Forest Service implementing temporary closure of FSR 9070 and the surrounding area

North Bend, Wash., 08/30/2024 – The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will be issuing a temporary area closure for tribal traditional and cultural purposes on Forest Service Road 9070 west of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 and the surrounding area. The closure was requested by the Snoqualmie Tribe, as this area is within their ancestral homelands.

Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Cultural and Heritage Cooperation Authority, the US Forest Service is required to ensure access to National Forest System land, to the maximum extent practicable, by federally recognized Sovereign Tribal Nations and enrolled tribal members for traditional and cultural purposes.

“This temporary closure for tribal traditional and cultural purposes is the first of its kind for this forest and I’m excited to be able to uphold our trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations” said Acting Snoqualmie District Ranger Brian McNeil.

The temporary closure will begin on August 31, 2024, and terminate on Sept. 15, 2024. The full closure order with a map of the affected area is online at fseprd1201958.pdf (usda.gov). The closure exempts 1) any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of official duty and 2) any enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe, as authorized by the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, and their guests.

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