Conservation Organizations Comment on Geothermal Leasing near Mt. Baker

The Baker River.
Washington Wild and eight other conservation and recreation groups submitted comments to the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest on a proposal to lease public lands for geothermal exploration and development. While the organizations support efforts to explore clean and renewable energy sources, the letter calls on the agency to protect the wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities afforded by the rivers and forests near Mt. Baker as well. The Forest Service will decide which of the 83,000 acres being nominated for leasing will be restricted from development before the Bureau of Land Management proceeds with a lease auction. Read the Joint Mt Baker Geothermal Consent to Lease Draft EA Comments.