Date: 11/22/2008 BRC IDAHO ACTION ALERT
Dear BRC subscribers,
The looming deadline for comments on the Salmon-Challis National Forest Travel Plan gives us a chance to blast a quick update on some important Idaho land use issues.
Comment Deadline November 25, 2008
A really important action alert on the Salmon-Challis NF Travel Plan is at the bottom of this email. Above that, we have a section giving a quick update on some of the land use issues BRC is tracking in Idaho. In each update, we've included a suggestion on what you can do to help.
Please take a minute to review this alert before the holiday. Also, everyone at BRC would be very grateful if you would forward this alert to family and riding pals. If you are already a BRC member, please ask them to join BRC and help us protect Idaho's trails.
Thanks,
Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster
208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107
IMPORTANT PS:
Super Mega Action Kudos to all Idaho OHV advocates that worked on this Salmon-Challis Travel Plan. Paul Turcke, BRC's attorney, reviewed the comments some of the Idaho groups submitted and stated that they were "state of the art" in participation in any administrative planning process.
Among those providing detailed input are Bill Dart from ORBA, Clark Collins from Gem State ATV, Mike Jeffords and Dan Thompson from Ravalli County Off Road User Association and the entire staff at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
A hearty very well done to these and all who are working the Salmon-Challis Travel Plan!
Idaho Land Use Update
Wilderness Society takes Sawtooth National Forest to court in brash attempt to close trails.
The Sawtooth National Forest recently finalized their travel plans on the Minidoka and parts of the Ketchum and Fairfield Ranger Districts. OHV advocates were initially outraged at the closure of many popular campsites, motorcycle and ATV trails. Indeed, the Minidoka RD made significant closures across the entire district. Working with BRC, local OHV groups filed an administrative appeal of the plan, and so did the Wilderness Society. All of the appeals were denied.
Local OHV users decided they would work with the Forest Service, the county and sportsmen groups to try to make improvements to the plan. Things were moving along when the Wilderness Society slammed the Forest Service with a federal lawsuit demanding massive additional closures.
Stay tuned. Have everyone you know subscribe to BRC's Action Alert list. There WILL be news soon!
What you can do to help:
Donate to BRC's legal defense fund.
Payette Trail Closures Challenged
Administrative appeals will be filed on several tragic trail closures in the Krassel Ranger District on the Payette National Forest.
The new travel plan for the Krassel RD on the Payette NF recently closed some world class trails. At the very time the popularity of OHV use in Idaho was increasing dramatically, the federal agencies have drastically reduced the miles of roads and trails. The situation has reached a critical mass. Every mile of trail existing today is very important. "Just because" is no longer a valid reason for closure.
"BRC, along with the Idaho Recreation Council and several individual OHV enthusiasts are trying to save these trails via the administrative appeals process. Every mile is precious."
What you can do to help:
Join BRC and your local trail machine and snowmobile club and call your congressman today. (Click here and enter your zip to get the number.) Tell them that the level of road and trail closures in Idaho has reached a critical mass. Ask them to have their staff review the Payette's Krassel Ranger District closures and follow up with the Forest Service.
Owyhee Wilderness Bill attached to massive Omnibus Bill
Did Simpson try to slip CIEDRA in at the last minute?
Most of you have heard that the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 (S. 3213) is apparently dead for this Congress. Of course, no one knows for sure so if you haven't already called your senator, please do so NOW. Click here
BRC considers this a high priority for the next congress. Somehow, we have to generate enough grass-roots calls to stop this omnibus package crud once and for all.
For those of you who are new to BRC's Action Alert list, the omnibus land bill is "catch all" legislation consisting of more than 150 separate bills! The omnibus package is a not-so-clever way our Congressional representatives can push through Wilderness and other land use bills that cannot pass on their own merits.
Can you believe it? Idaho has TWO Wilderness bills that fit nicely into that category! Senator Crapo's Owyhee bill and Congressman Simpson's CEIDRA (Central Idaho Development and Recreation Act). Because of fundamental flaws (Owyhee tries to save cattle ranching by cooperating with people committed to eliminating cattle ranching (?!?!) - CEIDRA because most of the land is already in a protected area (NRA) and off limits to commercial mining and timber) these bills haven't made significant progress.
The omnibus package also includes the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) legislation. As if this lousy bill didn't stink enough, a recent inquiry by Utah Congressman Rob Bishop dug up some information about some potentially improper coordination with environmental groups and Bureau of Land Management employees - a possible violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which bars federal employees from lobbying Congress.
What you can do to help:
Please take just a second to thank Senator Larry Craig, Oklahoma Senator Coburn and Utah Congressman Rob Bishop for at least attempting to add a little common sense to all of this. BRC put together an email generator to make it easy. Click here
Idaho BLM continues planning:
The BLM in is moving slowly and surely on revising their management plans across the Gem State, these plans include: Four Rivers RMP, Cottonwood RMP, Jarbidge RMP, Pocatello RMP and Upper Snake RMP. Travel management plans are also moving along. The list is too long to paste in here. If you are concerned about trails on BLM land in Idaho it wouldn't be a bad idea to simply call the Field Office. IDAHO BLM
What you can do:
Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert list to get the latest news on planning.
New Recreation Friendly Alternatives Proposed in Montana and Idaho
The "Wilderness is the only way to protect" lie is wearing thin.
Sometimes I think things in Idaho are 100% out of phase. While groups in Nevada, Southern California, New Mexico and Montana are all proposing recreation-friendly alternatives to Wilderness, Idaho's elected representatives want to turn recreation-friendly alternatives into Wilderness!
Well, there is a new recreation-friendly proposal in Montana. The Treasure State's mountain bike advocates, along with snowmobile groups, are gathering support to designate 23,000 acres in the Gallatin National Forest as a "National Protection Area" in hopes of keeping trails there open to mountain biking and snowmobiling. Its called The Lionhead National Protection Area.
AWESOME! BRC is in full support of the concept and we encourage all BRC clubs and organizations to also support the proposal. AND... Mountain bike and snowmobile advocates are also working on a proposal for the Great Burn area in Northern Idaho.
What you can do to help:
Your club and organization can send a letter in support. It's easy. Simply copy BRC's support letter and send it to Cory Biggers via email Dbiggers@rmtcinc.com or to PO Box 327, Belgrade, MT 59714.
Looking Toward Next Idaho Legislative Session:
The Idaho Recreation Council (IRC) is working with legislators, state agencies and user groups on amendments to Idaho's OHV laws. Kudos to Sandra Mitchell for her incredible work to improve the law for the benefit of those paying the registration fees.
What you can do to help:
Stay alert for Action Alerts from BRC and IRC on any legislation and PLEASE JOIN A LOCAL IDAHO CLUB!
Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association www.tvtma.com
Magic Valley Trail Machine Association www.mvtma.com
Idaho State Snowmobile Association www.idahosnowbiz.com
Panhandle Trailriders Association www.pantra.org
Boise Ridge Riders www.boiseridgeriders.org
Southwestern Idaho Desert Racing Association www.sidraracing.org
Gem State ATV Association of Idaho www.gemstateatv.org
Idaho ATV Association, Inc. www.idahoatv.org
ACTION ALERT
SITUATION:
The Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF) is conducting summer only travel planning and OHV route designation on 3.1 million acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The SCNF is home to world-class recreation trail systems providing a variety of trails for non-motorized and motorized uses. The SCNF has put together five different alternatives, none of which provide an adequate trail system.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Please take a close look at the travel plan maps HERE to see how your favorite routes would be impacted. If you have any route-specific information, PLEASE email the Forest Service BEFORE November 25, 2008
Also, below is a quick and easy 3-step comment letter. Just follow our instructions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
I want to again give another big fat thank you to all the guys who took the time to go over the maps. The route-specific suggestions made by Bill Dart, Clark Collins, Mike Jeffords and Dan Thompson were excellent. Kudos also to the guys and gals at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO THE SALMON-CHALLIS NF:
NOTE: Please be polite and make your comments as specific as possible.
STEP 1: Open your email program and start a draft email. Address it to: comments-intermtn-salmon-challis@ fs.fed.us Put Travel Planning DEIS in the subject line.
STEP 2: Use the comments below in your email. Cut and paste is okay, but try to make your comment letter as personal as possible. Please include a quick sentence or two about how much your family enjoys OHV recreation here in Idaho. Also, please include any route-specific information that you have from looking at the maps.
STEP 3: Be certain to include your name and address. A return email address is NOT sufficient! ("anonymous" emails are often discarded), Then click "send" and you're done!
COMMENTS:
The off-highway vehicle community generally supports the "travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas" paradigm. What the OHV community does not support is being presented with a "range" of management alternatives which all represent a significant reduction in OHV opportunity. Neither the letter nor spirit of the Travel Management Rule limits the Forest to an aggressive closure plan. Yet all of the "action" Alternatives in the DEIS offer little more than that.
One of the key flaws is not considering how the routes are used as a system. The alternatives have inconsistent route designations across ranger district boundaries that eliminate popular looping opportunities. The result is that no matter which alternative is selected the OHV system ends up being effectively gutted. When formulating a final plan, I suggest the agency begin with Alternative 4 and modify it to maximize loop opportunities.
There is no need for limiting dispersed camping via this travel plan. This DEIS has not adequately disclosed and analyzed the recreational value of existing campsites or accurately estimated the impacts of their closure. I support the continuance of the "300-foot" rule for all designated roads and trails with the possible exception of the Salmon River Road.
I strongly support the designation of the Lola Creek Trail #42. This trail links the Cape Horn area north of Stanley over to Bull Trout Lake, and allows a big loop ride using Bench Creek and Trap or Swamp Creek trails.
I strongly oppose the elimination of every motorcycle single track trail in the Sawmill Canyon area on the Lost River RD. Please designate every one of the trails currently open, including Snowbank # 076, Bear Canyon # 080, Iron Creek # 078, Slide Creek # , Trail # 081 & 076.
I recommend that the Forest simplify the "season of use" restrictions and modify the definition of an ATV to allow side-by-side seating and steering wheel controls.
Any portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) which is currently available for motorized use should remain so.
Link
Dear BRC subscribers,
The looming deadline for comments on the Salmon-Challis National Forest Travel Plan gives us a chance to blast a quick update on some important Idaho land use issues.
Comment Deadline November 25, 2008
A really important action alert on the Salmon-Challis NF Travel Plan is at the bottom of this email. Above that, we have a section giving a quick update on some of the land use issues BRC is tracking in Idaho. In each update, we've included a suggestion on what you can do to help.
Please take a minute to review this alert before the holiday. Also, everyone at BRC would be very grateful if you would forward this alert to family and riding pals. If you are already a BRC member, please ask them to join BRC and help us protect Idaho's trails.
Thanks,
Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster
208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107
IMPORTANT PS:
Super Mega Action Kudos to all Idaho OHV advocates that worked on this Salmon-Challis Travel Plan. Paul Turcke, BRC's attorney, reviewed the comments some of the Idaho groups submitted and stated that they were "state of the art" in participation in any administrative planning process.
Among those providing detailed input are Bill Dart from ORBA, Clark Collins from Gem State ATV, Mike Jeffords and Dan Thompson from Ravalli County Off Road User Association and the entire staff at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
A hearty very well done to these and all who are working the Salmon-Challis Travel Plan!
Idaho Land Use Update
Wilderness Society takes Sawtooth National Forest to court in brash attempt to close trails.
The Sawtooth National Forest recently finalized their travel plans on the Minidoka and parts of the Ketchum and Fairfield Ranger Districts. OHV advocates were initially outraged at the closure of many popular campsites, motorcycle and ATV trails. Indeed, the Minidoka RD made significant closures across the entire district. Working with BRC, local OHV groups filed an administrative appeal of the plan, and so did the Wilderness Society. All of the appeals were denied.
Local OHV users decided they would work with the Forest Service, the county and sportsmen groups to try to make improvements to the plan. Things were moving along when the Wilderness Society slammed the Forest Service with a federal lawsuit demanding massive additional closures.
Stay tuned. Have everyone you know subscribe to BRC's Action Alert list. There WILL be news soon!
What you can do to help:
Donate to BRC's legal defense fund.
Payette Trail Closures Challenged
Administrative appeals will be filed on several tragic trail closures in the Krassel Ranger District on the Payette National Forest.
The new travel plan for the Krassel RD on the Payette NF recently closed some world class trails. At the very time the popularity of OHV use in Idaho was increasing dramatically, the federal agencies have drastically reduced the miles of roads and trails. The situation has reached a critical mass. Every mile of trail existing today is very important. "Just because" is no longer a valid reason for closure.
"BRC, along with the Idaho Recreation Council and several individual OHV enthusiasts are trying to save these trails via the administrative appeals process. Every mile is precious."
What you can do to help:
Join BRC and your local trail machine and snowmobile club and call your congressman today. (Click here and enter your zip to get the number.) Tell them that the level of road and trail closures in Idaho has reached a critical mass. Ask them to have their staff review the Payette's Krassel Ranger District closures and follow up with the Forest Service.
Owyhee Wilderness Bill attached to massive Omnibus Bill
Did Simpson try to slip CIEDRA in at the last minute?
Most of you have heard that the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 (S. 3213) is apparently dead for this Congress. Of course, no one knows for sure so if you haven't already called your senator, please do so NOW. Click here
BRC considers this a high priority for the next congress. Somehow, we have to generate enough grass-roots calls to stop this omnibus package crud once and for all.
For those of you who are new to BRC's Action Alert list, the omnibus land bill is "catch all" legislation consisting of more than 150 separate bills! The omnibus package is a not-so-clever way our Congressional representatives can push through Wilderness and other land use bills that cannot pass on their own merits.
Can you believe it? Idaho has TWO Wilderness bills that fit nicely into that category! Senator Crapo's Owyhee bill and Congressman Simpson's CEIDRA (Central Idaho Development and Recreation Act). Because of fundamental flaws (Owyhee tries to save cattle ranching by cooperating with people committed to eliminating cattle ranching (?!?!) - CEIDRA because most of the land is already in a protected area (NRA) and off limits to commercial mining and timber) these bills haven't made significant progress.
The omnibus package also includes the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) legislation. As if this lousy bill didn't stink enough, a recent inquiry by Utah Congressman Rob Bishop dug up some information about some potentially improper coordination with environmental groups and Bureau of Land Management employees - a possible violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which bars federal employees from lobbying Congress.
What you can do to help:
Please take just a second to thank Senator Larry Craig, Oklahoma Senator Coburn and Utah Congressman Rob Bishop for at least attempting to add a little common sense to all of this. BRC put together an email generator to make it easy. Click here
Idaho BLM continues planning:
The BLM in is moving slowly and surely on revising their management plans across the Gem State, these plans include: Four Rivers RMP, Cottonwood RMP, Jarbidge RMP, Pocatello RMP and Upper Snake RMP. Travel management plans are also moving along. The list is too long to paste in here. If you are concerned about trails on BLM land in Idaho it wouldn't be a bad idea to simply call the Field Office. IDAHO BLM
What you can do:
Subscribe to BRC's Action Alert list to get the latest news on planning.
New Recreation Friendly Alternatives Proposed in Montana and Idaho
The "Wilderness is the only way to protect" lie is wearing thin.
Sometimes I think things in Idaho are 100% out of phase. While groups in Nevada, Southern California, New Mexico and Montana are all proposing recreation-friendly alternatives to Wilderness, Idaho's elected representatives want to turn recreation-friendly alternatives into Wilderness!
Well, there is a new recreation-friendly proposal in Montana. The Treasure State's mountain bike advocates, along with snowmobile groups, are gathering support to designate 23,000 acres in the Gallatin National Forest as a "National Protection Area" in hopes of keeping trails there open to mountain biking and snowmobiling. Its called The Lionhead National Protection Area.
AWESOME! BRC is in full support of the concept and we encourage all BRC clubs and organizations to also support the proposal. AND... Mountain bike and snowmobile advocates are also working on a proposal for the Great Burn area in Northern Idaho.
What you can do to help:
Your club and organization can send a letter in support. It's easy. Simply copy BRC's support letter and send it to Cory Biggers via email Dbiggers@rmtcinc.com or to PO Box 327, Belgrade, MT 59714.
Looking Toward Next Idaho Legislative Session:
The Idaho Recreation Council (IRC) is working with legislators, state agencies and user groups on amendments to Idaho's OHV laws. Kudos to Sandra Mitchell for her incredible work to improve the law for the benefit of those paying the registration fees.
What you can do to help:
Stay alert for Action Alerts from BRC and IRC on any legislation and PLEASE JOIN A LOCAL IDAHO CLUB!
Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association www.tvtma.com
Magic Valley Trail Machine Association www.mvtma.com
Idaho State Snowmobile Association www.idahosnowbiz.com
Panhandle Trailriders Association www.pantra.org
Boise Ridge Riders www.boiseridgeriders.org
Southwestern Idaho Desert Racing Association www.sidraracing.org
Gem State ATV Association of Idaho www.gemstateatv.org
Idaho ATV Association, Inc. www.idahoatv.org
ACTION ALERT
SITUATION:
The Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF) is conducting summer only travel planning and OHV route designation on 3.1 million acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands. The SCNF is home to world-class recreation trail systems providing a variety of trails for non-motorized and motorized uses. The SCNF has put together five different alternatives, none of which provide an adequate trail system.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
Please take a close look at the travel plan maps HERE to see how your favorite routes would be impacted. If you have any route-specific information, PLEASE email the Forest Service BEFORE November 25, 2008
Also, below is a quick and easy 3-step comment letter. Just follow our instructions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
I want to again give another big fat thank you to all the guys who took the time to go over the maps. The route-specific suggestions made by Bill Dart, Clark Collins, Mike Jeffords and Dan Thompson were excellent. Kudos also to the guys and gals at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO THE SALMON-CHALLIS NF:
NOTE: Please be polite and make your comments as specific as possible.
STEP 1: Open your email program and start a draft email. Address it to: comments-intermtn-salmon-challis@ fs.fed.us Put Travel Planning DEIS in the subject line.
STEP 2: Use the comments below in your email. Cut and paste is okay, but try to make your comment letter as personal as possible. Please include a quick sentence or two about how much your family enjoys OHV recreation here in Idaho. Also, please include any route-specific information that you have from looking at the maps.
STEP 3: Be certain to include your name and address. A return email address is NOT sufficient! ("anonymous" emails are often discarded), Then click "send" and you're done!
COMMENTS:
The off-highway vehicle community generally supports the "travel limited to designated roads, trails and areas" paradigm. What the OHV community does not support is being presented with a "range" of management alternatives which all represent a significant reduction in OHV opportunity. Neither the letter nor spirit of the Travel Management Rule limits the Forest to an aggressive closure plan. Yet all of the "action" Alternatives in the DEIS offer little more than that.
One of the key flaws is not considering how the routes are used as a system. The alternatives have inconsistent route designations across ranger district boundaries that eliminate popular looping opportunities. The result is that no matter which alternative is selected the OHV system ends up being effectively gutted. When formulating a final plan, I suggest the agency begin with Alternative 4 and modify it to maximize loop opportunities.
There is no need for limiting dispersed camping via this travel plan. This DEIS has not adequately disclosed and analyzed the recreational value of existing campsites or accurately estimated the impacts of their closure. I support the continuance of the "300-foot" rule for all designated roads and trails with the possible exception of the Salmon River Road.
I strongly support the designation of the Lola Creek Trail #42. This trail links the Cape Horn area north of Stanley over to Bull Trout Lake, and allows a big loop ride using Bench Creek and Trap or Swamp Creek trails.
I strongly oppose the elimination of every motorcycle single track trail in the Sawmill Canyon area on the Lost River RD. Please designate every one of the trails currently open, including Snowbank # 076, Bear Canyon # 080, Iron Creek # 078, Slide Creek # , Trail # 081 & 076.
I recommend that the Forest simplify the "season of use" restrictions and modify the definition of an ATV to allow side-by-side seating and steering wheel controls.
Any portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) which is currently available for motorized use should remain so.
Link