To our elected officials:

I am writing in regards to the upper Stehekin valley road. In 1968 the North Cascades Nation Park was formed. A intragal part of this was the formation of the Lake Chelan Recreation Area. The N.C.N.P. and L.C.R.A. were both formed to preserve a vast treasure for the enjoyment of the general public. The importance of the L.C.R.A. was not only to preserve the community that is here, but to provide access to N.C.N.P.

The wilderness act of 1988 formed the Stephen Mather Wilderness, and a made provision for the existence of the a 100' ride of way for the Stehekin Valley road. The flood of 2003 washed out several miles of the upper Stehekin valley road . We are told that the road can not be fixed in it's present location.

I am requesting that you submit and/or support legislation to reestablish the upper Stehekin valley road in the existing right of way of the old detour road, with a no net loss of wilderness area. At present the road ends a little over a mile into the N.C.N.P. effectively denying access to the general public. It is obvious from all previous legislation that this treasure is to be preserved for the general public to enjoy. We urgently need you help and support to continue this access.

Here are several reasons to continue access to N.C.N.P.
1) It gives access for recreational activities for all, no matter what age
or physical condition.
2) It is an important part of our history, all along the upper Stehekin
road.
3) It is vital to our culture and heritage.
4) It is vital to our local economy.
5) It is vital to our public safety, to provide access for emergency
response and early fire suppression.
6) Provides access for the handicapped to enjoy a national treasure.
7) Because of the uniqueness of N.C.N.P., visitors and residence alike can
visit and enjoy a national treasure with low or no impact to environment. The Upper Stehekin Valley is unique; there is no other place like it, please help us preserve public access, so all can enjoy it.

Respectfully submitted,

John Wilsey
P.O. Box 5
Stehekin, WA 98852