The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued its Motorized Travel Management decision (press release):
Forest Motorized Travel Management Decision Released
Date: Mar 23, 2010
Contact(s): Ray Mooney (530) 226-2494
REDDING, Calif. – Forest Supervisor Sharon Heywood has signed a Record of Decision (ROD) implementing Subpart B of the Motorized Travel Management Rule for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
The decision designates those roads and trails open for motorized use on the forest. It adds 32.1 miles of formerly unauthorized routes and authorizes motorized mixed use on 21.31 miles of roads.
“This decision balances motorized recreation opportunities with the protection of natural and cultural resources.” Heywood said. “After four years of environmental analysis and extensive public involvement and discussion, this decision designates motorized travel routes for the entire forest. This is the first step in an ongoing process. As we undertake new projects, we will continue to work with stakeholders to improve and manage the diverse system of roads and trails on the forest.”
The decision:
Adds 32.1 miles of formerly unauthorized routes to the National Forest Transportation System (NFTS).
Authorizes motorized mixed use on 21.31 miles of roads. These sections will connect approximately 35 different routes that provide 128 miles of routes open to all riding opportunities.
Adds open areas below the high-water mark at Shasta and Trinity Lakes to provide access to the water’s edge for water-based recreation.
Allows motorized cross county travel only on designated NFTS roads and trails unless authorized in special use permits or other authorizations.
The decision does not close any part of the existing NFTS, which provides over 4000 miles of roads open to all vehicles and more than 85 miles of motorized trails.
An Environmental Impact Statement accompanies the ROD and details the process, alternatives and analysis used to inform the decision.
CD copies of the Final EIS and Record of Decision will be mailed to everyone who commented on the Draft EIS. A copy of the Final EIS and the Record of Decision may be obtained by contacting Forest Environmental Coordinator Tom Kisanuki at (530) 226-2500 or Public Affairs Officer Rita Vollmer at (530) 226-2595. The FEIS and ROD are also available on the forest website at http://fs.usda.gov/stnf.
The forest will begin work immediately to complete a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) depicting the designated system on the Shasta-Trinity. It will indicate where forest users can drive on the forest, including what classes of vehicles are authorized for each road, trail and area. The map, which is available at no cost, will be revised and reissued as needed to accommodate future changes to the forest’s designated transportation system.
Four open houses will be held to provide information about the decision and its implementation. Please contact Public Affairs Officer Rita Vollmer at (530) 226-2595 for additional information.
This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 215). The 45-day appeal period is calculated from the legal notice publication date in the Redding Record-Searchlight, which is expected to be March 26, 2010. Detailed procedures for appeal are provided in the Record of Decision.
{ 1 trackback }