Sisters-Black Butte Ranch trail decision near

The Sisters Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest said Thursday it has issued a final environmental assessment and draft Decision Notice for the Sisters Community Trails Project.

The project would authorize the construction of a 7.6-mile non-motorized multi-use paved path between the communities of Sisters and Black Butte Ranch. The path would be open to cyclists and foot travelers, but closed to horses.

The construction of the path would require three crossings to mitigate impacts to riparian areas and other crossings. Additionally, it would require the cutting and removal of about 250 green trees.

“The draft decision notice is based on the careful design of the project to mitigate a variety of wildlife and botanical impacts, and the identification of social and community concerns,” Thursday’s announcement said.

Only those people who commented during public scoping or another authorized comment period or commented on the draft environmental assessment have standing to object to the project. The objection period ends on August 18.

For individuals interested in the project, the final environmental assessment and draft Decision Notice can be found at http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38724 under “Sisters Community Trails Project.”

For more information, contact Michael Keown, Project Team Leader on the Sisters Ranger District, at 541-549-7735