Protect & Preserve Quiet Recreation in Our National Forests

The Forest Service is in the process of implementing Travel Management Plans for all National Forests in the U.S. We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Jemez Mountains, which is covered by the west side of the Santa Fe National Forest. The current map of roads and trails (phase III map) designated for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use does not adequately address the environmental degradation caused by increasing OHV use in the Jemez Mountains.

In addition, we believe Executive Orders 11644 and 11989 governing off-road vehicles on public lands are not being followed.

Wildlands CPR describes, on this page, how the Forest Service is not implementing various rules with which it has been tasked.

We are not completely opposed to OHV use of the Forest. We believe:

• The forests should be "closed unless open" to motor vehicle usage, instead of the current "open unless closed" policy.
• Motor vehicles should be restricted to designated routes that are designed and constructed to minimize damage to the environment and wildlife habitat.
• Routes that damage sensitive environmental or cultural resources should be closed or re-routed.
• The density of designated routes should be such that they do not adversely affect the quality of the outdoors experiences of non-motorized users.
• New routes should not be created in roadless areas, and existing routes in roadless areas should be closed and re-claimed.
• The burden of repairing the damage caused by OHV usage should be placed on the riders of the vehicles and the manufacturers and dealers of OHVs, and not on the taxpayer.
• The quality of life of private landowners should be taken into account when designating routes close to private property.

The various Forest Service districts will submit their proposed maps of OHV roads and trails to the national office for review and approval in January, 2008. The Forest Service proposal is currently being revised and we need to give them our views as soon as possible. Now, when the plans are being formulated, is the best time to take action.