Date: 07/25/2008 BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
Attention New Mexico recreationists!
Mark Werkmeister, President of the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA), sent us a copy of their press release on the Cibola National Forest's Sandia Ranger District and the release of their Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Speaking of NMOHVA, have you seen the updates on their website? It's awesome! Nmohva.org has always been an excellent source of info for all New Mexico OHV planning projects and recent improvements have only made it better. Do this: BOOKMARK THIS SITE!! www.nmohva.org/
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
_______________________________________________________
Albuquerque, NM (July 21) - The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) is convinced strong participation by its members helped preserve the dirt bike trails in the Cedro Peak area near Tijeras. The Cibola National Forest's recently released Decision Notice for the Environmental Assessment for Travel Management on the Sandia Ranger District designates approximately 42 miles of single track trail for continued use by motorcyclists. Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose, in her rationale for the decision stated, "Based on the analysis and comments received it has become evident that the Cedro area is highly valued for the single track trail experience and is heavily used by motorcycles...."
NMOHVA President Mark Werkmeister observed, "Our membership did an outstanding job of working with the District and other trail users to identify a sustainable trail network and to help the Forest Service realize the importance of this local riding area."
The Decision Notice also designated routes for ATVs and full sized vehicles, adding an additional 13 miles. This provides the motorized public with 55 miles of road and trail opportunities within the District. The Decision provides for 3.5 miles of new construction to replace trail segments in sensitive areas. A new trailhead will be constructed to help accommodate motorized users. All trails designated for motorized use are also open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Motorized and non-motorized recreationists have been successfully sharing these trails for decades.
The Decision didn't designate any motorized use on the 153 miles of trail in the District's 44,000 acres north of I-40. This includes the 37,877 acre Wilderness area where no motor vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed so hikers and horse-riders still have well over half of the Sandia Ranger District all to themselves.
NMOHVA is pleased that the Sandia Ranger District recognized the historical use of the Cedro Peak area by motorized recreation. Mr. Werkmeister says, "We look forward to working with the Sandia Ranger District on implementing and maintaining the designated route system for motorized recreational use."
The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance is a statewide incorporated alliance of motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts that promotes responsible OHV recreation through education, safety training, land conservation and access, in cooperation with public and private interests, to ensure a positive future for OHV recreation in New Mexico. www.nmohva.org
Link
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
Attention New Mexico recreationists!
Mark Werkmeister, President of the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA), sent us a copy of their press release on the Cibola National Forest's Sandia Ranger District and the release of their Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Speaking of NMOHVA, have you seen the updates on their website? It's awesome! Nmohva.org has always been an excellent source of info for all New Mexico OHV planning projects and recent improvements have only made it better. Do this: BOOKMARK THIS SITE!! www.nmohva.org/
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
_______________________________________________________
Albuquerque, NM (July 21) - The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) is convinced strong participation by its members helped preserve the dirt bike trails in the Cedro Peak area near Tijeras. The Cibola National Forest's recently released Decision Notice for the Environmental Assessment for Travel Management on the Sandia Ranger District designates approximately 42 miles of single track trail for continued use by motorcyclists. Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose, in her rationale for the decision stated, "Based on the analysis and comments received it has become evident that the Cedro area is highly valued for the single track trail experience and is heavily used by motorcycles...."
NMOHVA President Mark Werkmeister observed, "Our membership did an outstanding job of working with the District and other trail users to identify a sustainable trail network and to help the Forest Service realize the importance of this local riding area."
The Decision Notice also designated routes for ATVs and full sized vehicles, adding an additional 13 miles. This provides the motorized public with 55 miles of road and trail opportunities within the District. The Decision provides for 3.5 miles of new construction to replace trail segments in sensitive areas. A new trailhead will be constructed to help accommodate motorized users. All trails designated for motorized use are also open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Motorized and non-motorized recreationists have been successfully sharing these trails for decades.
The Decision didn't designate any motorized use on the 153 miles of trail in the District's 44,000 acres north of I-40. This includes the 37,877 acre Wilderness area where no motor vehicles or mountain bikes are allowed so hikers and horse-riders still have well over half of the Sandia Ranger District all to themselves.
NMOHVA is pleased that the Sandia Ranger District recognized the historical use of the Cedro Peak area by motorized recreation. Mr. Werkmeister says, "We look forward to working with the Sandia Ranger District on implementing and maintaining the designated route system for motorized recreational use."
The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance is a statewide incorporated alliance of motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts that promotes responsible OHV recreation through education, safety training, land conservation and access, in cooperation with public and private interests, to ensure a positive future for OHV recreation in New Mexico. www.nmohva.org
Link