CALIFORNIA – Sierra NF Proposes Revision of Motor Vehicle Use Designations (Season of Use)

Simon | April 14, 2012

The Sierra National Forest (SNF) proposes to change the process for determining motor vehicle season of use for National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads, trails and areas. The purpose of this action is to allow flexibility in public motorized use on SNF roads, trails and areas when resource conditions allow. This action is needed because the SNF’s Travel Management decision (FS 2010b) envisioned that the Forest would be responsive to changing conditions and public needs.

There is a need to provide for flexible seasonal designations that protect the natural resources and the Forest’s financial investment during wet weather periods. The original Motorized Travel Management Record of Decision included a rigid system of “seasons of use” based on typical or average historic weather patterns. However, the Forest has been experiencing highly variable weather patterns where a rigid system of dates for seasonal open periods does not meet the public need.

The project will provide line officers the use discretion to modify the seasonal designation for a road, trail or area to address unpredictable conditions such as no rainfall, heavy rain or snowfall, fire danger or flooding.

The Forest Service is excepting comments on this proposed action through April 23, 2012. If you wish to submit a comment, please send written comments to Judith Tapia, 1600 Tollhouse Road , Clovis, CA, 93611-0532 or by email to jetapia@fs.fed.us.

The Environmental Assessment for this project can be found on the forest’s website at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38017

If you have questions, please contact Judith Tapia, Environmental Coordinator at (559) 297-0706 ext 4938 or by email to jetapia@fs.fed.us.

Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.

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