Grizzly Bear restoration meetings scheduled for public input

SEDRO WOOLLEY – The National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have announced two additional meetings to facilitate public input on the recently released draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assessing options for the reintroduction of grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem in Washington. This initiative aims to restore the presence of these magnificent creatures in the region where they once freely roamed.

In addition to discussions about the draft EIS, the public is invited to express their views on the proposed rule from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This rule intends to provide local communities with additional management tools under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act, fostering a collaborative approach to grizzly bear conservation.

The public comment period is underway and will remain open until Nov. 13. During this time, written comments can be submitted. However, for those who prefer to share their thoughts verbally, the in-person meetings offer an opportunity to do so.

The newly announced meetings in Darrington and Winthrop complement the previously advertised virtual and in-person meetings in Omak and Newhalem.

Scheduled Meetings Details:

1. Informational Virtual Public Meeting:

   - Date: Oct. 17

   - Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

   - Platform: Microsoft Teams Live

2. In-person Public Meetings:

   - Oct. 30 – Omak, WA

     - Location: Okanogan County Fairgrounds (Agriplex and Annex)

     - Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

   - Nov. 1 – Newhalem, WA

     - Location: Currier Hall

     - Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

   - Nov. 2 – Darrington, WA

     - Location: Darrington High School Auditorium

     - Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

   - Nov. 3 – Winthrop, WA

     - Location: Winthrop Barn Auditorium

     - Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

For comprehensive information about the draft EIS, submitting comments, and details on the virtual meeting, visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/NCEGrizzly](https://parkplanning.nps.gov/NCEGrizzly.

Hard copy comments on the draft EIS can be submitted by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to:

Office of the Superintendent

Grizzly Restoration EIS

810 State Route 20

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

To view the proposed 10(j) rule from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and submit comments, please visit www.regulations.gov/. The proposed rule is also available in the Federal Register.

Hard copy comments on the proposed 10(j) rule can be submitted by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to:

Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2023-0074

Division of Policy, Performance, and Management Programs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

MS: PRB/3W

5275 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.

This important endeavor to restore grizzly bears to the North Cascades ecosystem welcomes the active involvement of the local community and the wider public in shaping the future of this iconic species in Washington. Your input can make a significant difference, so be sure to participate in the upcoming meetings and share your thoughts.