Post by cdaxena on Aug 18, 2006 9:20:44 GMT -5
BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
As you know, the Forest Service published a new rule requiring the agency to formally designate a system of roads, trails and areas where motorized vehicle use would be allowed. Forest Service regulation and other laws require the agency to conduct a planning process in collaboration with the public to help design the designated system.
Over the past few months the public lands department, along with other volunteers from the off-road community, have spent numerous hours on the phone with FS officials compiling the most up-to-date information on Travel Planning on the National Forests. As a result of that hard work we are now able to get this information out to our members and supporters.
Below is the information on Washington's National Forests along with the link to the BlueRibbon Coalition's Beta version of our new Public Lands Page, where we have posted all the information, by state, on the National Forest we have so far. This Information is updated as soon as the information comes in, so bookmark this site and check back often.
Any updates from our members will help in keeping this information as current and accurate as possible. If you have information about your area's National Forest please email Ric Foster, Public Lands Assistant at brrichard@sharetrails.org.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
Public Lands webpage www.sharetrails.org/public_lands/ then click on the Forest Service button.
Washington National Forests:
Colville National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/
765 South Main Street
Colville, WA 99114
(509) 684-7000
In 2005, the Forest Service released a new travel management rule that requires all National Forests to designate routes available to motor vehicles including off-highway vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles) and passenger vehicles (such as cars and pick-up trucks). The Colville National Forest was chosen to act as a test case for implementation of the new rule. Over the course of the last couple years, the Colville National Forest has engaged over 300 members of the public in nearly 25 public meetings in 12 communities. This included environmentalists, ATV riders, motorcycle riders, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, and other people and groups with special interests.
Through these public meetings, the Forest was able to gain support to designate over 650 miles of low standard roads for use by all vehicles (including off-highway vehicles). These roads, also known as maintenance level two roads, are typically two-track type roads that offer challenging terrain for high-clearance and off-highway vehicles. Although most are only passable by the later two classes of vehicles, users should be aware that these routes are identified for use by all vehicles and should ride and drive accordingly. In addition, non-motorized use (hiking, biking, and horseback riding), is also common on these roads. For this reason, the Colville National Forest urges users to drive and ride safely, tread lightly, and to share the road.
These new routes supplement the previously existing motorized trail system on the Colville National Forest, which includes about 175 miles of single track motorcycle trail, 50 miles of jeep trails, and 10 miles of ATV trails. In addition, the Forest has over 300 miles of non-motorized trails available to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. "The Colville National Forest understands that the motorized route system is not well connected and many routes do not provide the loops that our users want," said Newman. Accordingly, plans are in place to supplement the system with additional routes that will complete connected loops to provide a more enjoyable riding experience.
A second round of public meetings was held last fall with the intent of identifying additional routes that would complete the motorized route system and fully develop a proposed action so that the Forest could do the required environmental analysis this year. "During the course of those meetings we found that we were beginning to get the travel management cart before the Forest plan revision horse," said Newman. "In other words, we struggled with the question of whether or not our actions were consistent with our on-going Forest plan revision. We didn't want to get too far down the road in designating travel routes and cause conflicts between our Forest Planning process and the collaboration that's happening there." To address these issues the Colville National Forest has decided to focus its efforts in collaborative meetings focused on the Forest Plan revision process "so that we can get the horse back in front of the cart."
The Forest will use information gathered through last year's travel management meetings along with information developed through the on-going collaborative Forest Plan revision process to guide its proposed action for the environmental analysis of motor vehicle route designations. The environmental analysis will address inclusion of additional routes and provisions for specific motor vehicle uses such as administrative, emergency, and military operations, off-road camping, parking, hunting and game retrieval. The public will continue to be involved throughout the process.
After the analysis and subsequent decision, a final Motor Vehicle Use Map will be published. The map will show all routes available for motor vehicle use including roads and trails that can be used by passenger vehicles and off-highway vehicles. There will be seasonal restrictions, as there are today, and the map will be updated annually and amended as necessary.
In the meantime, the Forest Service is working with Pend Orielle, Ferry, and Stevens County to further their efforts in working together to serve the recreating public and to provide a boost to the area's economy. While the Forest Service retains its responsibility to designate, develop, and monitor travel routes, trailheads, and other facilities on the Colville National Forest, the Counties will provide assistance by prioritizing county roads that are critical to the success of the program, promoting public education and tourism by developing color motorized recreation opportunity maps, and enhancing the program through available funding sources. Newman said, "For this program to remain sustainable into the future, the Forest Service must engage in partnerships with the counties, other agencies, special interest groups, and the public at large, to help promote, maintain, and educate users about our motor vehicle route system. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us."
This year they are continuing with their plan by releasing interim motor vehicle use maps. The 2006 Interim Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Colville National Forest are currently available on-line at www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/forest/recreation/ohv/index.html. These maps update the 2005 OHV Use Maps and show the routes available for use by motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles) and passenger vehicles (such as cars and pick-up trucks). Printed maps will be available in the weeks to come at Colville National Forest offices and at various businesses and other vendors in the surrounding communities. Watch for additional news releases announcing the availability of the printed maps. Some errors on the 2005 maps have been corrected and, as a result of public comments, the maps were made more user-friendly (with an easier to understand legend and more landmarks to help with navigation). Keep in mind that the map is best used in conjunction with the Colville National Forest Visitor Map or other area maps.
A closure order that restricts off-highway vehicle use on non-designated roads is also in effect. This order was initiated last year to address changes in state law regarding use of roads by non-licensed vehicles. The purpose of this order is to ensure that the road system is enjoyed safely, while protecting resources and public safety, and minimizing conflicts. "This restriction primarily addresses concerns with public safety when mixed-use occurs on roads designed for higher speeds and traffic volumes", said Craig Newman, Colville National Forest Recreation, Engineering, Lands, and Minerals Staff Officer. "In most cases, the off-highway vehicle rider is the most severely injured in accidents involving passenger cars, logging trucks, and other vehicles. User safety is one of the primary reasons why we have restricted off-highway vehicle use to designated routes." On some roads there may be other reasons why off-highway vehicle use is restricted, such as impacts to water quality, wildlife, or other natural resources. In addition, routes that are being used for log haul will have restrictions to ensure public safety. "Also remember that State laws regarding motor vehicle use, such as speed, age, safety equipment, and licensing requirements apply on National Forest System lands," said Newman.
The public is encouraged to get involved in the Forest Plan revision effort. There are several focus group and community check-in meetings planned in the weeks to come. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Debbie Wilkins at (509) 447-7322. You can also contact Craig Newman, Colville National Forest Recreation, Engineering, Lands, and Minerals Staff Officer, to get on the mailing list or for more information at cnewman@fs.fed.us or by phone at (509) 684-7000. They plan on releasing the final Motor Vehicle Use Map by spring 2008.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/
10600 N.E. 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682
(360) 891-5000
In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest the Travel Management Plan is getting underway with reviewing and updating all the data in their database. This should be completed by the end of September 2006. They are also preparing a plan for public involvement which will involve meetings and open houses to get public input for the road and trail inventory. There is not a published schedule at this time but once it is published it should be available on the forest's website at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/. You can get on the mailing list or get more information by contacting Gala Miller, Acting Recreation Program Manager, at (360) 891-5177.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/
21905 64th Avenue W
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-2278
(425) 775-9702
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest currently has a Forest Order which lists all the trails and their use type which will serve as a starting point. The travel planning for the forest is in the early stages with data validation and planning. Public involvement in the process is not scheduled to begin until 2007. Once the public involvement phase begins there will be open houses and meetings with stakeholder to look at the current inventory and talk about adding other routes and trails to the inventory and doing the analysis on them.
There are Forest Maps available to the public that can be downloaded from their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/maps/. Also GIS Data is available on roads and trails in the forest for download from their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/maps/gis.shtml. For additional information or to be added to the mailing list contact Gary Paull, Trails and Recreation Coordinator, at (425) 775-9702 or by email to gpaull@fs.fed.us.
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 664-9200
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests have assemble their travel management team and will begin holding public meetings June 2006. A schedule is due to be released the third week of May 2006. They are sending letters out to over 250 user groups who have already requested information and to get involved. They will conduct meetings and workshops throughout the summer and finishing up gathering information by the end of fall 2006. They will review all the public input and hope to start their analysis by January 2007 with the NEPA process.
There is some information along with some Travel Plan Maps on their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/maps/travplan.shtml. You can also contact Jim Archambeault, Travel Management Team, for more information or to get added to the mailing or email list. His phone number is (509) 997-9738 or email to jarchambeault@fs.fed.us.
Olympic National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/
1835 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 956-2402
The Olympic National Forest is under a Closed Unless Posted Open mandate. There are only about 20 miles of open trails on the forest at this time and these are all single track trails for motorcycles only. There is nothing currently open for quads or 4 x 4s in this forest.
Travel planning for this forest is scheduled to begin around October 2007 and should be completed sometime in 2009. There are currently about 800 miles of roads that the forest is looking at for decommissioning and during the travel plan process they will be looking at those roads to do a road to trail conversion of some of these routes.
For additional information or to get on to the mailing list contact Molly Erickson, Recreation Program Manager, at (360) 374-1233 or by email mjerickson@fs.fed.us. There is nothing on the website at this time but check back in the future www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/.
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
As you know, the Forest Service published a new rule requiring the agency to formally designate a system of roads, trails and areas where motorized vehicle use would be allowed. Forest Service regulation and other laws require the agency to conduct a planning process in collaboration with the public to help design the designated system.
Over the past few months the public lands department, along with other volunteers from the off-road community, have spent numerous hours on the phone with FS officials compiling the most up-to-date information on Travel Planning on the National Forests. As a result of that hard work we are now able to get this information out to our members and supporters.
Below is the information on Washington's National Forests along with the link to the BlueRibbon Coalition's Beta version of our new Public Lands Page, where we have posted all the information, by state, on the National Forest we have so far. This Information is updated as soon as the information comes in, so bookmark this site and check back often.
Any updates from our members will help in keeping this information as current and accurate as possible. If you have information about your area's National Forest please email Ric Foster, Public Lands Assistant at brrichard@sharetrails.org.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
Public Lands webpage www.sharetrails.org/public_lands/ then click on the Forest Service button.
Washington National Forests:
Colville National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/
765 South Main Street
Colville, WA 99114
(509) 684-7000
In 2005, the Forest Service released a new travel management rule that requires all National Forests to designate routes available to motor vehicles including off-highway vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles) and passenger vehicles (such as cars and pick-up trucks). The Colville National Forest was chosen to act as a test case for implementation of the new rule. Over the course of the last couple years, the Colville National Forest has engaged over 300 members of the public in nearly 25 public meetings in 12 communities. This included environmentalists, ATV riders, motorcycle riders, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, and other people and groups with special interests.
Through these public meetings, the Forest was able to gain support to designate over 650 miles of low standard roads for use by all vehicles (including off-highway vehicles). These roads, also known as maintenance level two roads, are typically two-track type roads that offer challenging terrain for high-clearance and off-highway vehicles. Although most are only passable by the later two classes of vehicles, users should be aware that these routes are identified for use by all vehicles and should ride and drive accordingly. In addition, non-motorized use (hiking, biking, and horseback riding), is also common on these roads. For this reason, the Colville National Forest urges users to drive and ride safely, tread lightly, and to share the road.
These new routes supplement the previously existing motorized trail system on the Colville National Forest, which includes about 175 miles of single track motorcycle trail, 50 miles of jeep trails, and 10 miles of ATV trails. In addition, the Forest has over 300 miles of non-motorized trails available to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. "The Colville National Forest understands that the motorized route system is not well connected and many routes do not provide the loops that our users want," said Newman. Accordingly, plans are in place to supplement the system with additional routes that will complete connected loops to provide a more enjoyable riding experience.
A second round of public meetings was held last fall with the intent of identifying additional routes that would complete the motorized route system and fully develop a proposed action so that the Forest could do the required environmental analysis this year. "During the course of those meetings we found that we were beginning to get the travel management cart before the Forest plan revision horse," said Newman. "In other words, we struggled with the question of whether or not our actions were consistent with our on-going Forest plan revision. We didn't want to get too far down the road in designating travel routes and cause conflicts between our Forest Planning process and the collaboration that's happening there." To address these issues the Colville National Forest has decided to focus its efforts in collaborative meetings focused on the Forest Plan revision process "so that we can get the horse back in front of the cart."
The Forest will use information gathered through last year's travel management meetings along with information developed through the on-going collaborative Forest Plan revision process to guide its proposed action for the environmental analysis of motor vehicle route designations. The environmental analysis will address inclusion of additional routes and provisions for specific motor vehicle uses such as administrative, emergency, and military operations, off-road camping, parking, hunting and game retrieval. The public will continue to be involved throughout the process.
After the analysis and subsequent decision, a final Motor Vehicle Use Map will be published. The map will show all routes available for motor vehicle use including roads and trails that can be used by passenger vehicles and off-highway vehicles. There will be seasonal restrictions, as there are today, and the map will be updated annually and amended as necessary.
In the meantime, the Forest Service is working with Pend Orielle, Ferry, and Stevens County to further their efforts in working together to serve the recreating public and to provide a boost to the area's economy. While the Forest Service retains its responsibility to designate, develop, and monitor travel routes, trailheads, and other facilities on the Colville National Forest, the Counties will provide assistance by prioritizing county roads that are critical to the success of the program, promoting public education and tourism by developing color motorized recreation opportunity maps, and enhancing the program through available funding sources. Newman said, "For this program to remain sustainable into the future, the Forest Service must engage in partnerships with the counties, other agencies, special interest groups, and the public at large, to help promote, maintain, and educate users about our motor vehicle route system. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us."
This year they are continuing with their plan by releasing interim motor vehicle use maps. The 2006 Interim Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Colville National Forest are currently available on-line at www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/forest/recreation/ohv/index.html. These maps update the 2005 OHV Use Maps and show the routes available for use by motor vehicles, including off-highway vehicles (such as all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles) and passenger vehicles (such as cars and pick-up trucks). Printed maps will be available in the weeks to come at Colville National Forest offices and at various businesses and other vendors in the surrounding communities. Watch for additional news releases announcing the availability of the printed maps. Some errors on the 2005 maps have been corrected and, as a result of public comments, the maps were made more user-friendly (with an easier to understand legend and more landmarks to help with navigation). Keep in mind that the map is best used in conjunction with the Colville National Forest Visitor Map or other area maps.
A closure order that restricts off-highway vehicle use on non-designated roads is also in effect. This order was initiated last year to address changes in state law regarding use of roads by non-licensed vehicles. The purpose of this order is to ensure that the road system is enjoyed safely, while protecting resources and public safety, and minimizing conflicts. "This restriction primarily addresses concerns with public safety when mixed-use occurs on roads designed for higher speeds and traffic volumes", said Craig Newman, Colville National Forest Recreation, Engineering, Lands, and Minerals Staff Officer. "In most cases, the off-highway vehicle rider is the most severely injured in accidents involving passenger cars, logging trucks, and other vehicles. User safety is one of the primary reasons why we have restricted off-highway vehicle use to designated routes." On some roads there may be other reasons why off-highway vehicle use is restricted, such as impacts to water quality, wildlife, or other natural resources. In addition, routes that are being used for log haul will have restrictions to ensure public safety. "Also remember that State laws regarding motor vehicle use, such as speed, age, safety equipment, and licensing requirements apply on National Forest System lands," said Newman.
The public is encouraged to get involved in the Forest Plan revision effort. There are several focus group and community check-in meetings planned in the weeks to come. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Debbie Wilkins at (509) 447-7322. You can also contact Craig Newman, Colville National Forest Recreation, Engineering, Lands, and Minerals Staff Officer, to get on the mailing list or for more information at cnewman@fs.fed.us or by phone at (509) 684-7000. They plan on releasing the final Motor Vehicle Use Map by spring 2008.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/
10600 N.E. 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682
(360) 891-5000
In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest the Travel Management Plan is getting underway with reviewing and updating all the data in their database. This should be completed by the end of September 2006. They are also preparing a plan for public involvement which will involve meetings and open houses to get public input for the road and trail inventory. There is not a published schedule at this time but once it is published it should be available on the forest's website at www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/. You can get on the mailing list or get more information by contacting Gala Miller, Acting Recreation Program Manager, at (360) 891-5177.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/
21905 64th Avenue W
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-2278
(425) 775-9702
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest currently has a Forest Order which lists all the trails and their use type which will serve as a starting point. The travel planning for the forest is in the early stages with data validation and planning. Public involvement in the process is not scheduled to begin until 2007. Once the public involvement phase begins there will be open houses and meetings with stakeholder to look at the current inventory and talk about adding other routes and trails to the inventory and doing the analysis on them.
There are Forest Maps available to the public that can be downloaded from their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/maps/. Also GIS Data is available on roads and trails in the forest for download from their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/maps/gis.shtml. For additional information or to be added to the mailing list contact Gary Paull, Trails and Recreation Coordinator, at (425) 775-9702 or by email to gpaull@fs.fed.us.
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 664-9200
The Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests have assemble their travel management team and will begin holding public meetings June 2006. A schedule is due to be released the third week of May 2006. They are sending letters out to over 250 user groups who have already requested information and to get involved. They will conduct meetings and workshops throughout the summer and finishing up gathering information by the end of fall 2006. They will review all the public input and hope to start their analysis by January 2007 with the NEPA process.
There is some information along with some Travel Plan Maps on their website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/maps/travplan.shtml. You can also contact Jim Archambeault, Travel Management Team, for more information or to get added to the mailing or email list. His phone number is (509) 997-9738 or email to jarchambeault@fs.fed.us.
Olympic National Forest www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/
1835 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 956-2402
The Olympic National Forest is under a Closed Unless Posted Open mandate. There are only about 20 miles of open trails on the forest at this time and these are all single track trails for motorcycles only. There is nothing currently open for quads or 4 x 4s in this forest.
Travel planning for this forest is scheduled to begin around October 2007 and should be completed sometime in 2009. There are currently about 800 miles of roads that the forest is looking at for decommissioning and during the travel plan process they will be looking at those roads to do a road to trail conversion of some of these routes.
For additional information or to get on to the mailing list contact Molly Erickson, Recreation Program Manager, at (360) 374-1233 or by email mjerickson@fs.fed.us. There is nothing on the website at this time but check back in the future www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/.