The Forest Service is accepting public comments through Nov. 14 for a proposal to develop a comprehensive plan and environmental analysis for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

The purpose of scoping is for the Forest Service to identify important issues and determine the extent of analysis necessary for an informed decision on a proposal.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is one of the nation’s newest national scenic trails, designated by Congress as part of the National Trails System in 2009.

The trail covers approximately 1,200 miles, from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, extends through Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Most of the route is in place, on existing roads or trails, and is available for public use.

A comprehensive plan is required for trails by section 5 of the National Trails System Act. The goal for the plan is to ensure future administration, management and preserve the values of the trail.

During the scoping period, the Forest Service is seeking comments on what should be included in the comprehensive plan.

The project area for the comprehensive plan includes portions of seven national forests: the Flathead, Kootenai, and Idaho Panhandle National Forests in the Forest Service’s Northern Region, and the Colville, Okanogan-Wenatchee, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, and Olympic National Forests in the Pacific Northwest Region.

It also includes lands managed by the National Park Service in Glacier National Park, the North Cascades National Park Complex, and Olympic National Park, as well as lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Washington.

Portions of the project area are within the Colville Reservation and Swinomish Reservation.

The scoping document can be downloaded from the Pacific Northwest Region’s project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52259 (or contact the project lead, Becky Blanchard, at becky.blanchard@usda.gov or (503) 808-2449 to receive a copy via U.S. Mail or email).

Comments may be submitted electronically through the online portal at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=52259 by selecting the “Comment on Project” link in the “Get Connected” group at the right-hand side of the project webpage.

If you’re not able to access the online comment form, you may submit comments by regular mail to Pacific Northwest Regional Forester’s Office; Attention: Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan Comments; 1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 1700; Portland, Oregon 97204.

The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the full draft comprehensive plan and environmental analysis once those are completed (anticipated early 2023), and comments received during that public comment period will also provide standing for objection.