So the EIS for the Saline Valley is finished and open to public comment. There are currently six proposals for managing the Saline Valley within the NPS, and they range from "No Action Alternative" where the NPS leaves things in the Saline Valley as-is, to the "Restoration Alternative", where the springs are bulldozed and the Chicken Strip removed.

While several in-between options involve keeping the Chicken Strip, they all hinge on a "Promulgation of special regulation" to allow the strip to be maintained and used. They do not explain what that entails or if it's even possible. I'm suspicious.

ONLY the NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE guarantees continued use of the Chicken Strip and allows the springs to continue to run with a minimum of government oversight and interference.

The easiest way to voice your support for the Chicken Strip is to go here:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsOp ... ctID=39438

Click on "Alternatives Development" and post a comment. While people are encouraged to be as vociferous and eloquent as they can be, the simplest comment would be "I support the NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE to managing the Saline Valley."

It will only take a couple minutes and it might make a big difference!

thanks,

hammer

Pardon my incompetance, nowhere did I find 'Alternatives Development,' lots of other titles, perched on almost everything I could think of???????????????????

Hammer, thanks for posting this. We saw them posted at the Springs and also got the email last week. I was wanting to hear from those who know which the best one was to support. I'll do it now.

Done!

I support the NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE to managing the Saline Valley. Local and outside parties already work to maintain these facilities. The addition of more government involvement and more regulations will only destroy the beautiful location, and the activities there. Thanks!

Done. Thanks Hammer, and nice to hear from you.

me wrote:I would like to add my support for the "No action alternative" for this proposal, specifically because of the handling of the Chicken Strip airstrip. It is a treasure and a resource and should be left as is, with no further special regulation for its continuation or usage.

Done

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm ... ntID=56823

Done, but not sure if a Canadian perspective on the issue is that valuable.

You must first Click on "Posters at Public Meetings".

Then on the next page that opens, click on the "Comment on Document" box under Comment Period. This opens up the comment form.

"I SUPPORT THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE. I feel that Warm Springs is a national treasure that should remain accessible to public aircraft due to its remote location and history of public aviation access. The public landing strip affords an efficient, environmentally-friendly way for visitors to access this remote area while minimizing dust pollution, road damage and vehicular breakdowns due to the rugged nature of the access roads."

Done,

Thanks for bringing this up Hammer

Done, And thanks again for keeping us up to date.

Done

Done, thanks for the heads up hammer.

Cheers

That was easy. Thanks for posting this... and done/ shared on my forum.

Done, I've been going there since the early 60's, so I really value the remoteness and lack of Administrative trespassing. Lizard Lee is doing great.

Done.

I support the NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE to managing the Saline Valley. Especially in regard to the Chicken Strip. Flying in by private aircraft leaves the lightest footprint on the environment.

Done.

Is anyone planning on attending any of the public hearings? There's one today, tomorrow and Thursday at Furnace Creek, Lone Pine and Ridgecrest respectively. They start at 4pm each day.

Done!

DONE, plus introduced on maulepilots.org site

Comment submitted on NPS site. No action Alt. Thanks for keeping us in the loop!