Travel management decision released
SILVER CITY, NM; June 10, 2014 – The Gila National Forest has
completed its Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and
Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell has signed the Record of Decision selecting
Alternative G.
With
the publication of the legal notice in the forest’s newspapers of record, the
start of a 45-day appeal period and resolution will begin.
Alternative
G was selected after thorough analysis by forest specialists and evaluation of
over 2,000 comments received during the formal public comment period from
individuals, organizations, and elected officials.
“I appreciate the public’s patience in this
final decision on the designation of open roads, trails, and areas for
motorized vehicle use. Implementation of the decision is expected in early 2015
once the appeal period has passed, and the official Motor Vehicle Use Map
(MVUM), which displays the open road system, is available free to the public,”
Russell said.
Russell
adds that the decision is a change in use of the forest as cross-country travel
will no longer be allowed. With any major change, time, tolerance, and
education are needed as the process moves forward.
Highlights
of the decision:
·
Approximately 96
percent of non-wilderness lands will be within two miles of an open road, about
99 percent within three miles.
- The
decision is a designated system of roads, trails, and other areas for
motorized vehicle use.
- The
decision keeps open 3,334 miles of road, increases motorized trail
opportunities from 16 to 179 miles and maintains a 3-acre area for
motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle use. The 908 miles of roads closed are
generally ½ to 1 mile in length. All closed roads will be accessible for
emergency response.
- 3.3
million acres of forest remain open to all users; users can go anywhere on
the forest if on foot, horseback, or canoe. Only the use of motorized
travel is restricted to the designated open travel routes.
·
Hunters are
allowed to drive up to 300 feet from either side of roads designated with a
corridor to retrieve their big game.
Page 2 – Travel Management Decision Released
·
Camping continues
with 1,316 miles of designated motorized
dispersed camping corridors and 36 areas.
- Fuelwood cutters can use
their motorized vehicle within designated cutting areas to gather their
fuelwood.
Background: On July
2004, the Forest Service published proposed travel management regulations in
the Federal Register requiring each National Forest or Ranger District in the
nation to designate roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicles. The Gila
National Forest began its analysis in 2006 and conducted numerous public
meetings and open houses to solicit information from the public.
The
forest will continue to provide information on the Travel Management decision
via news releases, website, social media, and personal contacts. Forest
managers are available to provide information and answer questions.
-USFS-