Can We Expect This In The Northwest?

[Grumpy]

Access Alert
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Forest Service Proposes to Close 83% of
Roads in Manzano & Gallinas Mountains
The Mountainair Ranger District revealed its Travel Management proposal today, which would ban the use of all motor vehicles on over 80% of the roads in the Manzano and Gallinas Mountains. This will affect all vehicles includes motorcycles, ATVs, and 4WDs. It also affects all members of the public, including hunters. According to the proposal, there are currently 471 miles of unpaved roads legally open to vehicles, 411 miles of which are 'Jeep' roads. The proposal would ban motor vehicles from all but 179 miles.

The proposal also virtually eliminates using a motor vehicle for camping alongside roads. Known as 'dispersed camping', motor vehicle camping would be allowed on less than 15 miles of road. This is a reduction of 97% of the currently allowed vehicle camping.

The public has 30 days to comment on these issues by submitting letters or emails. These proposals are in the Draft Environmental Assessment for Travel Management on the Mountainair Ranger District. The 30 day comment period will end on April 3, 2010. Those who provide comments during this comment period will be eligible to appeal the final decision.

The purpose of this proposal is to designate a motorized road and trail system on the Mountainair District. Designation will include class of vehicle and time of year for motor vehicle use. The decision will result in the publication of a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). After the MVUM has been released, ALL other motorized travel off the designated system will be prohibited. The full text of the document is on the Mountainair Ranger District Travel Management website.

Three Open House public meetings will be held on March 9th, 10th, and 11th. This will be an opportunity to meet with the Forest Service and ask questions about the project and the proposed closures. The meeting will begin with a short presentation on the alternatives at 5:00pm, followed by the open house.

Tuesday, March 9th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm Mountainair Senior Center, 107 N. Summit Avenue, Mountainair.

Wednesday, March 10th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm Corona Senior Center, 451 Main Street, Corona.

Thursday, March 11th, 5:00pm - 7:00pm Torreon Community Center, 18 E Torreon Heights Road, Torreon.

Comments can be submitted by postal mail, email, and fax. Specific instructions and contact information are available here.

Additional information regarding this proposal can be obtained from:

Erin Hudson, Travel Management Project Leader, at 505-346-3900


Mark
President


Read the Forest Service Documents Here

Environmental Assessment and Maps
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/projects ... orts.shtml


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New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance