MARIENVILLE — The Marienville Ranger District of the Allegheny National Forest is proposing to relocate segments of Forest Roads 136 and 343 in Elk County to address public safety and costly road maintenance concerns, and to restore wetlands and improve water quality.

The Forest Service is initiating an environmental analysis for the FR136/FR343 Road Relocation and Wetland Restoration project located in Spring Creek Township, within Warrants 1556, 1557, 1568, 1570, 1571, 1572, 1574, 1575, and 3654, west of Ridgway.

Both FR136 and FR 343 cross streams that are part of larger wetlands, where the roads may restrict the normal flow of water and experience periodic flooding. To address long term impacts to water quality and to develop a more cost effective and safe road network, the Forest Service is proposing to relocate both roads away from the stream crossings and wetlands to uplands with well-drained soils.

This proposed project would restore wetland structure and function, reduce impacts to freshwater streams, reduce long term road maintenance costs, contribute to a more sustainable transportation network, and provide for the safe public use of these roads throughout the year.

This information is also posted on the Allegheny National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52263.