THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 5 – 7 pm
Yup, that’s right. Tomorrow. Not next week, not much time to plan, just time enough to drop what you may already have planned and show up!
Not much notice on this one folks, but after nearly a year of silence, tomorrow eve is possibly the last chance we’ll have to gain an understanding of what the Forest Service is leaning towards with the future of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Planning has been ongoing for a few years now, input has been gathered on numerous occasions, and big changes are afoot at one of Juneau’s favorite wild places.
In a Renewable Juneau blog post from February 28 of last year, we stated:
We’ve asked for the following: NO expanded bus parking near the visitor center; NO vehicle access close to the existing facilities; remote parking for cars and buses during the summer with an electric shuttle system to move people to the facilities; manage for the future with an eye on climate change, renewable energy and sustainability. We will continue to push for these elements of a modern, intelligent and responsible plan. We encourage you to do the same.
Following is the notice that came to my inbox yesterday afternoon, roughly 52 hours before the meeting begins:
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) invites your input on the proposed Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Facility Improvement project. The project will take place at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area (MGRA), about 12 miles northwest of downtown Juneau, within the Tongass National Forest. The project proposes changes to trails and trailheads, facilities, parking, and other improvements at the MGRA. More information can be found at the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53780.
The USFS will hold a public open house on Thursday, February 20, 2020, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the existing Mendenhall Visitor Center located on Glacier Spur Road in Juneau, Alaska. Please join us!
Your input is appreciated. Comments on this project must be received by March 19, 2020. If you have questions about the project or would like more information, contact Cathy Tighe, Project Manager, at 907-228-6274.