Sisters Ranger District proposes new connector trails
The Sisters Ranger District of Deschutes National Forest asked for public input Friday regarding a proposal to build three new connector trails as part of the Peterson Ridge Trail system south of Sisters.
“Your comments would help us identify issues to be considered in the environmental review of the project,” said the announcement, which continues below:
Location
The project area is located south of the city of Sisters, Oregon, primarily along Forest Road 16 (Three Creeks Lake road).
Trail #1 is located in T15S, R10E, Section 9. Trail #2 is located in T15S, R10E, Sections 16 and 17. Trail #3 is located in T15S, R10E, Sections 29 and 32. Peterson Ridge Connector Trails Project Area Map.docx
Recreational Setting
The Peterson Ridge Trail (PRT) system is part of a larger Sisters community trails network located in and around the city of Sisters, Oregon and is the locale’s signature recreation trail system. The trail is used by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrian users. The trail system was approved in 2008 and utilizes a “ladder” design to provide and encourage variable trail loop options. The PRT project involved collaboration between the Forest Service and local volunteers and organizations.
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose of the project is to improve connectivity between the PRT trail system and other existing non-PRT trails and community trails; provide enhanced loop options for trail users; alleviate congestion on the overall trail system by dispersing trail users and increasing the number of trail entry and exit points; and improve the overall trail user experience by providing new and varied trail options and additional trail choices.
Recreation use of the PRT system has dramatically increased in recent years, necessitating the need for modest trail refinements and improvements, including the construction of three new connector trails.
Proposed Action
The proposed action would construct three new connector trails totaling about 1.08 miles as part of the Peterson Ridge Trail system.
Trail 1 – PRT Trailhead Connector Trail: This is a short multi-use, single track non-motorized connector trail which would link the new Peterson Ridge trailhead and parking lot with the PRT-West and PRT-East trails. About 435 feet of trail would be constructed to Class 3 bicycle trail design standards 1]. No tree removal is anticipated but some brushing is required.
Trail 2 – Whychus Footbridge to PRT Connector Trail: This is a short multi-use, single track non-motorized connector trail which would link the eastern end of the Whychus footbridge, located on Forest Road 1605, with the PRT-West trail. About 0.5 miles of trail would be constructed to Class 3 bicycle trail design standards. Warning signs would be placed where the trail crosses Forest Road 16. Some limited tree removal is anticipated (trees less than 6 inches diameter at breast height) and moderate brushing is required.
Trail 3 – PRT to the Whychus Creek Trailhead Connector Trail: This is a short single use hiking only trail which links the PRT-West trail to the Whychus Creek trailhead. About 0.5 miles of trail would be constructed to Class 2 hiker/pedestrian trail design standards [2]. The trail would provide a hiking loop option from the Whychus Creek trailhead to the Whychus Overlook trailhead, travelling along Whychus Creek. Warning signs would be placed where the trail crosses Forest Road 16. Some limited tree removal is anticipated (trees less than 6 inches diameter at breast height) and significant brushing is required. Bicycle use would be prohibited.
All new trail construction could be accomplished using volunteer labor.
All new trail intersections would be marked by posts and directional signs consistent with the PRT signage protocol.
Type of Environmental Analysis
The environmental effects of the project would be documented using categorical exclusion 36 CFR 220.6(e)(1):
Construction and reconstruction of trails.
A project or case file and decision memo are required.
How to Participate and Submit Comments
You are invited to comment on this proposed action. Your comments would help identify issues to be considered in the environmental review of the project. Please submit your comments by April 29, 2019 so they can be considered in the analysis.
Please submit your comments to Peterson Ridge Connector Trails Project, P.O. Box 249, Sisters, Oregon 97759 Attn: District Ranger Ian Reid, c/o Michael Keown, Environmental Coordinator. Telephone (541) 549-7735. FAX: (541) 549-7746. Hand-delivered comments may be delivered to Highway 20 and Pine Street, Sisters, Oregon during our business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. E-mailed comments should be sent to: comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-sisters@fs.fed.us . Please put “Peterson Ridge Connector Trails Project” in the subject line of your email.
Thank you for your interest in recreation management on the Sisters Ranger District.
/s/ Ian Reid
District Ranger
[1] Class 3 bicycle trail design standards: trail tread would be 18″ – 36″ wide with a native surface; the clearing width would be 60″ – 72″.
[2] Class 2 hiker/pedestrian trail design standards: trail tread would be 6″ – 18″ wide with a native surface; the clearing width would be 24″ – 48″.
