Opportunity for Input on Middle Fork Snoqualmie Planning Effort (WA)
Posted: 09/28/2018
By: Thomas O'Keefe
Middle Fork Snoqualmie & Pratt Wild and Scenic Rivers Public Meetings and Online
Mapping.
The U.S. Forest Service has recently initiated a process to develop a Comprehensive River
Management Plan for the 27 miles of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and the entirety of the
Pratt River that were designated Wild and Scenic in 2014. For boaters this includes the reach
known as the “Upper Middle” and sections upstream that are largely on the Mt. Baker -
Snoqualmie National Forest. The “Middle Middle” will not be part of this planning
effort.
We encourage paddlers, and all those who recreate in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley, to
provide input on the planning effort. American Whitewater seeks to formalize access at Bridgeview
(the put-in for the Upper Middle) and Russian Butte View (take-out for the Upper Middle) with
management of these sites for day-use purposes.
As the preliminary step in planning, the Forest Service is seeking assistance in identifying the
important resources and values of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Wild and Scenic Rivers.
The “Upper Middle” is a spectacular paddling resource with dramatic views of the
Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley and whitewater suitable for beginner whitewater paddlers or anyone
seeking a scenic experience with class II rapids.
Two public meetings are being held to collect input that will guide the formation of a long-term
management plan to protect the water quality, free-flowing condition, and unique values of these
two Wild and Scenic Rivers. Public input can also be shared using an online collaborative map at
https://tinyurl.com/MidForkSnoqualmie.
Input received online and during these meetings will be considered for the Forest’s river
values assessment, an analysis to identify important natural, cultural, and recreational values
and resources associated with the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Wild and Scenic Rivers. The
river values assessment is the first step in developing a long-term Comprehensive River
Management Plan to protect and enhance unique river values, including water quality and
free-flowing condition.
Visit the Facebook page for this event to assist the Forest Service in planning for the workshop
and open house.
River Values Workshop
October 11th
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Issaquah Hatchery Watershed Science Center
125 W. Sunset Way
Issaquah , WA 98027
River Values Open House and Listening Session
October 18th
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Yesler Community Center
917 E Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98122
Providing Comments
Comments are most useful when they are specific, descriptive, and are locatable. For example,
this comment is not specific, descriptive, or locatable:
“Whitewater paddling is spectacular on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River.”
A more actionable comment might be:
“The Middle Fork Snoqualmie is known to provide one of the region’s most accessible
entry-level whitewater boating opportunities, in a forested setting and against the scenic
backdrop of Mt. Garfield. The access point known as Bridgview at river mile 64.8 is the popular
start to the run known as the Upper Middle. The access point known as Russian Butte View at
river mile 60.5 is the most common take-out.”
Comments are most useful if submitted by November 2, 2018.
Interactive Web Map – Use our interactive map to provide input. <https://tinyurl.com/MidForkSnoqualmie>
Email – Comments can be sent to <comments-pacificnorthwest-mtbaker-snoqualmie-snoqualmie@fs.fed.us>
with “Middle Fork and Pratt CRMP” in the subject line.
Mail – You can also mail comments to: Snoqualmie Ranger District, 902 S.E. North Bend
Way, Bldg 1, North Bend, WA, 98045.
Thomas O'Keefe
3537 NE 87th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
E-mail: okeefe@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 425-417-9012
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