Mount Hood National Forest - Fiber Optic Extension

Our client recognized an opportunity to provide additional fiber services to several underserved communities through a long-haul fiber project in the Mount Hood National Forest. The 40 miles (65 kilometres) of buried fiber optic line required a special use application because it would cross the Hood River and Zigzag Ranger Districts. To support our client’s application, we performed a wide array of technical studies–wetland, botany and weeds, cultural resources, hydrology, soils and geology, wildlife and fisheries, and engineering.

In addition to preparing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, our team conducted a biological assessment addressing fish, wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act. To reduce the impacts to the Mount Hood National Forest, our biological evaluation addressed Forest Service designated sensitive species. It also included a comprehensive plan of development with environmental commitments, design criteria, and best management practices.

Using the construction plan that placed large portions of the fiber optic project within the existing road corridor, the client avoided having to go into sensitive spaces including landslide-prone areas, stream crossings, and wetlands—and met their goal of connecting rural communities.