Public comments Stemilt-Squilchuck nonmotorized

Speak up now regarding a possible reserved nonmotorized winter play zone within the Draft Stemilt-Squilchuck Recreation Plan (bordering Mission Ridge Ski Area in WA). Comment in person or by e-mail:

Hearings are scheduled for May 28th, 2019 and June 4th, 2019, from 6-8pm at the Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee WA. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hearings and provide comment on the Draft Plan.

Comments can also be submitted prior to the first hearing and will be shared with the Commissioners. If you would like to submit written comment, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to 411 Washington St., Suite 201 Wenatchee, WA 98801.

All planning documents to date can be viewed here: www.co.chelan.wa.us/natural-resources/pa...-recreation-planning . The plan and maps are here: www.co.chelan.wa.us/natural-resources/pa...g-documents-and-maps

This prime backcountry is to be redeveloped. Search TAY for "Squilchuck" to read TR's and photos from this high elevation area.

Motorized users in the Wenatchee area are organized and vocal. Much of the planned development caters to snowmobiles. Human powered enthusiasts have so far held onto a shrinking winter play zone that might be reserved for skiing and splitboarding, with access from the Mission Ridge lifts and a possible non-motorized SnoPark. A nonmotorized warming hut is also proposed.

Last chance to comment. Determination of Non-Significance has undergone SEPA review, and SEPA comments have been documented. The next step in the adoption process will be the two public hearings with the intent to present the plan, hear public comment, and determine an adoption decision by the Board of County Commissioners.

This information was provided by Erin McKay, Senior Natural Resource Specialist, Chelan County Natural Resource Department, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (509) 630-5303. Should other methods fail, send comments to Erin.

El Sendero, a local winter backcountry advocacy group, has spent years trying to carve out a small area to use as a non motorized winter use area in the basin. After years at the negotiating table and at the eleventh hour the local snowmobile group refused to accept the plan, and El Sendero's input was completely ignored. As it stands now, the non motorized area is a few square miles, carved out of the whole area. It would be great if the backcountry crowd would lend a little weight to the scales, thanks.