By Brad Smith, Conservation Associate-
The Forest Service recently released a draft plan for the use of off-road vehicles on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The plan is part of a national effort to get motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails to protect our forests, deserts and grasslands from destructive “off-road” use.
The draft plan includes four different options or alternatives. At our request, the Forest Service developed Alternative 3 to emphasize non-motorized recreation in the Borah Peak and Pioneer Mountains recommended wilderness areas.
Although the focus of the plan is on where motorized recreation is to be allowed, by default other backcountry trails would be for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. At the very least, the Forest Service should protect its recommended wilderness areas from off-road vehicles.
The plan is also intended to better protect fish and wildlife of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
For more detailed information you may view the plan online. The Forest Service is accepting public comments through November 25.
If you frequent the Salmon-Challis National Forest, you should send the agency a letter or e-mail asking for the protection of Borah Peak and he Pioneers from the destructive off-road use occurring there.
