I 90 bridge project sno pass

[cstemley]

The Dot is not being to clear on the plans for FS Road 4832 or the bridge that crosses Gold Creek.

This is the road that acsesses, Gold creek pond (the only barrier free park on the pass), Mt Margret trail head and provides Sled and snow parking in the winter.

As info becomes more avalable I'll post here. It may become important to secure acsess off I 90 to this area.

 

Here is section of the enviromental impact statement,EIS .

 

 

In addition to our general concern stated above, we are specifically concerned about some comments in Appendix W to WSDOT’s Final Environmental Impact Statement for their I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project. Appendix W is titled “US Forest Service Consistency Determination Support Information”. On page 1 of 15 of Attachment D to this appendix, under the heading “Recommended Restoration Measures at Gold Creek” is the following:

 

Description Status Application or Explanation

Remove or replace the Gold Creek bridge on Forest Service Road 4832. The ecological benefits associated with the I-90 Gold Creek crossing structures would not be fully realized unless this bridge is removed or replaced to allow channel migration and terrestrial species movement. WSDOT is working with The USFS to help facilitate this. Standard Partially Met WSDOT does not manage FSR 4832, and removing the bridge will be a USFS restoration action. WSDOT is working with the USFS to aid the bridge removal by incorporating the analysis to support the USFS’s action in the project’s NEPA and ESA documents as an inter-related, inter-dependent cumulative effect.

 

Might be time to send a few letters

 

Edited May 10, 2009 by cstemley

[alpinemorg]

The Dot is not being to clear on the plans for FS Road 4832 or the bridge that crosses Gold Creek.

This is the road that acsesses, Gold creek pond (the only barrier free park on the pass), Mt Margret trail head and provides Sled and snow parking in the winter.

As info becomes more avalable I'll post here. It may become important to secure acsess off I 90 to this area.

 

Here is part of a past corispondence.

 

 

In addition to our general concern stated above, we are specifically concerned about some comments in Appendix W to WSDOT’s Final Environmental Impact Statement for their I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project. Appendix W is titled “US Forest Service Consistency Determination Support Information”. On page 1 of 15 of Attachment D to this appendix, under the heading “Recommended Restoration Measures at Gold Creek” is the following:

 

Description Status Application or Explanation

Remove or replace the Gold Creek bridge on Forest Service Road 4832. The ecological benefits associated with the I-90 Gold Creek crossing structures would not be fully realized unless this bridge is removed or replaced to allow channel migration and terrestrial species movement. WSDOT is working with The USFS to help facilitate this. Standard Partially Met WSDOT does not manage FSR 4832, and removing the bridge will be a USFS restoration action. WSDOT is working with the USFS to aid the bridge removal by incorporating the analysis to support the USFS’s action in the project’s NEPA and ESA documents as an inter-related, inter-dependent cumulative effect.

 

Might be time to send a few letters

 

Sorry, I'm inept at reading that sort of thing....what exactly is it implying and what should letter writing be for? Very curious as that is an important area to me in winter too.

[cstemley]

The ecological benefits associated with the I-90 Gold Creek crossing structures would not be fully realized unless this bridge is removed or replaced to allow channel migration and terrestrial species movement.

 

The word "remove" word is a little troubleing, and "replaced" with what,I hope they are not thinking 16 mi of log road from cabin creek

 

Gold Creek Valley went out of my radar for a few years, but is now back in. Because of my little one, she realley likes the pond trail and the lake. As far as I know the valley is one of the only flat walks on the pass.

 

Weekend parking on frontage rd (FSR 4832)might really suck in the winter if its nice out. I made a few trips to cabin creek and crystal springs over the past winter and it seems a lot of work has been done to develope the areas, with snow park $$. But they really don't have the alpine nature of Gold creek valley

 

If the WSDOT wants to takes out the current access, I feel that improved access would be better than no access.

 

If you get the chance, And want to see a pretty nice spot, with the family, the Grandparents and the dogs. for a super casual day head to Gold Creek Pond. And if after going there, think about the State and the Feds wiping out the road and the bridge? The park parking lot is under snow till about mid june this year and takes about a 20 min road walk to get in. Check it out. Its also a good spot to take city girls for picknicks.

 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2009 by cstemley