Draft decision out on Welcome Station Trail

The Deschutes National Forest Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District released Thursdasy the Welcome Station Trail Connections Environmental Assessment Draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for a 45-day objection period.

The project would create a non-motorized paved trail between the City of Bend and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Welcome Station, which would allow for multi-modal access to the new Welcome Station.

It also would develop trailhead parking along the Cascade Lakes Highway near Bend and create mountain bike trail connections between the Welcome Station and the Wanoga, Deschutes River and Phil’s trail systems.

The Draft Decision specifically provides for approximately 3.4 miles of a paved trail, 13 miles of mountain bike trail connections and a trailhead near the Deschutes National Forest boundary with the City of Bend.

The 45-day objection period will begin on March 28, 2014 with the publication of the legal notice in the Bend Bulletin newspaper.

Only individuals or organizations that previously submitted specific written or oral comments (36 CFR 218.2) during designated opportunities for public comment (Scoping or the 30-day public comment period) may object (36 CFR 218.5). Notice of objection must meet the requirements of 36 CFR 218.2 and must be filed with the Reviewing Officer within 45 days following the publication date of the legal notice.

People interested in learning more about the project or objecting to the Draft DN can find the document and directions for objecting at

http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41207

or they can stop by the Bend-Fort Rock District Office, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701.

For more information please contact Amy Tinderholt at (541) 383- 4708 or atinderholt@fs.fed.us.