Should the Mountain Loop Highway be repaired?

Since the catastrophic floods of 2003, the Mountain Loop Highway hasn't been a loop. Washouts have closed a section of this popular access road between Barlow Pass and the Bedal campground for nearly three years, leaving popular trails such as Goat Lake inaccessible. According to an article in the Seattle Times, the Forest Service is about to announce a decision notice that would allow it to repair the road. Work could begin this summer if there are no appeals. However, groups such as the Pilchuck Audubon Society and the North Cascades Conservation Council have expressed concerns with the project.

WTA supports rebuilding the road. The Forest Service's Environmental Assessment asserts that the current plan, which would move portions of the road away from the river, will not significantly affect habitat or ecology. Pilchuck Audubon and NCCC, however, have expressed concerns that the project could damage salmon, trout and marbled murrelet habitat; they also argue that the Forest Service should spend its money elsewhere, since the road will eventually wash out again.

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Photo of Goat Lake by Don Crowley.