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More Studies Ordered On Forest Road Plan

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has ordered more studies after an appeals officer allowed parts of a plan determining which methods of travel are allowed in the White River National Forest to take effect.

The appeals officer says more studies are needed on a proposal to close more than 500 miles of roads and trails.

According to the Aspen Times, the plan will determine use patterns in the 2-million-acre national forest for at least the next decade.

Twelve appeals were filed, the bulk of them by groups representing off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Organizations for dirt bikers, snowmobilers and other off-road enthusiasts want to prevent route closures.

Regional Forester Jerome Thomas affirmed the White River National Forest travel management decision. The decision comes after a review of a number of appeals to the travel management plan and will allow the White River National Forest to begin implementing the new plan Aug. 25.

Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams said a lot of work and effort went into the travel management plan.

"The White River has a good plan to work from now, one that will meet the needs of the forest and public," Fitzwilliams said.

The acting deputy forester for the Rocky Mountain Region upheld the hearing officer's findings in a decision dated Aug. 4. The decisions were made public Monday. That is the final administrative appeal in the process. If appeals are pursued further, they must be made through the courts.

Thomas said further appeals should include environmental analysis on methods to be used to decommission specific roads and trails, and provide specific direction regarding which roads or trails are to be decommissioned.

Brian Hawthorne, public lands policy director for the Blue Ribbon Coalition based in Pocatello, Idaho, which filed an appeal, said the decision was disappointing.

"This plan hurt. We feel we've cut to the bone. Every mile is so important," Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne said recent travel management plans for national forests around the West have reduced available routes for off-highway vehicles by 20 to 30 percent and the White River is following suit.

Hawthorne said reducing the numbers of routes where dirt bikers and other off-road users can go leads to congestion on the remaining trails.

The letter denying the appeal said 1,600 miles of roads and trails are open to licensed motorcycles and more than 1,000 miles are open to all-terrain vehicles

Mountain bikes have 2,100 miles of routes open to them and hikers have 3,500 miles of routes.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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