments received on this proposal will be considered in the final decision.  All those who comment on this document during the 30-day comment period will receive a copy of the Decision Notice and associated documents.