(ED-The following
press release details the changes in motorized recreation on the Clearwater National Forest and it's not good news
for motorized users. According to one estimate, about 400 miles of motorized
trails will be closed or about a 35 percent reduction in summer trail miles.)
Orofino, ID
- With public comments analyzed and analysis completed, Nez Perce-Clearwater
National Forest Supervisor Rick Brazell has decided how motorized uses will be
managed on roads and trails within the boundaries of the 1.8-million-acre Clearwater National Forest.
Brazell selected Alternative C Modified, an alternative
based on Alternative C that was described as "Motorcycle Loop Trails and
Wildlife Habitat" in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement released in July
2009.
While the modified alternative is similar to the original
Alternative C, Brazell said it responds to issues and concerns about
opportunities for motorcycle loop trips to a greater degree than Alternative C.
It also implements seasonal trail closures to protect key fisheries and
wildlife habitat. The decision:
·
Permits motorized uses on designated routes,
except for snowmachines in winter. This change is consistent with national
direction, and is a fundamental change from the current situation where travel
is permitted except where specifically restricted.
·
Restricts motorized travel (particularly over
snow) and bicycle travel in areas recommended as Wilderness by the 1987 Forest
Plan. An exception is summer motorized travel on Fish Lake Trail 419.
·
Implements seasonal closures on some trails in
Management Areas C1 (big-game summer range emphasis), C6 (fisheries habitat
emphasis) and C8S (big-game summer range/timber management emphasis). This
reduces opportunities primarily for backcountry motorcycle users.
"This was not an easy decision to make," Brazell stated.
"While many commenters sought increased motorized opportunities, others
passionately argued for the elimination of motorized uses in many areas of the Forest."
Brazell said he used four key considerations in making the
decision: (1) the degree to which each alternative would provide
well-distributed opportunities for motorized recreational uses and quiet,
non-motorized uses of the trail system outside of Wilderness; (2) the degree to
which each alternative would provide well-distributed opportunities for both
snowmobiling and quiet, non-motorized winter recreation; (3) the degree to
which each alternative would achieve desired conditions for other resources,
particularly wildlife and recommended Wilderness; and (4) the degree to which
each alternative was consistent with goals and objectives in the 1987 Forest
Plan.
"I sincerely believe the selected alternative provides the
best mix of motorized uses while protecting wildlife and fisheries habitat," he
explained.
Brazell said individuals who drive full-size vehicles or
off-road vehicles will not notice much change from the current situation.
Those who will experience the most change will be
motorcyclists who use the North Fork Ranger District. While there will more
loop opportunities than originally presented, there will be shorter seasons for
the use.
Individuals who ride bicycles and snowmobiles in recommended
Wilderness will also be affected by the decision. The 1987 Clearwater Forest
Plan recommended 198,200 acres for Wilderness designation in the
Mallard-Larkins, Hoodoo (Great Burn), and Selway-Bitterroot areas.
Upon issuing the decision the Forest will focus efforts on
creating a Motor Vehicle Use Map that will display the travel management
decision for Forest users. That will hopefully
be completed prior to the summer travel season.
The Clearwater
National Forest initiated
the travel planning process in response to national agency direction to
designate roads, trails and areas where motorized travel will be permitted and
to display them on a Motor Vehicle Use Map.
The Travel Planning Final Environmental Impact Statement and
Record of Decision represent the culmination of more than four years work and
incorporation of thousands of public comments. All project documents are posted
on the website http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=17992
