Suttle Lake report coming soon

An Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed expansion of Suttle Lake Resort is slated for completion by early March, according to Bill Anthony, Sisters District Ranger.

Recent stories about Suttle Lake have examined the geology, recreational history, fisheries and water quality of the lake.

Many people, however, have questions about the EA process itself and how an agency like the U.S. Forest Service goes about the process of making an environmental determination on an issue like this.

Forest Service representative Jery Ferguson says that an EA usually takes about a year to put together -- including a 30-day comment period at both ends of the process.

"It takes a full year -- sometimes longer -- because of the need to look at each season," she said.

A 30-day period for collection of comments is required after each EA process, but the pre-assessment comments are not mandatory.

"We do that," Ferguson said, "because it helps to integrate the public into the process and identify areas of focus and alternatives."

Ferguson explained that, under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, virtually any activity on public lands requires officials to consider the environmental impact.

The purpose of the act is "To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment...."

To meet the act's requirements, the Forest Service first determines what level of environmental examination an issue merits.

Ferguson said that even the most simple activities, such as firewood and mushroom gathering or Christmas tree cutting, necessitate such a determination.

There are three levels of environmental consideration.

Routine, minimal-impact activities that do not require public input come under the lowest level, called a "categorical exclusion."

Ferguson said that examples of such activities might range up to pre-commercial thinning of previously logged areas, some prescribed burns, and fish enhancement projects.

The second level of environmental consideration is the Environmental Assessment, such as the one now focusing on Suttle Lake.

Finally, cases entailing significant impact may be subject to a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Sometimes, Ferguson said, the findings of an EA might lead to a conclusion that the more comprehensive EIS should be undertaken. Any EA or EIS must be consistent with the Northwest Forest Plan and the Deschutes National Forest Plan.

In the case of the Suttle Lake proposal, the permit holders are seeking to build a new lodge and cabins that will restore recreational use activities to approximate conditions that have existed in the past.

The first Forest Service permit for a lodge and facilities was issued in the 1920s.

Options being considered by the Forest Service include the permit holder's proposal, a scaled-down version of that proposal, and "no action."

The permit holders have indicated to the Forest Service that "no action" would probably make continued operation of the resort, under the existing permit, "not economically feasible."

Approval of either proposal would allow the replacement of a main lodge similar to the one destroyed by fire in 1974.

One key feature of approved changes would be a new access road with a redesigned entrance.

There are currently two roads accessing the Suttle Lake area. Road safety in the area has long been a concern, even at current levels of access. High-speed road traffic and limited visibility have resulted in accidents.

It is believed that a redesigned single entrance to the area will enhance safety.

The long wait on the outcome of the resort's proposal is nearly over. Within the next few days, Anthony will likely be making a decision on the EA that will determine Suttle Lake Resort's future.