The United States Forest Service is currently looking for public comment on its Anan Floating Dock and Trail Safety Improvement Environmental Assessment (EA).
The proposed project would see the installation of a floating dock with bulkhead and gangway, allowing access to the existing trail cabin near the Anan Wildlife Observatory south of Wrangell Island on the mainland.
USFS says this would improve safety at the observatory, as it would provide a more stable disembarking area for visitors. The current practice of allowing outfitters’ passengers to disembark on the beach would still be allowed.
Under the plan a new outhouse would be added near the new dock while the existing outhouse would be redesigned for better convenience. Sections of the existing boardwalk trail would also be replaced with gravel or wooden spans, where feasible.
The 30-day comment period lasts through the end of January, with an objection process to follow. In order to be eligible to file an objection, comments related to the project must be submitted during the public comment period. Individual members of organizations must submit their own comments to meet the requirements of eligibility as an individual, and the names and addresses of those who comment or file objections will become part of the public record.
A draft decision and finding of no significant impact will be presented to the public once comments have been incorporated into the analysis.
Comments can be sent to Andrea Slusser at Wrangell Ranger District, P.O. Box 51, or by email at comments-alaska-tongass-wrangell@fs.fed.us. Project documents including the 21-page EA are available online at http://goo.gl/DKSQng. Physical copies are also available in the ranger office at 525 Bennett Street.
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