Local News

Public scoping open for Methow Headwater Mineral Withdrawal Forest Service analysis

Oct 05, 2017

Starting October 5^th, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will be accepting public comments on the scoping phase of an environmental analysis (analysis) for a proposed 340,000 acre mineral withdrawal in the Methow Valley. The withdrawal analysis will focus on the environmental values addressed in Senate bill 566, the Methow Headwaters Protection Act of 2017.

The scoping comment period is designed to build on early participation and collaboration efforts with the intent of understanding public concerns before a final analysis is submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Forest currently anticipates the analysis will be completed in the spring of 2018. Once this analysis is complete, recommendations will be provided to the deciding official, the Secretary of the Interior.

Public comments will be accepted October 5^th through November 6^th, 2017 during a formal 30 day comment period. Written comments can be sent to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Attention: Methow Headwaters Mineral Withdrawal, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801 or submitted online at go.usa.gov/xn3Sh.

Please note, this analysis scoping comment period is wholly separate from the BLM comment period on the proposed withdrawal which began on December 30, 2016.

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