July 7, 2004 -- The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service released a proposal today that could create a nationally consistent approach to managing snowmobile and other off-highway vehicle access to National Parks.
According to a press release, currently each of the 155 national forests and 21 grasslands has seperate guidelines for managing the use of off-highway vehicles. This proposal, if passed, would streamline this approach resulting in consistent guidelines.
The release also said "Snowmobile use would continue to be managed as it is currently - allowed, restricted or prohibited on roads and trails and in areas on National Forest System lands."
According to the release, "The proposed rule represents a nationally consistent approach to travel management by requiring each forest and grassland to designate a system of roads, trails and areas slated for motor vehicle use."
The proposed rule calls for the Forest Service to work with groups like snowmobilers, motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists and local governments to identify "routes offering the best opportunities for OHV while still meeting its responsibility to protect the environment."
The agency is accepting comments on the proposal for 60 days. Sample letters are available at
www.snowmobilers.org. The complete text of the rule is available at
www.fs.fed.us/. Written comments may be sent to
Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use
c/o Content Analyst Team
PO Box 221150
Salt Lake City, UT 84122
or
trvman@fs.fed.us.