Links to information about decisions by the United States Forest
Service (USFS) to control off-road vehicles in specific National
Forests.
Forest Service Proposes to Rewrite National Forest Management
Act Regulations:
On December 6, 2002, the U.S. Forest Service published a
proposed rule that would dramatically reduce the role of science
and public participation in the development of forest management
plans. The Service is accepting public comments on the proposal
through March 6, 2003.
If finalized as proposed, these changes would facilitate unlimited
and highly-damaging off-road vehicle use on National Forests coast-to-coast.
While such use and damage have increased dramatically over the
past 20 years, under the proposal, the Forest Service would be
encouraged to maintain the status quo. Furthermore, it creates
a new presumption that all National Forests are open to and suitable
for large-scale dirt bike and ATV use regardless of conditions
in specific forests, which would make such use inappropriate.
Arizona National Forests (Prescott, Tonto, Kaibab,
Coconino,and Apache/Sitgreaves)
These forests are engaged in a joint effort to develop a proposed
alternative to manage off-road vehicle use. Read
the Federal Register notice announcing the "proposed action
alternative" developed by the forests. Although the comment period
formally closed on March 15, 2002, this notice provides basic
information about how the Service proposes to regulate this use
on each of the forests.
Chippewa and Superior National Forests, Minnesota
These forests are jointly revising their forest plans. Determining
how to manage off-road vehicle use will be a major issue during
the process. More
information about the planning process.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin
In mid-March 2002, the Forest initiated a roads analysis to determine
the extent of its road system and to solicit public input "to
determine the social, cultural, environmental and economic concerns
and issues associated with Forest roads." The
press release announcing this process.
Helena National Forest Travel Planning (Montana)
On April 18, 2003, the Forest Service published a notice of intent
to prepare an environmental impact statement designed to revise
travel management in the South Belts, Divide and Blackfoot project
areas. Publication of the notice initiated the scoping period
and public comments must be received by May 15, 2003. According
to the notice, the proposed action will delineate motorized and
non-motorized roads, routes and trails. In addition, it would
appear to allow cross-country travel "within 300 feet of
an open, designated road … primarily to access dispersed
camping sites and other uses as long as it does not result in
unacceptable resource damage." FR Notice
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-9571.htm
Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
On March 20, 2002, the Forest Service published in the Federal
Register a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS) and amended Forest Plan for the Shawnee National
Forest in Illinois. Among other things, this process will address
off-road vehicle use in the Forest. In particular, the Forest
Service will consider developing a designated road/route system
for off-road vehicle use and the need for additional resources
to better monitor the impacts of off-road vehicles and enforce
existing laws and regulations governing such use. For more information
about the planning process, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee. View
a PDF document which addresses planning-related issues in detail.
White River National Forest, Colorado
On June 4, 2002, the U.S. Forest Service issued the final Land
and Resource Management Plan Revision (known commonly as a Forest
Plan) for this 2.25 million acre forest.
The planning process has been lengthy and quite contentious.
The White River is one of the most heavily visited National Forests
in the country and has been severely impacted by off-road vehicle
use. For more information about the issues the Plan must address
and for an analysis of the final Plan, visit the White
River Conservation Coalition.
Planning
related documents section of the White River website.
Wayne National Forest, Ohio
On April 4, 2002, the Forest Service published a Notice of Intent
to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) and revised
Forest Plan for the Wayne NF. The Wayne covers a patchwork of
public and private land across more than 830,000 acres in 12 counties
in southeastern Ohio. Off-road vehicle use currently occurs in
the Forest on portions of a 300-mile network of routes.
Federal
Register Notice
Wayne NF website
