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Action Alert! USFS Buckhorn Project 30-Day Public Scoping, August 5, 2024

We encourage you to seize this opportunity to share your voice with the Forest Service! It is not often that we are able to contribute to management planning on such a local level, and the outcome of the planning will impact the Okanogan Highlands and larger region for many years to come. 

The scoping letter outlines the planned management activities, which are related to projects involving restoring forest conditions, reducing hazardous fuels, and recreation.

Many of the planned forest management activities are being classified under an Emergency Action Determination, which means that there will be less opportunity for public input for these activities. This is why your input is especially important now!

Your letter does not need to be perfect, just clear, and as specific as possible. It’s great to encourage the strengths you found in the plan as well as point out the weaknesses, missing pieces, and your concerns. 

Thank you for participating, your voice matters! 

Where are we in the process? SCOPING

Scoping is required by federal agencies considering actions in order to determine the scope of the issues to be addressed in the environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS). Scoping helps the agency determine the likely significance of action impacts. 

The agency must consider:

  1. Direct impacts: these are impacts “caused by the action and occur at the same time and place.” (these might be things like: impacts of roads used in timber removal on riparian ecosystems)
  2. Indirect impacts: these are impacts that “are caused by actions and are later in time or farther removed in the distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable.”  (these are things like: impacts of ATV traffic on wildlife habitat)
  3. Cumulative impacts: these are impacts that “result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes such actions.” (these are things like: the combined impact on the environment of the Buckhorn Project together with mining exploration in a similar or the same area)

During SCOPING, it is important to include everything you can think of that might be worth studying in preparation for this project. Make sure to describe how and why the impacts you’re concerned about may be harmful.

  • Consider impacts on: people, water quality, subsistence, habitats, sensitive species, etc.
  • Consider impacts that are significant: they will affect a lot of people or a few people severely
  • Consider impacts that are reasonably foreseeable: they are likely to result from the proposed project.

Links to More Information:

USFS Buckhorn Project Website

Okanogan Land and Resource Management Plan (1989)

Okanogan County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Executive Order 14072 “Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies” (2022)

USDA FS Draft EIS “National Old-Growth Amendment” (June 2024)

Suggested outline for your letter:

Impact: Introduce yourself, explain why you are writing, and the potential impacts that concern you. Remember, these impacts could be things such as: recreation, wildlife, visual quality, water quality or quantity, forest health, etc. Here are some tips:

    1. Be as specific as you can be by stating the direct, indirect, or cumulative impact you want studied. Examples might include:
      • Analyses of the habitat requirements for canada lynx, pileated woodpecker, white tail deer, or other wildlife that you value in the project area
      • Analyses of the cumulative impacts of mining pollution (from existing mines) and mining exploration in the project area.
      • Analyses of and plans for control for noxious weeds in the project area.
      • Analyses of the impacts of planned actions on the quality and quantity of recreational opportunities in the project area.
    2. Avoid stating an opinion (i.e. “I oppose…”, “I do not believe that…”, “I fear…”)

Significance: Describe the significance of the impact.

    1. Define the breadth of the scoping necessary to adequately address the significance of the impact in terms of time, geography, and populations impacted. Examples might include:
      • Consideration of impacts on indigenous peoples’ rights to hunt, fish, and gather on the “North Half” of the Colville Reservation.
      • Consideration of impacts of planned actions on sensitive habitats (e.g. wetlands and riparian habitats) and sensitive or rare species.
      • Consideration of the different management strategies that are necessitated by geographic or topographic variations in habitats (e.g. south-facing cliffs will support a different species composition than a nearby north-facing meadow)
      • Consideration of impacts on quality of life for residents and visitors in terms of forest health, recreation, landscape beauty, and livelihoods.

Foreseeable: Provide support as to why this impact is foreseeable.

    1. Link the proposed project to effects that are reasonably foreseeable. For example: 
      • Current conditions that warrant concern, such as tree/wildlife disease, wildfire, noxious weeds, impacts of a changing climate.
      • Examples of impacts of similar actions that have been undertaken in other areas.
    2. As much as possible, provide supporting information or relevant research when arguing potential harms of the impact.

Alternatives: Discuss alternatives that you want the study to consider, including: (a) other reasonable courses of action, (b) the proposal with mitigations, (c) no action.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Traditional ecological knowledge can be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a proposal and to develop alternatives. Some examples include subsistence harvest practices, subsistence resources that may be affected by the project, knowledge of migratory patterns of fish wildlife, etc.

As you write your letter, if you have questions or ideas that you would like to share or run by us, send us an email at: info@okanoganhighlands.org

Get Lost Trail Race 2024

While temperatures in Okanogan Valley soared above 100 degrees, runners, volunteers, and supporters gathered at Lost Lake to enjoy a weekend of play, friendly competition, fresh air, cool lake water, and the calls of the common loon family. The 6th Annual Get Lost Trail Race was a great success! More runners signed up than ever before, and were supported by more volunteers and supporters than ever before! Generous sponsors provided prizes, food, and funding for race expenses. We extend thanks to all who participated and are grateful for the amazing community we are continuing to build through shared appreciation of this beautiful place we live.

Race Results are posted here

Get Lost Trail Race 2023

OHA’s 5th Annual Get Lost Trail Race took place on July 9, 2023. A record number of participants, their trusty supporters, a slate of business sponsors, and a whole cohort of enthusiastic volunteers kept the event running smoothly and safely!

The Get Lost Race represents an opportunity for our community to gather in the beautiful Okanogan Highlands, exercise, recreate and meet up with new and old friends and every year gets better and better! Camping at the Group Camp of the USFS Lost Lake Campground allows us to make a whole weekend out of it! We have such fun, and can’t wait for next year!

You can find race results here: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=101525

 

Get Lost Race 2023 is Open for Registrations

Sign up at ultrasignup.com

Join us and Get Lost in the beautiful Okanogan Highlands! On Sunday, July 9, 2023, runners and walkers will take to the trails around Lost Lake in the Okanogan Highlands.

With 14 mile, 7 mile, 3 mile, and a 1k kids run, there is something for everyone! OHA has reserved the USFS Lost Lake Group Camp on Saturday night, so camping is available before the race.

Contact us at info@okanoganhighlands.org with questions or sponsorship opportunities!

Get Lost! Lost Lake Trail Race 2022

The Get Lost! Trail Race and campout has become one of the most anticipated events of OHA’s year, and this year was no exception! On the weekend of July 9-10, 2022, friends and families gathered from far and wide to enjoy the peaceful setting at Lost Lake, compete on the Strawberry Mountain, Big Tree, and OHA’s wetland trails, share a meal, and build community.

This event could not happen without the many volunteers who share their time and resources to prepare a delicious post-race lunch and pinata, guide participants through the race course, take photos, supply the aid station, help with communications and first aid, time the racers, organize the kids activities. Thank you volunteers!

Sponsors contribute food, prizes, and help support race expenses! Thank you to our 2022 race sponsors: Spring Creek Ranch, Lee Frank Mercantile, Iron Grill Restaurant, Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op, REI Co-op, and Big 5 Sporting Goods!

We are so fortunate to be able to host the race at the beautiful US Forest Service Lost Lake Group Campground. Thank you to the USFS and camp hosts!

Click Here for full race results! (Including new course records in the 3 mile, 7 mile and 14 mile women’s races)

Save the date, and join us next year: July 9, 2023! 

Start of the 3 mile race
Start of the kids race

Topographic Survey Shows Progress at Triple Creek

OHA partners with US Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct topographic surveys of the stream channel and banks to measure (even small) changes in elevation of the creek bed and shifts in the streambanks over time. The topographic surveys show how silt, sand, and gravels have accumulated, scoured, and moved throughout the project reach as the force of water carries the sediment downstream, recruits it from the streambanks, and deposits it on the creek bed. 

Graph above shows topographic survey (elevation data) plotted versus the relative distance in the thalweg of the stream. Points A-D on the graph are comparable to those points on the map below.
Aerial view (above) of Triple Creek Project area. Cooler colors signify aggradation and warmer colors signify erosion. Both processes are critical to the restoration of this stream and wetland.
The aerial view above shows that the reach is significantly longer and more sinuous now than it was before the project started.

Progress By The Numbers: 

  • 3800 yd3 = 271 dump trucks of sediment deposited in the reach!
  • 1500 yd3 = 107 dump trucks of sediment eroded in the reach!
  • 5300 yd3 = 378 dump trucks of sediment shifted within the reach!
  • 2300 yd3 = 164 dump trucks of sediment carried from outside the project area and deposited in the reach!

Trail Day 2022! Antoine Loop, Highlands Sno Park

On June 4, 2022, OHA teamed up with the Highlands Nordic Ski Club to clear the Antoine Loop – making it accessible and enjoyable for summertime use by bicycles and hikers. Ten volunteers cleared about a half a mile of mulch and branches from the trail! It was a beautiful, misty day and we got a lot done! The trail is ready for you to enjoy! Here is more information about how to find it:

This map will take you to the main Highlands Sno Park Parking area (vault toilet and information kiosk can be found here).

For a complete (printable) map of the Highlands Sno Park Trails, click here to visit the Highlands Nordic Ski Club website. Please note that some of the trails are not available in the summer months, as they travel over private property. The Antoine Loop, on the east side of the park, is fully on National Forest land and is accessible year-round.

Volunteers clearing the trail of mulch and branches
Spring flowers enjoying the wet spring!

Happy Earth Day 2022!

OHA is celebrating Earth Day 2022 with gratitude for everything you do to support OHA’s work and to honor and protect the earth wherever you are!

A sampling of the beauty of the Highlands this Earth Day

Check out our calendar of upcoming events, and join us as a participant or volunteer! For more details on our upcoming events, reply to this email or contact us at info@okanoganhighlands.org

We are inspired by the circle of generations working together to make the world a better place. This photo shows the kickoff of a field trip to the Triple Creek Restoration Project!

Upcoming opportunities to get involved with OHA!

  • Saturday, May 28: Trail Stewardship (Location TBD)
  • Saturday, June 4: Trail Stewardship (Sno Park Pond – Fence repair)
  • Saturday, June 11: Trail Stewardship (Virginia Lilly Trail)
  • Tuesday, June 14-Thursday, June 16: Forest Ecology and Stewardship with Upward Bound (Lost Lake)
  • Saturday, June 18: Trail Stewardship (Pine Chee Trail)
  • Saturday, June 25: Trail Stewardship (Virginia Lilly Trail)
  • Saturday, June 25: Family Nature Hike with Kim Kogler (Beth/Beaver Lake Trail)
  • Sunday, June 26: Geology Field Trip with Karl Lillquist
  • Saturday, July 9: Trail Stewardship (Strawberry Mountain Trail)
  • Saturday, July 9: OHA Annual Membership Meeting/30th Year Celebration (Lost Lake Group Camp)
  • Sunday, July 10: Get Lost! Trail Race (register using this link!)

You can also find these events, and details about them on our Events Page Calendar!

Get Lost Race 2022 is Open for Registrations

Get Lost in the beautiful Okanogan Highlands! On Sunday, July 10, 2022, runners and walkers will take to the trails around Lost Lake in the Okanogan Highlands. Four courses are available: 14 mile, 7 mile, 3 mile, plus a 1k kids run ensures there is something for everyone! OHA has reserved the USFS Lost Lake Group Camp on Saturday night, so camping is available before the race.

 

Sign up at ultrasignup.com

 

Hope to see you there!

Get Lost Trail Race 2021

On Sunday, July 11th, 2021 fifty runners and walkers assembled at Lost Lake for the 3rd Get Lost! Trail Race, hosted by Okanogan Highlands Alliance (OHA). Supported by friends, family, and a host of volunteers stationed throughout the trails, participants navigated either a three-mile, a seven-mile, or a 14-mile race course, while the kids took on a fun run on OHA’s Lost Lake Preserve. There was something for everyone!

Bill Kresge, participating for his third time says, “it is a beautiful venue, the woods were shady and cool, the lake great for a dip after the run or walk. What could be better? You get to support a great organization, spend the day with wonderful people, all while challenging yourself on a 3, 7, or 14 mile run (or walk).”

The atmosphere on the race course was relaxed, supportive and friendly, with both experienced and first-time trail runners hitting the trail together. Runners broke course records, they set new personal records, and had fun doing it. Danika Smith of Tonasket reports, “It wasn’t even a question whether I was going to participate in the annual OHA event. As a family we look forward to it every year. Finishing the race feels like a victory, and it is really rewarding to support an organization that helps to preserve some of my most favorite places in our region.” Korbin Forsman (Republic) set a new men’s course record for the 5k (3 mile) race, with a time of 22:23, and Jody Evans (Oroville) set the women’s record at 28:09.  The seven-mile women’s title was taken by Chelsea Shaefer (Oroville), who set a new course record of 1:07:13, while Rich Beukema (Wenatchee) held onto his title, winning the men’s division with a time of 58:02. Kirsten Casey (Poulsbo) blazed through the course, setting a new women’s in the 14-mile race with a time of 2:10:11, and Sibley Simon (Santa Cruz, CA) led the men’s division, finishing in 2:40:08. Special recognition goes out to the fleet of kids under 12 who challenged themselves on the 5k and in the kids race! Full race results can be found at: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=83316.

Trail races have many moving pieces, and this event happens smoothly thanks to volunteers who donate their time, expertise and resources every step of the way. Volunteers took on: managing runner registration and designing unique race merchandise (Rick Massey), clearing and marking the trail in advance of the race (Rose and André Corso, Marija Welton, Owen, Andrew and Jordon Weddle and Indigo Tetrick), providing aid stations and runner support during the race (Rick Massey, Charles Walker, Sarah Kaiser, Marija Welton), preparing and serving a nutritious and delicious post-race meal (Hanna, Sarah and David Kliegman), and cleaning up after the event (too many people to count). The kids had an amazing day, thanks to Tyler Graves, Jordon Weddle, Alisa Weddle, John McReynolds, and Norm and Diana Weddle who guided kids through their race, made shaved ice, and helped with a piñata! Kate Miller and Kevin Lepley stepped into many roles throughout the day, from timing, to maintaining an aid station, to photographing the event.

Many thanks go out to the business sponsors who helped to support this year’s runners. Lee Frank’s Mercantile, the US Forest Service, and North40 Outfitters contributed to race prizes, and Big 5 Sporting Goods contributed to runner nutrition.

Jen Weddle, co-director of OHA says, “The Get Lost Race is a great representation of how we can be inspired by the natural world and by each other. The Okanogan Highlands are a beautiful place to meet up, spend time outside, and challenge one another to reach new heights. We want to thank everyone for their help and participation in supporting the event and OHA, and we hope to see you out on the course next year!”

Runners came from far and wide to enjoy Lost Lake, support outdoor recreation, and learn more about Okanogan Highlands Alliance. OHA is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about watershed issues, including the environmental threats of large-scale mining. For more information go to okanoganhighlands.org

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