Action Alert: Protect a Free-Flowing Skagit River
posted September 25, 2008
by Thomas O'Keefe
North
Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for
the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the lands and
rivers along Highway 20 in the North Cascades. As part of this planning
effort American Whitewater formally requested a review of rivers that
may be eligible for Wild and Scenic designation.
The Park Service has responded to our request and this month the Park
Service formally announced their intention to conduct an eligibility
and suitability study of the Skagit River, the primary river that flows
along Highway 20 through the popular S Bends (Goodell Creek to Copper
Creek). While the downstream section of the Skagit, which is popular
for eagle floats, is designated as Wild and Scenic, what many paddlers
do not know is that the well-known whitewater run upstream has no such
protection. In fact this section was originally the site of a massive
dam and hydropower project in the 1970's which would have inundated
this run. While there are no current plans to construct this dam, the
Park Service will use public support as a key factor in deciding
whether to recommend this river for permanent protection in its
free-flowing condition. For this reason it is extremely important that
boaters who enjoy this reach weigh in during the public comment period
this month (the deadline for comments in October 31, 2008).
The Park Service is hosting two public meetings next month and we
encourage whitewater paddlers who enjoy this reach to attend. If you
can not attend please consider submitting written comments by mail or
email.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Tuesday October 14, 2008, 4 pm - 6 pm
Klondike Historic Park (classroom on lower level)
319 Second Avenue South
Seattle, Washington
Wednesday October 15, 2008, 6 pm - 8 pm
North Cascades NPS Complex Headquarters (Baker and Shuksan Rooms)
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
To find more information go visit the AW page linked here.