Dozens of people Tuesday evening got a chance to get better acquainted with proposals to overhaul the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area and further weigh in on plans to make sizable changes to Juneau’s most-visited site.<\/p>\n
More than 40 people attended an open house that was held at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to better understand seven sets of possible plans — including three that were developed based on concerns expressed about four initial alternatives — for renovating the recreation area.<\/p>\n
Of the alternatives contained in a draft environmental impact statement released earlier this month, Alternative 5 is considered to be the most highly impactful option, with Alternative 6 being least impactful and Alternative 7 being right in the middle, according to the study.<\/p>\n
A summary of all seven alternatives laid out during Tuesday’s open house are as follows:<\/p>\n
— Alternative 1 – No Action: <\/strong>This option is defined as a continuation of current operation and maintenance activities.<\/p>\n — Alternative 2: <\/strong>This alternative was developed to update infrastructure and create recreation opportunities that can accommodate projected future visitor use while protecting the unique characteristics and outstanding beauty of the area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n — Alternative 3: <\/strong>Alternative 3 was developed in response to the issues identified during public scoping related to wildlife and wildlife habitat, visitor experiences, and aquatic resources, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n — Alternative 4: <\/strong>Alternative 4 was developed to respond to public comments desiring an alternative that focuses development mainly within the already concentrated area near the visitor center rather than spread throughout the Mendenhall Glacier Recreational Area, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n — Alternative 5: <\/strong>Alternative 5 was developed in response to concerns about impacts to existing bear corridors, local access, and Mendenhall Lake. Facilities and infrastructure development are based on expected visitation over the next 30 years, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n — Alternative 6: <\/strong>Alternative 6 was developed in response to concerns about impacts to existing bear corridors, local access, existing scenic integrity and viewsheds, Mendenhall Lake, and air quality. This alternative proposes a shuttle service from the commercial overflow parking lot to access the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, proposed welcome center, and glacier and lake views, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n — Alternative 7<\/strong> :Alternative 7 was developed to analyze a welcome center placed in a remote location and access to the Visitor Center and lake and glacier views via a shuttle service in response to concerns about impacts to existing bear corridors, local access, existing scenic integrity and viewsheds, and Mendenhall Lake, according to the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n More comprehensive comparisons of the alternatives are available online at fs.usda.gov\/project\/?project=53780<\/a> under the NEW-MGRA Alternatives Comparison Table from SDEIS.pdf.<\/p>\n Additional public comment on the new supplemental draft environmental impact statement are being accepted until Feb. 21, according to acting Forest Supervisor Frank Sherman, at which point Sherman said an additional review of comments will be required before putting together a recommendation that will go to Sherman directly so he can make what’s called a record of decision, which Sherman said he hopes to have wrapped up by June of this year.<\/p>\n “We had over 400 unique comments, which was unusual, that’s extremely high for a project this size,” Sherman said. “It just shows that the public is engaged and they want to be a part of the process and I think we did a great job listening to them, coming up with three more alternatives for them to take a look at and so really, I’ve got quite the job now.”<\/p>\n Sherman added that printed copies of the study were made available for on-site use at the Juneau libraries and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center the week of Jan. 9. The in-person open house will be followed by a 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday webinar. A link to the webinar and additional information is available at https:\/\/usfs-public.app.box.com\/v\/PinyonPublic\/file\/1120264642343<\/a>, and a call-in option can be accessed by calling 1-669-444-9171.<\/p>\n