Salem, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Northwest Oregon District is seeking public comments on a recently completed Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for access improvements at Sandy Ridge Trailhead. The deadline to submit comments is December 5th, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
The document analyzes various improvements including increasing parking to 180 parking spaces, providing picnicking options, an additional vault restroom, and a beginner level mountain bicycle skills course. Additionally, a formal event area for bicycle demos and food carts will be added to the center of the existing parking area. The BLM would also construct a bicycle hub structure that will offer visitors a changing area, bus stop, and bicycle wash station. The total footprint of the project covers 4.2 acres.
Sandy Ridge, located approximately 11 miles east of Sandy, Oregon, has become a premier mountain biking destination in the Pacific Northwest. Approximately 100,000 visitors enjoy the trails each year. “On weekends, the parking lot is often overflowing with vehicles," said Chris Papen, Acting Cascades Field Office Manager. “These improvements will allow us to safely accommodate a greater number of visitors and provide tailored mountain biking recreation experiences," said Papen.
The EA and draft FONSI are available for public review online at the project ePlanning webpage: http://tinyurl.com/SandyRidgeTrailheadEA. Please send written comments on the EA to Dan Davis, Northwest Oregon District Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management, 1717 Fabry Road SE, Salem, Oregon 97306. Comments may also be sent via email to BLM_OR_NO_Rec_publiccomments@blm.gov, faxed to (503) 375-5622, or submitted through the ePlanning webpage above under the “Documents" section.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
