Land Use Meetings/ Trail Clousures
- Thread starter CRUZR66
- Start date
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Comment Period ended
Comment perior ended on Monday. Below is a link to the letter submitted on behalf of all of us by Blue Ribbon Coalition and others.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/temp/EldoradoDEISComments.pdf
Comment perior ended on Monday. Below is a link to the letter submitted on behalf of all of us by Blue Ribbon Coalition and others.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/temp/EldoradoDEISComments.pdf
Mendocino Update October 16, 2007
USDA Forest Service
Mendocino National ForestPublic Affairs Officer
Phebe Brown
Phone: (530) 934-1137
Fax: (530) 934-7384
Email: pybrown@fs.fed.us
Mendocino National Forest Seeks Comments On Changes In Motorized Vehicle Route Designations
Willows, October 16, 2007 - Mendocino National Forest has released two draft environmental documents for public review and comment. The documents cover two separate travel management proposals that are part of the route designation process.
The comment period runs until November 13. This is to provide those interested in or affected by these proposals an opportunity to make their concerns known prior to a decision being made. The draft environmental analysis documents detailing the proposals and their effects are available for review at Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's and Ranger District Offices.
One proposal concerns motorized access for dispersed camping (setting up camp for either overnight or day use in an area that has not been developed as a campground facility). The proposal is to add 72 short user-created motorized routes to the existing Mendocino National Forest designated trail system. These routes would be managed as motorized trails to provide access to 67 frequently used dispersed camp sites. The routes are located in various areas across the Forest and their total aggregate length is 7.8 miles.
The other proposal allows mixed use on a segment of forest road M3 from Ivory Mill Saddle to near West Crockett trailhead. Mixed-use allows use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles and drivers. Currently only highway-legal vehicles are allowed. Total length of the segment is about 17.5 miles. This proposed project is located on Grindstone Ranger District in Glenn County, California, about ten miles southwest of the community of Elk Creek.
Locations where the draft environmental analysis documents may be reviewed are:
SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE/GRINDSTONE RANGER DISTRICT
825 N. Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-3316; TTY (530) 934-7724
COVELO RANGER DISTRICT
78150 Covelo Road
Covelo, CA 95428
(707) 983-6118; TTY (707) 983-6123
UPPER LAKE RANGER DISTRICT
10025 Elk Mountain Road
Upper Lake, CA
(707) 275-2361 or 2363; TTY (707) 275-9524
Additional information regarding these proposed actions and how to provide comments can be obtained from the Mendocino National Forest route designation web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/projects/ohv/#status , or from Mike Van Dame at the Supervisor's Office:
Email: mvandame@fs.fed.us
Telephone: (530)934-1141; TTY (530) 934-7724.
USDA Forest Service
Mendocino National ForestPublic Affairs Officer
Phebe Brown
Phone: (530) 934-1137
Fax: (530) 934-7384
Email: pybrown@fs.fed.us
Mendocino National Forest Seeks Comments On Changes In Motorized Vehicle Route Designations
Willows, October 16, 2007 - Mendocino National Forest has released two draft environmental documents for public review and comment. The documents cover two separate travel management proposals that are part of the route designation process.
The comment period runs until November 13. This is to provide those interested in or affected by these proposals an opportunity to make their concerns known prior to a decision being made. The draft environmental analysis documents detailing the proposals and their effects are available for review at Mendocino National Forest Supervisor's and Ranger District Offices.
One proposal concerns motorized access for dispersed camping (setting up camp for either overnight or day use in an area that has not been developed as a campground facility). The proposal is to add 72 short user-created motorized routes to the existing Mendocino National Forest designated trail system. These routes would be managed as motorized trails to provide access to 67 frequently used dispersed camp sites. The routes are located in various areas across the Forest and their total aggregate length is 7.8 miles.
The other proposal allows mixed use on a segment of forest road M3 from Ivory Mill Saddle to near West Crockett trailhead. Mixed-use allows use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles and drivers. Currently only highway-legal vehicles are allowed. Total length of the segment is about 17.5 miles. This proposed project is located on Grindstone Ranger District in Glenn County, California, about ten miles southwest of the community of Elk Creek.
Locations where the draft environmental analysis documents may be reviewed are:
SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE/GRINDSTONE RANGER DISTRICT
825 N. Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988
(530) 934-3316; TTY (530) 934-7724
COVELO RANGER DISTRICT
78150 Covelo Road
Covelo, CA 95428
(707) 983-6118; TTY (707) 983-6123
UPPER LAKE RANGER DISTRICT
10025 Elk Mountain Road
Upper Lake, CA
(707) 275-2361 or 2363; TTY (707) 275-9524
Additional information regarding these proposed actions and how to provide comments can be obtained from the Mendocino National Forest route designation web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/projects/ohv/#status , or from Mike Van Dame at the Supervisor's Office:
Email: mvandame@fs.fed.us
Telephone: (530)934-1141; TTY (530) 934-7724.
PR Update
Finally, a Starting Point -
Routes to Forest Adventures Will Soon Be Designated
Ramiro Villalvazo, Eldorado National Forest Supervisor
March 12, 2008
Soon I will make a decision that is likely to affect many who enjoy visiting the
Eldorado National Forest. Hopefully, you know by now that the Forest Service is in the
process of formally designating a system of motorized travel routes in the Eldorado
National Forest. Once the decision is implemented, motorized travel will be limited to
these designated routes. I plan to make a decision on the Forest’s Travel Management
Plan on April 2.
The fact that the population in our area continues to grow presents some unique
challenges for Forest management. Growth in the area translates into more people in the
Forest. I welcome more people from all walks of life to experience the Forest. It is
recognized that being outdoors and close to nature is important to us as human beings. It
significantly adds to our quality of life. However, more people in the Forest also
increases the need for proper management and a shared responsibility among all to care
for its resources.
How we care for the land and provide for quality of life is always dynamic, like
the Forest itself. I anticipate that this decision will begin the process to improve
management of motorized travel routes and overall access in the Forest. Based on yearly
evaluations and public involvement, we will consider what changes are needed to protect
resources and provide recreation opportunities.
The current Forest transportation system already includes paved Forest roads and
all the routes within the Rock Creek Recreational Trails Area near Georgetown. My
decision is focused on considering native surface roads and trails. My rationale for the
decision will be documented in a Record of Decision and will be supported by the
analysis in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Both documents will be available
on the web and on CD.
Once my decision is made, the direction in the 1989 Eldorado National Forest
Land and Resource Plan to keep motorized vehicles on designated routes will be realized
and enforceable. You may be asking, “What took you so long?” There is no easy way to
answer this question. The lawsuit surrounding the 1990 Off Highway Vehicle and Trail
Management Plan was not resolved until 2005. Since 2005 my staff and I have been
working to comply with the 2005 U.S. District Court Order and the National Travel
Management Rule. It has been very challenging trying to address both; however, my
decision will fulfill the court order and implement the Travel Management Rule.
MORE
“Routes to Adventures” continued page 2.
It is important for me to consider many different criteria when making my
decision. For example, I want to ensure that having non-licensed vehicles on the same
routes with SUVs, station wagons, and the like are safe and appropriate. I want to assure
that we have easements to cross private land, and to minimize conflicts between different
types of Forest uses. I want to ensure that my decision is within our financial ability to
implement.
After hearing from more than 6,000 people in writing, and more than 1,200 in
public meetings, two tough questions emerged: “Will I have access to my favorite
places?” and “Will sensitive resources be protected and quiet recreation be available?”
I believe we have done a good job of listening. Our goal has been to be
responsive by doing our best to provide access where it is important to Forest visitors and
to protect resources. I really appreciate that you took the time to share your insights.
While you may not have your interests met 100%, I can assure you we are much closer to
meeting them than if you had not participated.
There is a very important point I want to share with you. My decision about the
Forest’s Travel Management Plan is only the beginning, and in no way ends this process.
I know that getting it exactly right the first time is not possible. You will find routes that
are closed that you want open. You will find routes that you believe should be closed
that are open. One key to implementing the plan is the opportunity to make changes!
Implementation of the plan will include features intentionally designed to allow
you to help us. For example, we will welcome volunteers who want to help us make
resource protection improvements that will allow us to open up a trail or route. We will
also welcome learning about where resource sensitivities exist, and perhaps where routes
should be modified, closed temporarily, or closed. You will have a voice.
The Eldorado National Forest is important to the quality of our lives. Even in
today's technologically advanced world, we still crave the beauty and naturalness of the
Forest. It allows us to recreate and refresh ourselves during our visits. The Forest
provides us with clean air by replenishing oxygen and by removing carbon from the
atmosphere. It serves as a “water factory” by collecting and storing the water we need to
live. The benefits to our daily lives are so many.
My hope is that even though my decision will not satisfy everyone, we will move
forward together. My optimistic way of thinking causes me to believe that we all desire
to both enjoy and care for the Forest and that our diverse Forest users can come together
to work through differences. There’s a lot to be done, but I think we are up to it.
For more information about Travel Management please visit our website:
Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!.
// Ramiro Villalvazo
Finally, a Starting Point -
Routes to Forest Adventures Will Soon Be Designated
Ramiro Villalvazo, Eldorado National Forest Supervisor
March 12, 2008
Soon I will make a decision that is likely to affect many who enjoy visiting the
Eldorado National Forest. Hopefully, you know by now that the Forest Service is in the
process of formally designating a system of motorized travel routes in the Eldorado
National Forest. Once the decision is implemented, motorized travel will be limited to
these designated routes. I plan to make a decision on the Forest’s Travel Management
Plan on April 2.
The fact that the population in our area continues to grow presents some unique
challenges for Forest management. Growth in the area translates into more people in the
Forest. I welcome more people from all walks of life to experience the Forest. It is
recognized that being outdoors and close to nature is important to us as human beings. It
significantly adds to our quality of life. However, more people in the Forest also
increases the need for proper management and a shared responsibility among all to care
for its resources.
How we care for the land and provide for quality of life is always dynamic, like
the Forest itself. I anticipate that this decision will begin the process to improve
management of motorized travel routes and overall access in the Forest. Based on yearly
evaluations and public involvement, we will consider what changes are needed to protect
resources and provide recreation opportunities.
The current Forest transportation system already includes paved Forest roads and
all the routes within the Rock Creek Recreational Trails Area near Georgetown. My
decision is focused on considering native surface roads and trails. My rationale for the
decision will be documented in a Record of Decision and will be supported by the
analysis in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Both documents will be available
on the web and on CD.
Once my decision is made, the direction in the 1989 Eldorado National Forest
Land and Resource Plan to keep motorized vehicles on designated routes will be realized
and enforceable. You may be asking, “What took you so long?” There is no easy way to
answer this question. The lawsuit surrounding the 1990 Off Highway Vehicle and Trail
Management Plan was not resolved until 2005. Since 2005 my staff and I have been
working to comply with the 2005 U.S. District Court Order and the National Travel
Management Rule. It has been very challenging trying to address both; however, my
decision will fulfill the court order and implement the Travel Management Rule.
MORE
“Routes to Adventures” continued page 2.
It is important for me to consider many different criteria when making my
decision. For example, I want to ensure that having non-licensed vehicles on the same
routes with SUVs, station wagons, and the like are safe and appropriate. I want to assure
that we have easements to cross private land, and to minimize conflicts between different
types of Forest uses. I want to ensure that my decision is within our financial ability to
implement.
After hearing from more than 6,000 people in writing, and more than 1,200 in
public meetings, two tough questions emerged: “Will I have access to my favorite
places?” and “Will sensitive resources be protected and quiet recreation be available?”
I believe we have done a good job of listening. Our goal has been to be
responsive by doing our best to provide access where it is important to Forest visitors and
to protect resources. I really appreciate that you took the time to share your insights.
While you may not have your interests met 100%, I can assure you we are much closer to
meeting them than if you had not participated.
There is a very important point I want to share with you. My decision about the
Forest’s Travel Management Plan is only the beginning, and in no way ends this process.
I know that getting it exactly right the first time is not possible. You will find routes that
are closed that you want open. You will find routes that you believe should be closed
that are open. One key to implementing the plan is the opportunity to make changes!
Implementation of the plan will include features intentionally designed to allow
you to help us. For example, we will welcome volunteers who want to help us make
resource protection improvements that will allow us to open up a trail or route. We will
also welcome learning about where resource sensitivities exist, and perhaps where routes
should be modified, closed temporarily, or closed. You will have a voice.
The Eldorado National Forest is important to the quality of our lives. Even in
today's technologically advanced world, we still crave the beauty and naturalness of the
Forest. It allows us to recreate and refresh ourselves during our visits. The Forest
provides us with clean air by replenishing oxygen and by removing carbon from the
atmosphere. It serves as a “water factory” by collecting and storing the water we need to
live. The benefits to our daily lives are so many.
My hope is that even though my decision will not satisfy everyone, we will move
forward together. My optimistic way of thinking causes me to believe that we all desire
to both enjoy and care for the Forest and that our diverse Forest users can come together
to work through differences. There’s a lot to be done, but I think we are up to it.
For more information about Travel Management please visit our website:
Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!.
// Ramiro Villalvazo
FEIS is OUT
Just got home from work and in the mail was a copy of the Record of Decision. Unfortunalety I have not had time to look at it but should this weekend...I think.
Link to Final Statement Eldorado National Forest - Projects & Plans - Travel Management - Final EIS
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667
Date: March 31, 2008 Contact: Frank Mosbacher
Release: Upon Receipt Phone: 530-621-5268
TTY 530-642-5122
Eldorado National Forest Motorized Routes Designated
Placerville, CA….. Today, Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvzao signed his decision designating a
total of 1,847 miles of roads and trails open for motorized public use in the Eldorado National
Forest. The decision follows two and one half years of environmental analysis and public
involvement.
The long anticipated decision also creates a seasonal closure of dirt roads from January 1 to
March 31 and allows visitors to safely park their vehicles one car length off a designated route.
Villalvazo’s decision adds to the environmental protection of meadows, watersheds, wildlife
habitats, and other sensitive areas, and provides quiet recreation opportunities.
“I am pleased to say that we have a new starting point for travel management within the
Eldorado National Forest,” said Villalvazo. “My decision is designed to provide access where it is
important to Forest visitors and to protect Forest resources. I know we won’t get it exactly right the
first time, however, one key to implementing the plan is the opportunity to make changes.”
The newly designated route system will add to the conservation of the Forest environment
and provide motorized access for the public. Villalvazo says his final decision met the standards
and guidelines found in the Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan, minimized impacts to
meadows, and reduced impacts to stream courses and riparian habitat.
“The selected routes will add to visitor’s recreational experience in the Forest,” said
Villalvazo. “We worked to create a diversity of public motor vehicle opportunities for visitors
with ATVs, motorcycles, four wheel drives and other high clearance vehicles, and passenger cars.
MORE
Eldorado NF – Motorized Routes Designated 2
We created loops where we could, with the use of existing routes; we gave attention to maintaining
access to interesting areas, and we provided access for dispersed recreation where it was
environmentally possible.”
This summer the Forest Service will continue to allow motor vehicle use on routes
displayed on the same free Motor Vehicle Use Restriction map that’s been available at all
Eldorado National Forest offices since August 2005. Villalvazo said changing maps after the
summer recreation season is over will be the least disruptive to visitors and give them more time to
learn about the changes.
The new 2009 motor vehicle use map will display the 1,847 miles designated today plus
334 miles of county roads and state highways and 311 miles of routes previously designated in the
Rock Creek area near Georgetown.
Today’s decision allows public motorized use on 1,002 miles of dirt roads and 210 miles of
trails; and 635 miles of paved roads suitable for passenger cars. Cross country travel is prohibited.
The decision also prohibits public wheeled over the snow travel on the following routes: all
designated snow mobile routes and cross country ski trails in the Eldorado National Forest;
Mormon Emigrant Road from the junction of Silver Fork Road southeast to the Iron Mountain
SnoPark at Highway 88; and Loon Lake Campground Road; Chipmunk Bluff Road and Robbs
Peak Road.
Villalvazo said that the three month closure of dirt roads during the historically wet months
(January through March) is intended to protect road surfaces and prevent other environmental
damage. The Forest Supervisor has the option of closing the roads sooner or leaving them closed
longer if weather conditions warrant a change.
“One of our goals during the environmental analysis was to be responsive to what we
learned from the thousands of people who took time to share their insights and information,” said
Villalvazo. “Comments and suggestions we received were used to refine our analysis and guide the
modification of an alternative which I selected for my decision.”
MORE
Eldorado NF – Motorized Routes Designated 3
The Forest Service will continue to recruit and welcome people to join the many
individuals and organizations currently volunteering to help care for Forest routes.
Four open houses are planned for anyone interested in learning more about the decision at
the following locations: El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville –April 5, 9 AM – 3 PM; South
Lake Tahoe Community College – April 10, 3 PM – 8 PM; Diablo Canyon Community College,
Pleasant Hill – April 12, 9 AM – 3 PM; Amador County Board of Supervisor Office, Jackson –
April 17, 3 PM - 8PM.
The Forest Supervisor’s decision, final Environmental Impact Statement, maps, and details
about the open houses are posted on the Eldorado National Forest website at:
Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!.
-fs
Just got home from work and in the mail was a copy of the Record of Decision. Unfortunalety I have not had time to look at it but should this weekend...I think.
Link to Final Statement Eldorado National Forest - Projects & Plans - Travel Management - Final EIS
NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667
Date: March 31, 2008 Contact: Frank Mosbacher
Release: Upon Receipt Phone: 530-621-5268
TTY 530-642-5122
Eldorado National Forest Motorized Routes Designated
Placerville, CA….. Today, Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvzao signed his decision designating a
total of 1,847 miles of roads and trails open for motorized public use in the Eldorado National
Forest. The decision follows two and one half years of environmental analysis and public
involvement.
The long anticipated decision also creates a seasonal closure of dirt roads from January 1 to
March 31 and allows visitors to safely park their vehicles one car length off a designated route.
Villalvazo’s decision adds to the environmental protection of meadows, watersheds, wildlife
habitats, and other sensitive areas, and provides quiet recreation opportunities.
“I am pleased to say that we have a new starting point for travel management within the
Eldorado National Forest,” said Villalvazo. “My decision is designed to provide access where it is
important to Forest visitors and to protect Forest resources. I know we won’t get it exactly right the
first time, however, one key to implementing the plan is the opportunity to make changes.”
The newly designated route system will add to the conservation of the Forest environment
and provide motorized access for the public. Villalvazo says his final decision met the standards
and guidelines found in the Forest’s Land and Resource Management Plan, minimized impacts to
meadows, and reduced impacts to stream courses and riparian habitat.
“The selected routes will add to visitor’s recreational experience in the Forest,” said
Villalvazo. “We worked to create a diversity of public motor vehicle opportunities for visitors
with ATVs, motorcycles, four wheel drives and other high clearance vehicles, and passenger cars.
MORE
Eldorado NF – Motorized Routes Designated 2
We created loops where we could, with the use of existing routes; we gave attention to maintaining
access to interesting areas, and we provided access for dispersed recreation where it was
environmentally possible.”
This summer the Forest Service will continue to allow motor vehicle use on routes
displayed on the same free Motor Vehicle Use Restriction map that’s been available at all
Eldorado National Forest offices since August 2005. Villalvazo said changing maps after the
summer recreation season is over will be the least disruptive to visitors and give them more time to
learn about the changes.
The new 2009 motor vehicle use map will display the 1,847 miles designated today plus
334 miles of county roads and state highways and 311 miles of routes previously designated in the
Rock Creek area near Georgetown.
Today’s decision allows public motorized use on 1,002 miles of dirt roads and 210 miles of
trails; and 635 miles of paved roads suitable for passenger cars. Cross country travel is prohibited.
The decision also prohibits public wheeled over the snow travel on the following routes: all
designated snow mobile routes and cross country ski trails in the Eldorado National Forest;
Mormon Emigrant Road from the junction of Silver Fork Road southeast to the Iron Mountain
SnoPark at Highway 88; and Loon Lake Campground Road; Chipmunk Bluff Road and Robbs
Peak Road.
Villalvazo said that the three month closure of dirt roads during the historically wet months
(January through March) is intended to protect road surfaces and prevent other environmental
damage. The Forest Supervisor has the option of closing the roads sooner or leaving them closed
longer if weather conditions warrant a change.
“One of our goals during the environmental analysis was to be responsive to what we
learned from the thousands of people who took time to share their insights and information,” said
Villalvazo. “Comments and suggestions we received were used to refine our analysis and guide the
modification of an alternative which I selected for my decision.”
MORE
Eldorado NF – Motorized Routes Designated 3
The Forest Service will continue to recruit and welcome people to join the many
individuals and organizations currently volunteering to help care for Forest routes.
Four open houses are planned for anyone interested in learning more about the decision at
the following locations: El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville –April 5, 9 AM – 3 PM; South
Lake Tahoe Community College – April 10, 3 PM – 8 PM; Diablo Canyon Community College,
Pleasant Hill – April 12, 9 AM – 3 PM; Amador County Board of Supervisor Office, Jackson –
April 17, 3 PM - 8PM.
The Forest Supervisor’s decision, final Environmental Impact Statement, maps, and details
about the open houses are posted on the Eldorado National Forest website at:
Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!.
-fs
The FEIR Question and Answer flyer
Link here http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/rog_tm_q&a.pdf
Words are below
April 2008
Eldorado National Forest website: Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!
Travel Management
Final EIS Questions and Answers
Eldorado National Forest
United
States
Department
of
Agriculture
Forest
Service
Pacific
Southwest
Region
Do you want to close the Forest?
No. Motor vehicles are a legitimate and appropriate
way for people to enjoy their national forests – in
the right places and with proper management.
Did you meet the court date to complete
the EIS?
Yes, we met the April 2, 2008 District Court
deadline to complete the FEIS and Record of
Decision. We still have a 45 day administrative
appeal period and another 45 days to try to resolve
any appeals.
Why are you closing any routes? There are
plenty of people interested in volunteering
who will take care of the Forest.
This project is designed to establish a “backbone
system” of designated routes that complies with the
Forest’s Standards and Guidelines. It is the intent of
the Forest Supervisor to maintain the system of
roads and trails open for use so that they can
continue to be used. However, it is recognized that
this travel management system is dynamic and
allows for a yearly evaluation.
The Forest Service will monitor route conditions
and will continue to perform necessary
maintenance. The Forest Service intends to expand
working with volunteers to complete needed route
maintenance to avoid damage to routes. As a part of
route designation, the Forest Service will annually
prepare and distribute a free motor vehicle use map
(MVUM). Based on trail monitoring, public input,
and budget constraints, new routes may be added to
the system, existing routes may be removed from
the system or the system may remain unchanged.
Why did the mileage open to motorized
travel increase in Forest Supervisor’s
decision?
Based on comments received on the DEIS,
Alternative B was modified between the DEIS and
FEIS in order to provide a higher level of access than
Alternative D while still minimizing impacts to
certain resources. Many of the roads included in
Modified B are secondary roads or short spur roads
that provide access to areas used by people who
camp, picnic, or enjoy other day use activities.
Why are you shutting down the Rubicon
Trail by not allowing travel on bypasses?
This travel management project makes no decisions
regarding State or County roads or highways,
including the Rubicon 4WD Trail, which is a county
un-maintained road. El Dorado County has been
completing the Rubicon Trail Master Plan, which
will provide direction for the use and management
of the Rubicon Trail. The Forest has addressed some
of the roads and trails providing access to the
Rubicon Trail in this travel management project.
However, some of the bypasses were not included
because no site-specific analysis was completed. We
will continue to work with the county to address
specific bypasses along the trail.
How will I know where I can travel legally?
The Forest will annually produce a motorized travel
map displaying the designated travel routes open to
public use, much the same as it has since 2005.
Won’t there be increased impacts on the
remaining routes if the demand increases and
travel opportunities are reduced?
Reducing the total number of miles of routes does not
necessarily lead to increased resource damage. Trails and
roads in sensitive areas are more likely to sustain damage,
even at lower levels of use, whereas trails and roads that
are located in stable areas or otherwise avoid sensitive
areas (archaeological sites, sensitive plant locations, etc.)
can accommodate high levels of use without leading to
resource damage. It is not just a matter of concentration of
use, but also the location of routes, for both providing a
good recreation opportunity and avoiding resource
impacts. We cannot guarantee that impacts to trails will
not increase as a result of a reduction in travel
opportunities. However, we will continue to monitor
route conditions.
How will the routes be maintained?
The forest will continue to use federal funding for road or
trail maintenance. However, we intend to work with
interested people to help maintain the trails. This
assistance may come in the form of volunteer work or
grants to accomplish specific work.
Did you consider or analyze new routes to meet
growing demand for access?
No. The Forest Supervisor at the start of the project
decided that, in order comply with the court ordered
timeline, it was necessary to keep the scope of the project
manageable. As a result, construction of new routes was
not part of this decision. It will be possible, however, to
revise designations as needed to meet changing conditions,
including the potential to add new routes following public
involvement and site specific environmental analysis.
Will the designated travel routes be different
from the routes people have been allowed to
travel on since 2005 when the court order went
into effect?
In many cases the routes people have been using will be
the same, however, there were a few unauthorized routes
added and a some NFS roads or trails closed for resource
protection. The court ordered map includes a number of
routes that were never intended to be open to the public
(ML-1) roads that will not be shown on the new map.
What if I disagree with the decision?
Appeals from people who commented on the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement will be reviewed by R-5
Regional Forester. The 45 day appeal period begins April
2, 2008.
How will this decision affect persons with
disabilities?
Persons in a wheel chair will be able to go where ever foot
travel is permitted. However, restrictions on motor
vehicles, including 4 X 4s, ATVs, and motorcycles, apply
to all people, including those with disabilities.
Isn’t there a way you can designate a route
through private land?
The Forest Service may obtain an easement through a
written agreement with the property owner or through
condemnation – taking property for public use by power
of eminent domain. The Forest Service has worked with
landowners to obtain easements or rights of way across
private land and will continue to do so, within the limits of
available resources and funding.
Won’t you need the closed roads to fight
wildfires?
This decision does not obliterate routes; it merely decided
which routes are open to public use. Any thought about
obliteration will need to be explored in a more site
specific decision and not in this one.
Why have you limited access to dispersed camp
sites?
This decision limits cross country travel, driving off
system roads and trails. This prohibition has been in place
since 2005 when the court order was implemented. You
will be able to park one vehicle length off the road, and in
some cases you may need to carry your gear to your
campsite. This decision includes some short parking spurs
that lead to popular dispersed camping, picnicking, and
other day use sites. An analysis of dispersed camping sites
will begin after this decision is implemented.
Why are you closing the dirt roads for three
months in the winter?
The primary objectives of the wet season closure are to
protect drainage structures, such as earthen mounds
placed across roads to channel water off the road, to
protect the road or trail tread from rutting or other
damage and to minimize impacts to water quality.
Appendix D was added to the FEIS to explain the basis for
the period of closure. As described in Appendix D, the
closure period is based on rainfall data and soil moisture
conditions associated with the critically dry water year
type. The Forest Supervisor may sign Forest Orders at
other times of the year to close roads or trails due to wet
weather conditions, when conditions warrant.
Page 2
Are you following the Executive Order to
minimize impacts to specific resources?
Yes. Alternative B was modified between the DEIS and
FEIS. Modified B provides a high level of access while
adhering to Standards and Guidelines within the LRMP
and minimizing impacts to certain resources, as described
in Chapter 2 of the FEIS. Modified B and the other action
alternatives were developed to meet the objectives of the
Executive Orders and the Travel Management Rule, as
described in Chapter 1 of the FEIS under the Purpose and
Need.
Are there any changes to non-motorized routes?
Yes, 1.7 miles of non-motorized routes are now
motorized and 10.3 miles of previously motorized routes
are non-motorized, mostly in the Caples Creek area.
When will this decision be implemented?
Given the appeal period and associated administrative
activities the forest will not be implementing until January
of 2009. The interim forest order and Motor Vehicle
Restriction map will continue to be used for the 2008
summer season.
Why are you allowing travel on the Hunter’s
trail?
This area was identified during public scoping as one that
various interests were concerned about. Certain users
recommended that motorcycle use continue to be allowed
on the trail as it provides a unique high country
opportunity in a scenic setting. Others requested that the
trail be closed to motorized use to allow for undisrupted
non-motorized recreation. The Forest Supervisor decided
to allow motorized use on the Hunter’s Trail to provide a
unique riding opportunity. This was balanced with not
allowing wheeled motor vehicle use in other high country
areas, such as the Caples Creek recommended wilderness
area.
What about hunting? Can I still drive to my
hunter’s camp?
Depends on whether or not your camp is accessed by a
designated route. This was considered when the routes
were designated.
How will this decision affect woodcutting?
Driving off road is covered by the terms of the
woodcutting permit.
Why didn’t you notify people that you were
planning to keep people on designated roads?
We attempted to notify as many people as possible that
they were invited to participate in public involvement
activities. Public awareness activities began in 2005 when
the court order went into effect restricting people to
travel only on routes identified on a free map. Last
summer more than 1,200 people attended public meetings
and 6,000 people sent in comments on the draft EIS.
We’ll continue to try to reach more people.
How quickly will you start working on the
dispersed camping and parking situation?
The Implementation Strategy presented in Chapter 2 of
the FEIS describes how the ENF intends to develop a
strategy for designating areas for public motor vehicle use
of dispersed camping areas within one year after the
completion of the ROD.
Will you decommission routes if you can’t
maintain them?
Route decommissioning is a proposed action that is
normally triggered by resource concerns. If a road or trail
is causing resource concerns and the route is not providing
some other benefit, or if it provides access into an area
where motorized use would cause resource concerns, then
decommissioning is considered. The decommissioning
proposal is then analyzed through the NEPA process.
Some routes may be proposed for decommissioning
because there is a lack of adequate maintenance funding,
and therefore the routes have deteriorated to the level
where resource damage is a concern. If this happens,
decommissioning won’t be postponed while waiting on
the available maintenance funding to be increased.
How can we get a second look at routes if they
are closed? What about new routes, or routes
that need to be closed?
The Implementation Strategy in Chapter 2 of the FEIS
describes that the ENF will begin working with public
stakeholders within six months of the final decision. The
process for considering the addition of routes, closure of
routes, or changes in management of the designated
system will be developed in collaboration with diverse
interested publics.
Why does the Poho Ridge area have a seasonal
closure?
The experience on the ENF has been that to implement a
wet weather closure that opens roads or trails for short
periods during the normal wet season has required a
significant amount of time and resources to assure that
signs are changed to display which routes are open or
closed, gates are in proper positions, and phone messages,
email messages, and websites are current. The Forest
Supervisor has concluded that it is not reasonable to
implement the Rock Creek strategy for seasonal closure to
Page 3
other areas of the Forest because of the staffing needed to
implement signing, gate management, etc., and the ability
to inform the diverse publics that use the Forest in a timely
way.
Why didn’t you include more miles of mixed use
in your decision?
The mixed use designation that is part of the ROD/FEIS is
limited to roads that are going to be managed as
Maintenance Level 2 roads. The Forest separates the road
system into two classes- roads that are subject to the
Highway Safety Act, and roads that are not subject to the
Highway Safety Act. Our more heavily used, higher
standard roads are included in the class of roads subject to
the Highway Safety Act. The Maintenance Level 2 roads
are not subject to the Highway Safety Act. We manage
the heavily used roads similar to County and State roads,
and we start with the presumption that they are not
suitable for mixed use by off-highway and highway legal
vehicles. If through a detailed analysis we feel confident
that mixed use on these roads can be safely
accommodated, then we will designate them in the future
for mixed use. The information needed for this detailed
analysis isn’t available, and we are planning to begin the
process of collecting this information this year. However,
we don’t want to create the wrong impression about the
future. Allowing mixed use on roads subject to the
Highway Safety Act may be considered on a few key roads
in the future, but we have no intention of designating a
large number of these roads as allowable for mixed use.
Why have you changed access to Little Indian
Valley and Indian Valley?
Wheeled motor vehicle use will not be allowed in Indian
Valley because of two issues that do not comply with the
Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) standards
and guidelines. The trail that provides access, 19E04,
bisects the meadow in Indian Valley and the ENF does not
have a public right-of-way for road 9N03, which accesses
19E04. The unauthorized routes within Little Indian
Valley are within a Critical Aquatic Refuge. These routes
were not designated to minimize impacts to the aquatic
resources.
Are you planning to close down campgrounds,
boat ramps, and restrooms?
No. In a process un-related to travel management, the
Eldorado determined through a recreation facility
assessment, formally known as Recreation Facility Master
Plan, that it could keep all of its 113 facilities open with
the exception of a restroom on Highway 50. Considering
the size of the recreation demand on this relatively small
urban Forest, the analysis came out with good news. You
can find more information about the Recreation Facility
Assessment on our website at: US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region
eldorado/rfa/index .
Why is Caples Creek Trail non-motorized? It was
allowed under the Forest Plan.
A large portion of the Caples Creek IRA is within a
management area recommended for Wilderness
designation in the ENF LRMP. As such, that portion of
the Caples Creek Inventoried Roadless Area has additional
management direction applied to it. National direction for
management of recommended wilderness areas states in
part that “activities currently permitted may continue,
pending designation, if the activities do not compromise
wilderness values of the area” (FSM 1923.03). The analysis
of these effects is described in the Wilderness section of
Chapter 3 of the FEIS.
Why didn’t you consider equestrian’s needs with
your parking decision? We need more space for
vehicles, trailhead parking is too limited.
Limiting vehicles to one vehicle length from the edge of
the route provides a guideline between parking on the
route system and driving cross country. The distance
proposed in this analysis is the distance currently proposed
nationally by the Forest Service. The Forest Service agrees
that parking in inappropriate locations or positions can be
a safety issue. Following the release of the FEIS and
Record of Decision, analysis for designating public motor
vehicle use for dispersed recreation will be conducted as
resources are available.
Why aren’t you protecting meadows more?
Appendix G contains the rationale for not allowing
motorized use on routes in Modified B. Routes identified
for inclusion in the Forest Plan Amendment are routes that
provided a unique recreation opportunity (such as high
elevation trail experience), enhanced the recreation
experience by connecting routes or areas, provided access
to an area of interest, or allow access to dispersed
camping. The ecological importance of meadow habitat
was considered and the number of routes crossing
meadows was minimized.
Did you give into the OHV community?
The comments we received on the DEIS covered a wide,
often conflicting, range of concerns from Forests users
with diverse interests. The Forest Supervisor, in his
decision, wanted to provide access for both motorized and
non-motorized users in a manner that is environmentally
sustainable over the long term. Alternative B was modified
to respond to those comments by providing greater access
for all classes of vehicles, complying with LRMP standards
and guidelines, displaying rationale for eliminating use on
ML-2 routes, and minimizing impacts to certain resources.
Prohibiting cross country travel will enhance our ability to
provide clean water and wildlife habitat and protect
against soil erosion.
Page 4
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication
of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
Did you consider the interests of people who
want quiet recreation?
Yes. Noise is a concern that was considered in this
decision. National Forests are managed by law for multiple
uses. The effects to recreation visitors, including those
seeking quiet recreation opportunities, are described in
Chapter 3 in the Recreation, Wilderness, and Inventoried
Roadless Areas sections.
Are you encouraging illegal use by allowing
mixed use on dirt roads? Aren’t you encouraging
route proliferation?
We do not believe we are encouraging illegal use when we
allow mixed use on the lower standard roads that are not
subject to the Highway Safety Act. The direction in our
Forest Plan states that, in general, native surface roads will
be open to both highway and non-highway licensed
vehicles.
Page 5
Link here http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/rog_tm_q&a.pdf
Words are below
April 2008
Eldorado National Forest website: Eldorado National Forest - Welcome!
Travel Management
Final EIS Questions and Answers
Eldorado National Forest
United
States
Department
of
Agriculture
Forest
Service
Pacific
Southwest
Region
Do you want to close the Forest?
No. Motor vehicles are a legitimate and appropriate
way for people to enjoy their national forests – in
the right places and with proper management.
Did you meet the court date to complete
the EIS?
Yes, we met the April 2, 2008 District Court
deadline to complete the FEIS and Record of
Decision. We still have a 45 day administrative
appeal period and another 45 days to try to resolve
any appeals.
Why are you closing any routes? There are
plenty of people interested in volunteering
who will take care of the Forest.
This project is designed to establish a “backbone
system” of designated routes that complies with the
Forest’s Standards and Guidelines. It is the intent of
the Forest Supervisor to maintain the system of
roads and trails open for use so that they can
continue to be used. However, it is recognized that
this travel management system is dynamic and
allows for a yearly evaluation.
The Forest Service will monitor route conditions
and will continue to perform necessary
maintenance. The Forest Service intends to expand
working with volunteers to complete needed route
maintenance to avoid damage to routes. As a part of
route designation, the Forest Service will annually
prepare and distribute a free motor vehicle use map
(MVUM). Based on trail monitoring, public input,
and budget constraints, new routes may be added to
the system, existing routes may be removed from
the system or the system may remain unchanged.
Why did the mileage open to motorized
travel increase in Forest Supervisor’s
decision?
Based on comments received on the DEIS,
Alternative B was modified between the DEIS and
FEIS in order to provide a higher level of access than
Alternative D while still minimizing impacts to
certain resources. Many of the roads included in
Modified B are secondary roads or short spur roads
that provide access to areas used by people who
camp, picnic, or enjoy other day use activities.
Why are you shutting down the Rubicon
Trail by not allowing travel on bypasses?
This travel management project makes no decisions
regarding State or County roads or highways,
including the Rubicon 4WD Trail, which is a county
un-maintained road. El Dorado County has been
completing the Rubicon Trail Master Plan, which
will provide direction for the use and management
of the Rubicon Trail. The Forest has addressed some
of the roads and trails providing access to the
Rubicon Trail in this travel management project.
However, some of the bypasses were not included
because no site-specific analysis was completed. We
will continue to work with the county to address
specific bypasses along the trail.
How will I know where I can travel legally?
The Forest will annually produce a motorized travel
map displaying the designated travel routes open to
public use, much the same as it has since 2005.
Won’t there be increased impacts on the
remaining routes if the demand increases and
travel opportunities are reduced?
Reducing the total number of miles of routes does not
necessarily lead to increased resource damage. Trails and
roads in sensitive areas are more likely to sustain damage,
even at lower levels of use, whereas trails and roads that
are located in stable areas or otherwise avoid sensitive
areas (archaeological sites, sensitive plant locations, etc.)
can accommodate high levels of use without leading to
resource damage. It is not just a matter of concentration of
use, but also the location of routes, for both providing a
good recreation opportunity and avoiding resource
impacts. We cannot guarantee that impacts to trails will
not increase as a result of a reduction in travel
opportunities. However, we will continue to monitor
route conditions.
How will the routes be maintained?
The forest will continue to use federal funding for road or
trail maintenance. However, we intend to work with
interested people to help maintain the trails. This
assistance may come in the form of volunteer work or
grants to accomplish specific work.
Did you consider or analyze new routes to meet
growing demand for access?
No. The Forest Supervisor at the start of the project
decided that, in order comply with the court ordered
timeline, it was necessary to keep the scope of the project
manageable. As a result, construction of new routes was
not part of this decision. It will be possible, however, to
revise designations as needed to meet changing conditions,
including the potential to add new routes following public
involvement and site specific environmental analysis.
Will the designated travel routes be different
from the routes people have been allowed to
travel on since 2005 when the court order went
into effect?
In many cases the routes people have been using will be
the same, however, there were a few unauthorized routes
added and a some NFS roads or trails closed for resource
protection. The court ordered map includes a number of
routes that were never intended to be open to the public
(ML-1) roads that will not be shown on the new map.
What if I disagree with the decision?
Appeals from people who commented on the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement will be reviewed by R-5
Regional Forester. The 45 day appeal period begins April
2, 2008.
How will this decision affect persons with
disabilities?
Persons in a wheel chair will be able to go where ever foot
travel is permitted. However, restrictions on motor
vehicles, including 4 X 4s, ATVs, and motorcycles, apply
to all people, including those with disabilities.
Isn’t there a way you can designate a route
through private land?
The Forest Service may obtain an easement through a
written agreement with the property owner or through
condemnation – taking property for public use by power
of eminent domain. The Forest Service has worked with
landowners to obtain easements or rights of way across
private land and will continue to do so, within the limits of
available resources and funding.
Won’t you need the closed roads to fight
wildfires?
This decision does not obliterate routes; it merely decided
which routes are open to public use. Any thought about
obliteration will need to be explored in a more site
specific decision and not in this one.
Why have you limited access to dispersed camp
sites?
This decision limits cross country travel, driving off
system roads and trails. This prohibition has been in place
since 2005 when the court order was implemented. You
will be able to park one vehicle length off the road, and in
some cases you may need to carry your gear to your
campsite. This decision includes some short parking spurs
that lead to popular dispersed camping, picnicking, and
other day use sites. An analysis of dispersed camping sites
will begin after this decision is implemented.
Why are you closing the dirt roads for three
months in the winter?
The primary objectives of the wet season closure are to
protect drainage structures, such as earthen mounds
placed across roads to channel water off the road, to
protect the road or trail tread from rutting or other
damage and to minimize impacts to water quality.
Appendix D was added to the FEIS to explain the basis for
the period of closure. As described in Appendix D, the
closure period is based on rainfall data and soil moisture
conditions associated with the critically dry water year
type. The Forest Supervisor may sign Forest Orders at
other times of the year to close roads or trails due to wet
weather conditions, when conditions warrant.
Page 2
Are you following the Executive Order to
minimize impacts to specific resources?
Yes. Alternative B was modified between the DEIS and
FEIS. Modified B provides a high level of access while
adhering to Standards and Guidelines within the LRMP
and minimizing impacts to certain resources, as described
in Chapter 2 of the FEIS. Modified B and the other action
alternatives were developed to meet the objectives of the
Executive Orders and the Travel Management Rule, as
described in Chapter 1 of the FEIS under the Purpose and
Need.
Are there any changes to non-motorized routes?
Yes, 1.7 miles of non-motorized routes are now
motorized and 10.3 miles of previously motorized routes
are non-motorized, mostly in the Caples Creek area.
When will this decision be implemented?
Given the appeal period and associated administrative
activities the forest will not be implementing until January
of 2009. The interim forest order and Motor Vehicle
Restriction map will continue to be used for the 2008
summer season.
Why are you allowing travel on the Hunter’s
trail?
This area was identified during public scoping as one that
various interests were concerned about. Certain users
recommended that motorcycle use continue to be allowed
on the trail as it provides a unique high country
opportunity in a scenic setting. Others requested that the
trail be closed to motorized use to allow for undisrupted
non-motorized recreation. The Forest Supervisor decided
to allow motorized use on the Hunter’s Trail to provide a
unique riding opportunity. This was balanced with not
allowing wheeled motor vehicle use in other high country
areas, such as the Caples Creek recommended wilderness
area.
What about hunting? Can I still drive to my
hunter’s camp?
Depends on whether or not your camp is accessed by a
designated route. This was considered when the routes
were designated.
How will this decision affect woodcutting?
Driving off road is covered by the terms of the
woodcutting permit.
Why didn’t you notify people that you were
planning to keep people on designated roads?
We attempted to notify as many people as possible that
they were invited to participate in public involvement
activities. Public awareness activities began in 2005 when
the court order went into effect restricting people to
travel only on routes identified on a free map. Last
summer more than 1,200 people attended public meetings
and 6,000 people sent in comments on the draft EIS.
We’ll continue to try to reach more people.
How quickly will you start working on the
dispersed camping and parking situation?
The Implementation Strategy presented in Chapter 2 of
the FEIS describes how the ENF intends to develop a
strategy for designating areas for public motor vehicle use
of dispersed camping areas within one year after the
completion of the ROD.
Will you decommission routes if you can’t
maintain them?
Route decommissioning is a proposed action that is
normally triggered by resource concerns. If a road or trail
is causing resource concerns and the route is not providing
some other benefit, or if it provides access into an area
where motorized use would cause resource concerns, then
decommissioning is considered. The decommissioning
proposal is then analyzed through the NEPA process.
Some routes may be proposed for decommissioning
because there is a lack of adequate maintenance funding,
and therefore the routes have deteriorated to the level
where resource damage is a concern. If this happens,
decommissioning won’t be postponed while waiting on
the available maintenance funding to be increased.
How can we get a second look at routes if they
are closed? What about new routes, or routes
that need to be closed?
The Implementation Strategy in Chapter 2 of the FEIS
describes that the ENF will begin working with public
stakeholders within six months of the final decision. The
process for considering the addition of routes, closure of
routes, or changes in management of the designated
system will be developed in collaboration with diverse
interested publics.
Why does the Poho Ridge area have a seasonal
closure?
The experience on the ENF has been that to implement a
wet weather closure that opens roads or trails for short
periods during the normal wet season has required a
significant amount of time and resources to assure that
signs are changed to display which routes are open or
closed, gates are in proper positions, and phone messages,
email messages, and websites are current. The Forest
Supervisor has concluded that it is not reasonable to
implement the Rock Creek strategy for seasonal closure to
Page 3
other areas of the Forest because of the staffing needed to
implement signing, gate management, etc., and the ability
to inform the diverse publics that use the Forest in a timely
way.
Why didn’t you include more miles of mixed use
in your decision?
The mixed use designation that is part of the ROD/FEIS is
limited to roads that are going to be managed as
Maintenance Level 2 roads. The Forest separates the road
system into two classes- roads that are subject to the
Highway Safety Act, and roads that are not subject to the
Highway Safety Act. Our more heavily used, higher
standard roads are included in the class of roads subject to
the Highway Safety Act. The Maintenance Level 2 roads
are not subject to the Highway Safety Act. We manage
the heavily used roads similar to County and State roads,
and we start with the presumption that they are not
suitable for mixed use by off-highway and highway legal
vehicles. If through a detailed analysis we feel confident
that mixed use on these roads can be safely
accommodated, then we will designate them in the future
for mixed use. The information needed for this detailed
analysis isn’t available, and we are planning to begin the
process of collecting this information this year. However,
we don’t want to create the wrong impression about the
future. Allowing mixed use on roads subject to the
Highway Safety Act may be considered on a few key roads
in the future, but we have no intention of designating a
large number of these roads as allowable for mixed use.
Why have you changed access to Little Indian
Valley and Indian Valley?
Wheeled motor vehicle use will not be allowed in Indian
Valley because of two issues that do not comply with the
Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) standards
and guidelines. The trail that provides access, 19E04,
bisects the meadow in Indian Valley and the ENF does not
have a public right-of-way for road 9N03, which accesses
19E04. The unauthorized routes within Little Indian
Valley are within a Critical Aquatic Refuge. These routes
were not designated to minimize impacts to the aquatic
resources.
Are you planning to close down campgrounds,
boat ramps, and restrooms?
No. In a process un-related to travel management, the
Eldorado determined through a recreation facility
assessment, formally known as Recreation Facility Master
Plan, that it could keep all of its 113 facilities open with
the exception of a restroom on Highway 50. Considering
the size of the recreation demand on this relatively small
urban Forest, the analysis came out with good news. You
can find more information about the Recreation Facility
Assessment on our website at: US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region
eldorado/rfa/index .
Why is Caples Creek Trail non-motorized? It was
allowed under the Forest Plan.
A large portion of the Caples Creek IRA is within a
management area recommended for Wilderness
designation in the ENF LRMP. As such, that portion of
the Caples Creek Inventoried Roadless Area has additional
management direction applied to it. National direction for
management of recommended wilderness areas states in
part that “activities currently permitted may continue,
pending designation, if the activities do not compromise
wilderness values of the area” (FSM 1923.03). The analysis
of these effects is described in the Wilderness section of
Chapter 3 of the FEIS.
Why didn’t you consider equestrian’s needs with
your parking decision? We need more space for
vehicles, trailhead parking is too limited.
Limiting vehicles to one vehicle length from the edge of
the route provides a guideline between parking on the
route system and driving cross country. The distance
proposed in this analysis is the distance currently proposed
nationally by the Forest Service. The Forest Service agrees
that parking in inappropriate locations or positions can be
a safety issue. Following the release of the FEIS and
Record of Decision, analysis for designating public motor
vehicle use for dispersed recreation will be conducted as
resources are available.
Why aren’t you protecting meadows more?
Appendix G contains the rationale for not allowing
motorized use on routes in Modified B. Routes identified
for inclusion in the Forest Plan Amendment are routes that
provided a unique recreation opportunity (such as high
elevation trail experience), enhanced the recreation
experience by connecting routes or areas, provided access
to an area of interest, or allow access to dispersed
camping. The ecological importance of meadow habitat
was considered and the number of routes crossing
meadows was minimized.
Did you give into the OHV community?
The comments we received on the DEIS covered a wide,
often conflicting, range of concerns from Forests users
with diverse interests. The Forest Supervisor, in his
decision, wanted to provide access for both motorized and
non-motorized users in a manner that is environmentally
sustainable over the long term. Alternative B was modified
to respond to those comments by providing greater access
for all classes of vehicles, complying with LRMP standards
and guidelines, displaying rationale for eliminating use on
ML-2 routes, and minimizing impacts to certain resources.
Prohibiting cross country travel will enhance our ability to
provide clean water and wildlife habitat and protect
against soil erosion.
Page 4
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance
program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication
of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
Did you consider the interests of people who
want quiet recreation?
Yes. Noise is a concern that was considered in this
decision. National Forests are managed by law for multiple
uses. The effects to recreation visitors, including those
seeking quiet recreation opportunities, are described in
Chapter 3 in the Recreation, Wilderness, and Inventoried
Roadless Areas sections.
Are you encouraging illegal use by allowing
mixed use on dirt roads? Aren’t you encouraging
route proliferation?
We do not believe we are encouraging illegal use when we
allow mixed use on the lower standard roads that are not
subject to the Highway Safety Act. The direction in our
Forest Plan states that, in general, native surface roads will
be open to both highway and non-highway licensed
vehicles.
Page 5
DEIS
Commenter's to the DEIS have been assigned commenter numbers.
You can find your commenter number here- http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/feis_v2_app_b.pdf
If you can't find your number they may have lumped you into the "form Letter" category which have been responded to by bulk.
Once you find your commenter number go here- http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/feis_v2_app_c.pdf
Once here to find responses to your comments by commenter number right click your mouse. A small screen should open and at the bottom of it will say search. Click on search.
another screen will open to the side that will have an area to type in what to search for. Type your commenter number in and then click search.
A list of comments will open with your number attached. Under the results you can click on each of the search results and it will take you to a response to your comment. The comment you read may not be your exact comment but one that is similar to the one you wrote.
Doing the above search will aid you in finding your comments and their responses and should save you some time. If you open this screen in a separate window you can follow it along. Or you can print it off and go step by step.
They definitely put a lot of time into this.
Dave
Commenter's to the DEIS have been assigned commenter numbers.
You can find your commenter number here- http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/feis_v2_app_b.pdf
If you can't find your number they may have lumped you into the "form Letter" category which have been responded to by bulk.
Once you find your commenter number go here- http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/route/feis/feis_v2_app_c.pdf
Once here to find responses to your comments by commenter number right click your mouse. A small screen should open and at the bottom of it will say search. Click on search.
another screen will open to the side that will have an area to type in what to search for. Type your commenter number in and then click search.
A list of comments will open with your number attached. Under the results you can click on each of the search results and it will take you to a response to your comment. The comment you read may not be your exact comment but one that is similar to the one you wrote.
Doing the above search will aid you in finding your comments and their responses and should save you some time. If you open this screen in a separate window you can follow it along. Or you can print it off and go step by step.
They definitely put a lot of time into this.
Dave
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Thanks for all your work Dave, I got my packet today too, kind of surprised I got my own number and responses... They did do a lot of work on this.