2026-8-24_CDS_SS_Briefings (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Some combination of these areas. The Forest Service should also identify the activities that would be prohibited within the closure boundary, including whether restrictions would apply to boating, fishing,paddling, swimming, hunting, winter recreation, and other use of the water surface, or shoreline that may be considered navigable waters. If the proposed action would permanently restrict public access to a portion of the Keechelus Lake, the final EA should disclose: • The number of affected surface acres and shoreline acres; • The nature and duration of access restrictions; • The anticipated effects on boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, hunting, winter recreation, and shoreline use; • How those impacts were considered in the conclusion that recreational effects would be minimal; and • Whether reasonable alternative access or mitigation measures are available. The Draft FONSI states that there are no unique opportunities or destinations such as lakes, peaks, or viewing locations. Because Keechelus Lake is both a lake and regional recreation destination,the FONSI should address the lake if any part of it is included in the closure area and should explain the basis for concluding that the closure would not result in significant recreation impacts. Finally, the Draft EA describes the action as a closure on National Forest Land. Keechelus Lake is a Bureau of Reclamation-managed reservoir and part of the Yakima Project, while the Forest Service manages recreation associated with the reservoir. The County requests clarification and supporting documentation regarding the Forest Service's authority to regulate access to the water surface, lakebed, shoreline, or each of those areas within the proposed closure boundary. Requested Actions Before issuing a final EA, FONSI, or Decision Notice, the County respectfully requests that the Forest Service: 1. Clarify whether the Proposed Action is a five-year temporary closure or a permanent closure. 2. If permanent closure is proposed, correct the public notice and provide a properly noticed opportunity for the public to comment specifically upon permanent closure. 3. Repair or replace inaccessible links and make documents incorporated by reference or materially relied upon in the EA reasonably available to the public. 4. Provide the public with an opportunity to review those materials before concluding the applicable public participation process. 5. Explain whether a five-year closure followed by monitoring and reassessment was considered and, if not analyzed, explain why.