[pct-l] Alpine Lakes PCT Trail Closure...........

[Andrea Dinsmore]

*U.S. FOREST SERVICE FIRE UPDATE*
*Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest*
*215 Melody Lane*
*Wenatchee, WA 98801*
*http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/conditions/fire-update.shtml*<http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/conditions/fire-update.shtml>

*For immediate release: August 28, 2009—4:45 p.m.*
*Contacts: Roland Giller, Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F. public affairs officer,
509-664-9314*
*                 *
*Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area Fire Brings Trail Closure*

*        CLE ELUM*—Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest managers are closing a
portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail to protect trail users
from a fire burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area on the Cle Elum
Ranger District.
        The Lemah Fire is estimated to be about 30 acres and is burning
about 21 miles northwest of Cle Elum. The closure order will remain in place
until Forest Service managers determine the area is again safe for public
travel.
        The closure order affects both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Pete
Lake Trail.
The closed portion of the Pacific Crest Trail stretches between where the
Mineral Creek Trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail north to where the
Lemah Meadows Trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail.
The closed portion of the Pete Lake Trail stretches from the Lemah Meadows
Trail intersection south to the Pacific Crest Trail intersection.
Additional trail closure information can be obtained by calling the Cle Elum
Ranger Station at 509-852-1100. The office will be open on Saturday, August
29.
        Fire managers have been monitoring the lightning-caused Lemah Fire
since it was detected on July 25, and managing it to meet resource benefits.

They are now allowing 13 fires in remote areas of the 4-million-acre
national forest to take their natural course in ecosystems. The strategy is
an important tool for restoring forest health in fire-adapted ecosystems
east of the Cascade Range, while mitigating escalating fire suppression
costs.
Fire managers use a scientific decision process that includes determining if
a fire will burn in a manner historically typical for an area before
deciding if it should be allowed to burn to meet resource benefits. They
then continually monitor conditions to see if it will burn from remote areas
toward communities or private land.
-End-


Roland Giller
Public Affairs Officer
Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F.
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 664-9314, rgiller at fs.fed.us