AMA Notice Re: Arizona Forests

The EIS will evaluate the growing popularity of OHVs and their impacts to the Forests...

These five forests differ in their current direction for this type ofrecreational use. Existing direction for OHV use will be replaced with these Forest Plan amendments if supported by the analysis. The intention of the EIS is to preserve options for OHV use in local transportation planning while reducing impacts to resources.

The Forest Supervisors of each of the National Forests will decide if it is necessary to more restrictively manage cross-country travel byOHVs and how to do so while standardizing signing for open roads and trails that may be used by OHVs.

An interdisciplinary team has been appointed by the Responsible Officials. Comment on these preliminary alternatives during scoping could help the team analyze the alternatives and might suggest others that would ensure a complete analysis of reasonable and feasible strategies for providing recreation for OHV recreationists.

Comments in response to this Notice of Intent concerning the scope of the analysis should be received in writing by May 15, 2001 to: USDAForest Service, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, PO Box 640, Springerville, Arizona 85938, ATTN: Land Management Planning.

Public open houses are being scheduled throughout much of Arizona starting next week and will offer the opportunity to discuss OHV issues at the following locations and dates:

Flagstaff - April 9, 2001 at the Commons at Flagstaff High School, 400 W. Elm Avenue, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Williams - April 10, 2001 at the Williams Ranger District office, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Tusayan - April 11, 2001 at the Grand Canyon Quality Inn, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Fredonia - April 12, 2001 at a location to be announced, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Payson - April 24, 2001 at the Payson High School auditorium, from 5:00 pm to 9 pm.

WHAT TO DO

Attend one or all of these meetings, provide brief, polite and concise comment, both written and oral. Let the committee know that there is a specific need for responsible motorized recreation in the state.

If you cannot attend a specific meeting you still need to provide written comment to the address above.

This is your chance to be proactive in protecting your right to ride! If the committee does not hear from area riders then they will not know of your feelings on motorized recreation until the gates go up, then it is to late.