The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is seeking public comment until July 5 on whether to lease a portion of 9,308 acres of land nominated for geothermal exploration and development, located northeast of the town of Skykomish, Wash., within the North Fork Skykomish, Beckler, and Rapid River watersheds in Snohomish county.
Comments are due by July 5, contrary to the incorrect scoping period closing date in recent postal mailings of June 8. To comment or ask questions about this project, email Tasha Lo Porto or call at 425-783-6039. Mail written comments to Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 3A, Everett, Wash. 98201.
This project will evaluate the suitability of the area for leasing and determine stipulations to minimize potential impacts on natural resources. The Bureau of Land Management manages subsurface resources on federal lands and forwards the nominated area for lease and development. If the Forest Service allows BLM to lease the area, that agency would later conduct additional environmental analysis of specific locations for exploratory drilling, production wells and a power plant.