Begin forwarded message:
From: JoniMogs@aol.com
Date: April 8, 2004 9:51:54 AM PDT
To: anna.morrison@co.lane.or.us
Subject: Forest Service Proposed Rule Briefing Paper
ALL
FYI Here is the latest FS briefing paper by Jack Troyer on the proposed OHV rules
I'm pretty sure this will be a fairly long process. Please help stay on top of it. My main concern is that the Forest Service will use their "budget" problems to comply with the new rule in ways that are not good for off highway recreationists. I've recently talked to recreation officers who are unsure of their tenure with their particular forests or are on temporary or part time assignments and their budgets have been "robbed" to fight fires. This proposed rule appears to be an expensive proposition if they do it right, (inventory all the roads and trails and examine how they fit in a "system", then produce maps and place signs, etc. while consulting with local users). If resources are slim, my fear is that roads and trails will be closed becauses the service cannot "afford" to designate them.
Briefing Paper is pasted below.
Joni Mogstad
**************************************************************************************************
Date: April 7, 2004
Topic: Proposed rule for designated routes and areas for motor vehicle use.
Issue: The Forest Service proposes to amend the regulations at parts 212, 251, 261 and 295 with respect to travel management on National Forest System lands to address management issues related to motor vehicle use, including the use of off-highway vehicles. The rule would provide for motorized recreation opportunities on National Forests through a system of designated roads, trails and areas. Draft rule has been provided to Directives Staff; NFS is working to have included in top priorities for Directives. The Forest Service is targeting publication of proposed rule as soon as possible (possibly within one-month).
Background: Off-road motor vehicle use for public enjoyment of the National Forest System has increased dramatically. The Forest Service works with a number of grass roots, national and non-profit organizations to provide user education, safety training, restoration projects and management of off-highway vehicle use.
The current regulations guiding the management of off-highway vehicles and the provision to allow, restrict or prohibit, has led to development of a number of approaches to management - some forests have travel plans that restrict motor vehicle use to designated routes or areas, other National Forests do not restrict motor vehicle use. The result is a patchwork of travel management restrictions, with some National Forests still allowing cross-country motor vehicle use and others restricting or prohibiting it. On many National Forests the impacts from off highway vehicles has evolved into situations where whole landscapes are denuded, rutted or scarred from motor vehicle use.
Key Points:
The proposed rule change will:
· Integrate motor vehicle use with regulations for the Forest transportation system;
· Provide a consistent national framework for designation of NFS motor vehicle use system;
· Require forests to designate roads, trails and areas available for motor vehicle use in a use map;
· Eliminate the need to issue and/or post orders;
· Include provisions for management of snowmobiles;
· Maintain public involvement and decision making at the appropriate level of the organization;
· Provide for future integration of non-motorized travel into the use system;
· Provide an increase in efficient, effective, and defensible law enforcement; and
· Expand the off-road management focus of the Executive Order to management of a designated travel /transportation system;
· When final, will be accompanied by draft FSM/FSH direction.
Contacts, meetings & briefings:
Numerous briefings to advise external interests on the efforts underway and enlist their assistance have taken place. Examples include:
· Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Symposium, Mule Deer Foundation, IAFWA, American Wildlife Conservation Partners, NASF, NACo, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, United Four Wheel Drive Association
· National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Blue Ribbon Coalition
Western Trail Builders, American Motorcyclist Association, and Motorcycle Industry Council
· Partners Outdoors, Natural Trails and Water Coalition, Wilderness Society, American Hiking Society, American Recreation Coalition
· National Association of Counties Public Lands Steering Committee, several State Parks and Recreation Directors, National Wild Turkey Federation, Tread Lightly!, U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution
· Bureau of Land Management national office staff & BLM Trails and Travel Management Team
· House Resources and Agriculture staff & Senate Energy and Natural Resources staff
Feedback on key issues/concerns:
· The treatment of user created or unplanned routes that developed as a result of cross-country use
· Level of inventory necessary to support designation work
· Level of NEPA necessary to support designation work
· Need for resources and law enforcement to support management of motor vehicle use
· Transition from areas generally open to cross-country travel to system of designated roads, trails and areas
· Treatment of snowmobiles (proposal exempts from required designation; proposal retains authority currently in 295 to allow, restrict, or prohibit snowmobile use)
· Tenuous support for broad concept - much interest in details about implementation of designation process
Next steps:
· Launching NEPA guidance for proposed rule - considering joint effort with NACo, NASF and others.
· Launching FSM/FSH direction.
Contact: Jack Troyer, Regional Forester & Team Leader 801.625.5605, or Mary Wagner, Assistant Director RHWR, 202.205.0925
