Comment to the USDA on the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Facility Improvements Project!

Written by Maranda Hamme

January 11, 2023

Last week, the United States Forest Service (USFS) released a supplemental draft environmental impact statement (SDEIS) for the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Facility Improvements Project. The project proposes to update infrastructure and create additional recreation opportunities at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation area. Detailed project information can be found here.

In March 2022, the USFS released a draft EIS and received nearly 400 public comments. Based on that input, the agency developed three additional action alternatives for consideration. The three alternatives focus on the location of the proposed Welcome Center and parking areas, as outlined in the SDEIS here.

The SDEIS with the proposed alternatives is open for public comment from now until February 21, 2023. Comments submitted will be used to determine which infrastructure and management proposals will best meet the purpose and needs of the project.

In addition, there will be an open house to share information and discuss the project on January 24, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

There will also be a webinar on January 26, 2023, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Alaska time. The webinar login information will be posted to the project website and shared before the meeting. Please see the project website the day before for login information. There will be a 40-minute presentation and the remainder of the time will be open to questions and answers. This webinar will be recorded and posted to the project website later on. 

Comments can be submitted in several ways: 

  • Electronically here (preferred)
  • Fax to 907-586-8808
  • Mail or hand deliver to 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, Alaska, 99801. 
    • Hand delivery can only be accepted during weekday business hours, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

Gunalchéesh, thank you,
Maranda Hamme, Tongass Forest Program Manager

 

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