With public comments analyzed and analysis completed, Forest Supervisor Julie King has decided how motorized use will be managed on roads and trails within the 1.6 million acre Bitterroot National Forest, as part of a nationwide effort by the Forest Service to address motorized recreation.
Last week’s release of the Travel Management Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Draft Record of Decision (ROD) comes after more than five years of public involvement and a record 13,400 comments received following scoping and the release of the Draft EIS in 2009.
King selected Alternative 1 Modified, based on Alternative 1, the preferred alternative in the draft plan. While the modified alternative is similar to the original, King said it responds to many issues and concerns raised over motorized use in the Bitterroot’s Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs).
“This decision comes after a long journey with many twists and turns,” King stated. “As we worked through the public comments and environmental analysis, court decisions on other National Forest travel plans caused us to revisit some key issues and complete additional analysis. The result is a travel plan that provides quality recreation experiences for both motorized and non-motorized users, reduces conflicts, and protects the resources of the Bitterroot National Forest.”
The new travel plan designates a system of approximately 2,246 miles of forest roads and trails open to motorized use. These areas will be designated on a new motor vehicle use map (MVUM) and over-snow vehicle use map (OSVUM) the forest will develop and make available to the public free of charge. The new maps will help clearly define which areas on the forest are open/closed to motorized use. The maps are expected to be available later this year. The designated system of 2,246 miles is comparable to the driving distance between Hamilton, MT and Atlanta, GA.
The last forest-wide assessment of travel routes occurred in 1976 – 39 years ago. Since then, Ravalli County’s population has increased from around 18,000 to 45,000. Not only are more people recreating on the forest, but the types of uses have also changed dramatically. Mountain biking was not nearly as popular as it is today and motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles, are more powerful and able to access more difficult terrain than in 1976.
Conflicts between motorized and non-motorized uses have also increased as the population has grown.
“Over the past 30 years we have developed a better understanding of the effects of different recreational pursuits on the environment,” said King. “The public has asked for and deserves a system of well-maintained roads and trails where it is clear what uses are allowed and not allowed.”
The decision:
• Permits motorized uses on routes designated as open. This change is consistent with national direction and is a fundamental change from the current situation where travel is permitted except where specifically restricted.
• Prohibits motorized travel and mechanical transport, including bicycles in Wilderness Study Areas and areas recommended as wilderness by the 1987 Forest Plan.
• Permits motorized over-snow use (snowmobiles) on 543,840 acres
• Designates 30 miles of ‘unauthorized’ roads to the Forest’s travel map
• Allows motorized access for dispersed camping within a 300 foot corridor of roads and trails
• Adds 10 miles of new trails, including connectors, open to vehicles 50” or less in width (ATV’s)
Individuals who drive full-size vehicles will likely not notice much change from the current situation. Those who will experience the most change are bicyclists, snowmobilers, and summer motorized users who ride in recommended wilderness or in the Sapphire and Blue Joint WSAs. Following a recent court decision regarding motorized use in these areas, today’s decision prohibits motorized/mechanical transport, including bicycles and snowmobiles in WSAs. This includes the closure of Trail #39 (Chain of Lakes) to motorized use.
The WSAs on the Bitterroot National Forest are located on the West Fork, Darby, and Sula Districts and total approximately 102,000 acres. They were designated by Congress and created by the Montana Wilderness Study Act of 1977 to be managed, “so as to maintain their existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness System.”
Supervisor King understands that today’s decision will not please everyone.
“This was not an easy decision to make. Travel management is one of the most complex issues that we deal with,” said King. “There are many different interests that desire different types of uses on the forest. I sincerely believe the selected alternative provides the best mix of motorized use while also protecting resources, wildlife, and fisheries habitat.”
The draft ROD and FEIS are subject to public objection under Code of Federal Regulations §218. Objections may only be filed by those who previously submitted comments specific to the project. All objections must be submitted to the Forest Service by June 1, 2015.
Objections may be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Attn: Objection Reviewing Officer, P.O. Box 7669, Missoula MT 59807 OR hand delivered to: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, Attn: Objection Reviewing Officer, 200 East Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Electronic objections may be submitted to: appeals-northern-regional-office@fs.fed.us. Faxed objections may be submitted to (406) 329-3411.
The decision is posted on the Bitterroot National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot. Copies are also available for review and on CD at all Bitterroot National Forest offices and at local libraries.