USFS Rule Allows Road Obliteration Without Public Input!

[Grumpy]

NATIONAL: USFS Rule Allows Road Obliteration Without Public Involvement
Action Item Included

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Two months ago, BRC blasted a nationwide alert concerning a new regulation proposed by the U.S. Forest Service that would waive required environmental analysis and public involvement for a wide range of activities described as "restoration." Among those activities are road and trail obliteration.

Read our original blast here:
BlueRibbon Coalition Criticizes U.S. Forest Service Proposed Rule
http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2012/06 ... posed-rule

In that alert, we noted:
"Many travel planning projects we are aware of have been amended within one or two years after completion, and many have been amended even before the plan has been completely implemented on the ground." It is quite likely that routes proposed for decommissioning will be necessary additions in future recreation and travel planning. Hawthorne said the fact the agency doesn't want any public involvement means the agency probably doesn't care about any potential recreational uses of these routes.

BRC's official comments (here) also noted that:
Motorized recreationists were repeatedly reassured throughout the implementation of the Travel Management Rule that initial MVUMs were a "starting point" and that ultimately motorized trail systems on Forests would evolve over time, as MVUMs would be reviewed annually with opportunities for expansion of trails open to motorized use.

BRC strongly encourages everyone who enjoys recreating on our National Forests to provide comments to the proposed rule via the agency's regulations comment webpage.

We've provided a few comment suggestions below. All comments, including names and addresses, are placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and copying. The comment deadline is midnight tonight, August 13, 2012, so please do it now!

Thank you in advance for your involvement. We'll keep you updated on this and other important issues via our Action Alert list. (Hint: Tell your friends and family to subscribe!)

Finally, as always, please call or email if you have any questions or comments.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102

BRC ACTION ITEM
Comment on USFS Rule Allowing Road and Trail Obliteration
(Review BRC's Official Comments here)

1. Click here, fill out the information required.
2. Paste the comments below in the comment area
3. Add any additional information you wish to make
4. Rest easy, knowing you are part of the solution!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVOLVEMENT!

Comments:

I strongly encourage the agency to reevaluate the effort and incorporate a robust public involvement provision.

The agency must identify ground disturbing activities that cannot be lawfully exempted from environmental analysis.

Motorized recreationists were repeatedly reassured throughout the implementation of the Travel Management Rule that initial Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) were a "starting point" and that ultimately motorized trail systems on Forests would evolve over time, as MVUMs would be reviewed annually with opportunities for expansion of trails open to motorized use. In some cases Forest officials made it clear to off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts that some existing roads and trails would be left off of initial MVUMs but would receive further consideration as the trail system matured and annual revisions were considered.

How will the USFS evaluate potential motorized recreational uses of "non-system" roads and trails that are proposed for decommissioning?

"Non-system" roads and trails may be off limits to the motorized community as a result of the MVUM, but they may still be open to other recreational uses, including mountain bike and equestrian use. Yet the proposed rule would allow a Categorical Exclusion to be used to obliterate these routes.

How will the USFS evaluate potential non-motorized recreational uses of "non-system" roads and trails that are proposed for decommissioning?



The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
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[Grumpy]

My comments:

I strongly encourage the agency to reevaluate the effort and incorporate a robust public involvement provision.

The agency must identify ground disturbing activities that cannot be lawfully exempted from environmental analysis.

Motorized recreationists were repeatedly reassured throughout the implementation of the Travel Management Rule that initial Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) were a "starting point" and that ultimately motorized trail systems on Forests would evolve over time, as MVUMs would be reviewed annually with opportunities for expansion of trails open to motorized use. In some cases Forest officials made it clear to off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts that some existing roads and trails would be left off of initial MVUMs but would receive further consideration as the trail system matured and annual revisions were considered.

How will the USFS evaluate potential motorized recreational uses of "non-system" roads and trails that are proposed for decommissioning?

"Non-system" roads and trails may be off limits to the motorized community as a result of the MVUM, but they may still be open to other recreational uses, including mountain bike and equestrian use. Yet the proposed rule would allow a Categorical Exclusion to be used to obliterate these routes.

How will the USFS evaluate potential non-motorized recreational uses of "non-system" roads and trails that are proposed for decommissioning?

Also consider economic impacts! Many small communities depend on seasonal recreation money to keep them going. Closing or "reclaiming" roads will be detrimental to many areas around OUR forests.

Categorical exclusion is back dooring at it's worst, and must NOT be used to get around meeting your responsibility to the people who pay your wages! Congress requires management for multiple use, not exclusionary tactics like this.

Regards,

Dave Walters
Tri Cities Peak Putters 4x4 Club
Land Use Coordinator
Kennewick, WA 99337

Agency: FS
Document ID: FS_FRDOC_0001-1311
Your Comment Tracking Number: 810d368e

[Grumpy]

And here is what some of the "reclaimed" roads look like now, courtesy of the Wildlands Center for the Prevention of Roads:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildlandsc ... 109602522/