Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest will host two open house public meetings to provide information on how to submit written comments for the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District’s Travel Plan Environmental Assessment (EA). (See schedule below) The EA for the travel plan was released at the end of April 2008, for a 60-day public comment period. This will be the final chance to submit comments before a final decision is published.
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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!

Forest Service to Host Next Series of Open Houses on Motorized Access

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River Grassland are formulating a new travel plan that will limit ALL vehicle use to designated roads, trails and areas. The public is invited to attend any of several upcoming open houses scheduled in Central Oregon communities. The Forest Service (FS) is asking for your input during the 45-day public comment period, which will run through June 15, 2008.

Over the past year, personnel at the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests have been working with citizens, as well as state, county and local governments to identify how to provide for motorized access to dispersed campsites. The FS is now ready to begin environmental analysis of the proposal.
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Time is running out to make your voice heard.

The comment period deadline on the draft winter and summer Travel Plan for the Clearwater National Forest is set for February 29, 2008. This is the first time a National Forest in Region 1 has attempted site-specific implementation of their new (and unlawful) de-facto Wilderness policy. COMMENTS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED!

All you need to do is send an email to make your comments.

An example email and additional details are listed at UPDATE! NEW COMMENT DEADLINE ON U.S. FOREST SERVICE ATTEMPT TO IMPLEMENT AN UNLAWFUL “DE-FACTO WILDERNESS” POLICY.

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you write your own version of the letter and submit it via US Mail. Apparently, this has more influence than a mass emailing of the same letter.

PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS BEFORE THE DEADLINE.