Road to Mt. Constance STILL washed out

[crampon_retread]

During the winter of 1998/99, FS Road 2610 washed out during a rainstorm. Since that time, climbers who attempt Mt. Constance must add eight miles to what is already a demanding and difficult approach and climb.

 

Additionally, the well-establilshed Elkhorn Campground located at the end of the Dosewallips Road (FS Rd 2610) is unavailable to those who wish to drive to this public facililty.

 

In October 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hood Canal Ranger District, published this statement: "It has been determined that Alternative D, which would reconstruct Forest Road 2610 in the original location with constructed log complexes to dissipate streamflow energy, would not be consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of the Northwest Forest Plan. . . . The Forest Service is currently reviewing plans to determine which of the remaining alternatives would best meet resource and public objectives."

 

Alternative D would have involved rebuilding only the washed-out section of the road--some 300 foot in total. This solution would have been relatively inexpensive, quick, and environmentlly sensitive.

 

Now the same group that opposed and--with the support of fish biologists from several federal agencies--stopped reconstruction of washed-out Forest Service Road 2610 is working to block all alternative plans to reconnect to the already-existing Dossewallips Road, the road that leads to the Mt. Constance jump-off and to the Elkhorn Campground.

 

As already mentioned, the unrepaired road adds eight miles to the Mt. Constance climb.

 

Although the official public comment period is closed, "unofficial" comments could be directed to either or both of Washington's U.S. senators, your U.S. representative, or to Mr. David W. Craig, District Ranger, Hood Canal Ranger District, P.O. Box 280, Quilcene, WA 98376.