Forest Service seeks public comments on Spirit Lake Outflow Safety Improvement Project

Vancouver, WA (July 31, 2025) — The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is seeking public comments on a
draft environmental impact statement that includes programmatic plan amendments to the Gifford Pinchot
National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and Northwest Forest Plan for the Spirit Lake
Outflow Safety Improvement Project. The project is part of a long-term effort to responsibly manage the
water levels of Spirit Lake, to keep surrounding communities safe. The tunnel is located within the Mount
St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington State. 

Following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, a natural debris blockage formed across Spirit Lake’s
outlet. In 1985, an emergency tunnel was constructed to safely manage lake levels. Today, that tunnel—
while still functional—requires rehabilitation to continue serving its role effectively into the future.
“Spirit Lake is a unique natural system with a deep scientific and cultural legacy," said Ryan Cole, Spirit
Lake Project Manager. "This project reflects our commitment to thoughtful stewardship that protects public
safety, the surrounding environment, and the values that make the monument a special place.”

The Forest Service has identified two preferred alternatives: a full repair and rehabilitation of the existing
tunnel or a new pressure tunnel. The draft includes seven other alternatives for public review and comment.
There is no immediate threat; the project is part of a deliberate effort to ensure the lake’s outflow
infrastructure remains reliable for generations to come. 

The analysis within the Spirt Lake DEIS and the associated programmatic plan amendment will result in
two separate decisions, which consequently requires two separate but concurrent public comment periods.
Both comment periods are 90-days and will close on October 30, 2025. The public is invited to review the
draft and amendments and submit comments within this period. The draft environmental impact statement
with plan amendments and information about how to submit comments can be found on the Spirit Lake
project page.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and
communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology–
and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest
Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social
vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private
landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The
Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres
within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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