Protect the White Pass Roadless Area and the Pacific Crest Trail
#118 WILD NORTHWEST, February 18, 2005
A Message from Northwest Ecosystem Alliance
=====Keeping the Northwest Wild=====
Protect the White Pass Roadless Area and the Pacific Crest Trail
Advocate for sustainable and responsible expansion of the White Pass Ski Area
The U.S. Forest Service is taking public comment on a proposal to further develop the White Pass Ski Area on the Gifford Pinchot and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests. Alternative 9 of the proposal would allow responsible expansion within the existing Special Use Permit (SUP) area, while keeping development out of the pristine White Pass Inventoried Roadless Area (also known as Hogback Basin). Expanding within the current SUP area would meet projected skier capacity, create new jobs that benefit local communities, and avoid harmful development of Hogback Basin.
Please send a letter supporting responsible and sustainable expansion that benefits local communities and protects our roadless forests. Send your comments by Tuesday, February 22. To use our quick action center, go to http://www.ecosystem.org/action/index.html?MessageTemplateID=3.
Surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area, Hogback Basin is a unique backcountry winter recreation area with outstanding scenery, solitude, and gentle slopes ideally suited for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping. The White Pass Ski Company is asking to expand their resort into Hogback Basin. If granted, this new SUP would include two new ski lifts -- one crossing directly over the historic Pacific Crest Trail -- new ski lodge facilities, tree removal, and ATV access for construction and maintenance.
The White Pass Ski Area is the winter lifeblood of small Cowlitz Valley communities such as Packwood, and support for expansion is strong. Fortunately, it is possible to meet growing skier demand and create new jobs by increasing chair lift and ski run capacity within the existing Special Use Permit area, without harming Hogback Basin.
By February 22, use the action form above or address or fax below to contact:
Randall D. Shepard, District Ranger
Naches Ranger District
10237 U.S. Highway 12
Naches, WA 98937
509-653-2638 (fax)
comments-pacificnorthwest-wenatchee-naches@fs.fed.us
For background information, go to http://www.ecosystem.org/nationalforests/white_pass_background.html.
And thanks again for taking action to keep the Northwest wild!
Erin Moore
Communications Coordinator
Northwest Ecosystem Alliance
1208 Bay St., Ste. 201
Bellingham, WA 98225
360.671.9950 ext. 24
A Message from Northwest Ecosystem Alliance
=====Keeping the Northwest Wild=====
Protect the White Pass Roadless Area and the Pacific Crest Trail
Advocate for sustainable and responsible expansion of the White Pass Ski Area
The U.S. Forest Service is taking public comment on a proposal to further develop the White Pass Ski Area on the Gifford Pinchot and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests. Alternative 9 of the proposal would allow responsible expansion within the existing Special Use Permit (SUP) area, while keeping development out of the pristine White Pass Inventoried Roadless Area (also known as Hogback Basin). Expanding within the current SUP area would meet projected skier capacity, create new jobs that benefit local communities, and avoid harmful development of Hogback Basin.
Please send a letter supporting responsible and sustainable expansion that benefits local communities and protects our roadless forests. Send your comments by Tuesday, February 22. To use our quick action center, go to http://www.ecosystem.org/action/index.html?MessageTemplateID=3.
Surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area, Hogback Basin is a unique backcountry winter recreation area with outstanding scenery, solitude, and gentle slopes ideally suited for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping. The White Pass Ski Company is asking to expand their resort into Hogback Basin. If granted, this new SUP would include two new ski lifts -- one crossing directly over the historic Pacific Crest Trail -- new ski lodge facilities, tree removal, and ATV access for construction and maintenance.
The White Pass Ski Area is the winter lifeblood of small Cowlitz Valley communities such as Packwood, and support for expansion is strong. Fortunately, it is possible to meet growing skier demand and create new jobs by increasing chair lift and ski run capacity within the existing Special Use Permit area, without harming Hogback Basin.
By February 22, use the action form above or address or fax below to contact:
Randall D. Shepard, District Ranger
Naches Ranger District
10237 U.S. Highway 12
Naches, WA 98937
509-653-2638 (fax)
comments-pacificnorthwest-wenatchee-naches@fs.fed.us
For background information, go to http://www.ecosystem.org/nationalforests/white_pass_background.html.
And thanks again for taking action to keep the Northwest wild!
Erin Moore
Communications Coordinator
Northwest Ecosystem Alliance
1208 Bay St., Ste. 201
Bellingham, WA 98225
360.671.9950 ext. 24
Starmail - 19. Feb, 15:04
