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Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |
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Improving Recreation OpportunituiesRecreation Facilities AnalysisMany of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie's developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed. Some sites no longer serve projected recreation demand; some facilities are in poor shape and do not meet visitors' expectations. To address these changed conditions and national direction, the forest is implementing the Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA) process for developed recreation sites. The outcome will be a list of prioritized actions to more effectively manage these recreation sites. National Recreation Facility Analysis Web site What is Recreation Facilities Analysis?Recreation Facility Analysis is an analysis tool to help forests align their developed recreation sites with the unique characteristics of the forest, projected recreation demand, visitor expectations, and revenue. National forests across the country are undertaking this process. This study will look at the operation and maintenance of the campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, lookouts, visitor centers, and other facilities in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie (MBS) National Forest to assure that sound economic decisions are made that meet current and future visitor and community recreation needs. Recreation Facility Analysis has three strategic goals:
A seven-step process is used to evaluate and prioritize sites for action. The outcome will be documented in a proposed 5-year program of work. Public involvement is vital to ensure that these actions are responsive to visitor needs. Annually, phases of the program will be implemented; additional public involvement will be sought at those times. Seven Steps of Recreation Facility AnalysisThe RFA process involves seven steps, each bringing the Forest's developed recreation sites in closer alignment with the Forest's unique characteristics, projected demand, visitor expectations, costs for maintenance and revenue. STEP 1: Prepare Site Inventory and Financial DataIn this step, the inventory of recreation sites was updated, along with estimates of the costs for operation and maintenance and deferred maintenance for each recreation site. The MBS staff completed this step in June, 2007. STEP 2: Identify Unit Recreation Program NicheRecreation-visitor use, market data and public input are examined to determine the focus of the forests recreation program. Public input was sought through a series of 3 public meetings and more than 50 responses were received as e-mails. The resulting niche statement follows: "The snowcapped peaks of the Cascade Mountains tower above the green clad old-growth forests creating a world class recreation setting for the millions living in the nearby Puget Sound Metro area. Many seek refuge from the city in the unique forests, rivers, and high alpine environments of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Here, contemporary urban life, environmental awareness and lifestyle merge as nowhere else to connect people to the land, and easy-to-access day use recreation encourages an active, healthy lifestyle. The forest and its communities strive to be national leaders in informing, and connecting a rapidly growing diverse population that recreates throughout the northwest to the land." Forest-wide Settings, Special Places, and Values: Escape Routes – This setting includes major scenic corridors (I-90, US-2, SR-410, SR-20, SR 542, and the Mountain Loop Highway) that provide easy access from the city to the forest. Visitors have opportunities to escape from the city and get into nature via scenic drives and non-motorized trails. Destination Day Use – This setting includes more intensely used Wilderness and day-use areas that are easy to get to. Visitors have opportunities to easily access alpine terrain on day-use trails. Specialized recreation provides opportunities for challenge and skill development. Destination Overnight – This setting includes camping destinations. Visitors have opportunities for longer stays on the forest in developed campgrounds near scenic attractions (Baker Lake, Verlot). Nearby non-motorized trails provide opportunities for day use getaways. General Forest – This setting includes general use areas and portals to the Wilderness. Local communities use the forest as their backyard. Visitors have opportunities to explore the forest and get away on non-motorized trails. Wilderness – This setting includes designated Wilderness and adjacent non-motorized areas. Visitors have opportunities to find solitude and independence in an alpine setting. STEP 3: Identify Operational EfficienciesRecreation sites were examined to determine if efficiencies could be undertaken to further reduce site expenditures and eliminate deferred maintenance while maintaining recreation opportunities. STEP 4: Rank Recreation SitesRecreation sites are rated through the use of a series of questions involving the sites' conformance with the forest recreation program niche; their finance and operational efficiency; their effects on environmental sustainability; and their effects on community stability. STEP 5: Proposed 5-year Program of Work to StakeholdersThe proposed 5-year program of work for recreation sites is prepared based upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Broader discussions with stakeholders are sought to explore alternative ways of operating sites or building new partnerships.
STEP 6: Finalize 5-year Proposed Program of WorkThe 5-year program of work for recreation sites is refined, based upon the broader discussions with stakeholders.
STEP 7: ImplementationAnnually, site-specific steps are proposed to implement the 5-year program of work. Prior to implementation of individual projects, National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory requirements are completed. Public ParticipationWe welcome your comments and suggestions during this process. Your participation is important to ensure that the results of the Recreation Facility Analysis process meet visitor expectations by offering quality recreation opportunities in places important to people. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recreation managers invite you to work with them to identify how to best manage these sites and to respond to the proposed program of work. The proposed program of work [PDF, 13 pages] is available for public review.. Comments on the proposed program of work will be accepted through May 2008. Good public participation and communication is an integral part of RFA. We've developed several opportunities to involve our customers and engage conversation. All comments are read and considered. But how do you make a substantive comment about the RFA process? Specific feedback could include answering the following questions:
To be most helpful, comments on the niche or proposed program of work should be submitted in writing through e-mail, on-line form, or postal mail by May 31, 2008. Mailing Address: You may also submit your questions or requests to be added to the RFA mailing list online to: r6_mbs_comments@fs.fed.us or by using this on-line form. The Program of Work will be finalized for implementation after comments are considered. Our goal is to have a finalized Program of Work by the Summer of 2008. However, the Program of Work is still a living document and will be updated as needed. There will be additional opportunities to provide comments when proposed projects are being planned and implemented. For More InformationIf you have specific questions or you want to be put on the Recreation Facility Analysis mailing list for future notification, please contact Dave Redman, Recreation Planner, (425) 783-6024. |
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US Forest Service - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |