I'm glad the Eldo NF access people won one today.
I feel like I got kicked in the nuts. :mad3:
The local RD started travel planning in January. I am shocked how quickly and how quietly the comment period slipped by on the motorized travel plans on the Glacier View and Hungry Horse Ranger Districts in the Flathead National Forest.
They had an open house on January 24th. They solicited opinions at the open house and in the letter announcing the open house. There was no closure date for comments.
They
announced their proposed decision on March 2, 2008, and comment date closed a mere 19 days later on March 21, 2008. Neither was announced in the 1/1/08-3/31/08
SOPA (Schedule of Planned Actions). They didn't even send me the update, which I have repeatedly requested to be put on/remain on their mailing list. :mad3:
By the time they published their April
SOPA, the comment period was closed. :evil:
I have been working with them for over a year to try to secure a minimal amount of Over 50" trail use. They didn't even throw us a tiny bone.
At least the bourbon numbs some of it.
My letter of yesterday:
--
April 2, 2008
Jimmy DeHererra
District Ranger
P.O. Box 190340
Hungry Horse, MT 59919
Re: C.H.R. Motorized Route and Area Designation Project.
Dear Mr. DeHererra,
I have met repeatedly with Paula Peterson, Michele Draggoo, and Beth Burren
about the Cedar Flats and Hungry Horse Track areas. I attended the Flathead
National Forest (WMPZ) open house in Kalispell two years ago. I have sent
several letters and numerous emails. I have requested that I be on the
mailing list, and have not received any notices from the Hungry Horse and
Glacier View Ranger Districts.
I realize this letter comes two weeks after the March 21st requested comment
date; had I received the request for comment, I would have responded in a
more timely manner. The short (2.5 week) response time and comment date
were not published in the January SOPA, either! I respectfully request my
comments be added in light of not receiving the notice.
Cedar Flats
I have walked this area with Paula Peterson, and respect the need for an
"under 50" " trail system, which would be of particular interest to families
with younger children who enjoy riding motorcycles and ATV's.
Prohibiting wheeled motorized use is a necessary evil with the potential for
resource damage by partying teenagers. I am disappointed that an
irresponsible few have have ruined opportunities for many. I hope that this
area could be re-considered for full-size vehicle use if under 50" use
doesn't turn out to be popular and well after destructive peoples' habits of
using the area are broken.
Hungry Horse Track Area
I have walked this area with Paula Peterson and Beth Burren, and have talked
to Paula numerous times. Our club, Rocky Mountain Offroad Vehicles has done
a massive public cleanup at the track and shooting range, and numerous
unofficial cleanups while visiting the area. The shooting area was closed
without another invitation to clean it up. This has led to people shooting
(and littering) in dispersed locations that aren't as easy to clean up.
Paula had expressed the concern that unregistered OHV's (ATV's and
motorcycles) with unlicensed riders could be riding on the same trails as
street-legal registered (over 50") full-size vehicles with licensed
operators. I noted that we would be very eager to work at a state level to
see legislation passed to change this loophole that causes concern to the
Forest Service.
Also, I mentioned to Paula, as well as in my previous written comments to
your Ranger District that the area could be shared between
ATV/Motorcycle/Under 50" vehicles and Over 50" vehicles. The track area is
and has always been a traditional ATV use. There areas North and Southwest
of the track that would be ideal for Over 50" vehicles, which have had
mostly historic full-size (Over 50") vehicle use. These areas are shown on
the Hungry Horse Motocross Track Area map as being restricted to only Under
50" vehicles. Only the access road and parking area are shown as legal Over
50" vehicle areas.
I am specifically asking that these areas outside the track proper be
considered for Over 50" vehicle trail use.
My club and I stand willing to assist the Forest Service with maintenance
and cleanup, as well as legislative support to change existing regulations
that do not benefit either of us.
Wild and Scenic River Corridors
The Middle Fork and North Fork river corridors are gems for local dispersed
camping. These areas are enjoyed by a multitude of Flathead Valley
residents, not for "off-highway" recreation, but to simply enjoy a campsite
near the river on the Federal lands we own and enjoy locally.
I am not in favor of rescinding the 300 foot allowance for dispersed camping
within these river corridors. The existing rule of allowing 300 foot
cross-country travel allowance from a designated road for travel to a
campsite as long as no resource damage occurs is a very good one, and should
remain in effect and be enforced.
Swan Crest Motorized Trails
I respect the need for seasonal closures to prevent resource damage during
wetter seasons. I applaud your effort to implement seasonal closures as
opposed to permanent trail closures.
I would appreciate confirmation that you have received this letter, and
confirmation that I am on the mailing list for future updates.
Again, I realize maintenance budgets are tight, and look forward to being
able to work with the Forest Service to maintain and keep vehicle trails
open on our Federal Lands. Not everyone who loves our Forests is a hiker or
able to use non-motorized access. Some people enjoy mountain bikes, some
snowmobiles, some skis, some horses, some motorcycles and ATV's, and some
full-size 4x4's. Not all uses are necessary or compatible in all areas.
Some are not ecologically compatible with some native species. Still, it is
important to at least give all user groups an opportunity to recreate
responsibly somewhere in this District.
Best regards,
Shawn X. Xxxxxx
