Editor’s Note: The BlueRibbion Coalition sent over this note regarding off-road trails on the Winschell Dugway Motorized Trail Project Draft in Idaho. See the details below.

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest (Forest) is inviting comments on the Winschell Dugway Motorized Trail Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The Forest is proposing to construct a motorized trail from Morgan Meadows to Caribou City.

This DEIS has been prepared to analyze and disclose the effects for the construction of a motorized trail located approximately 45 miles northeast of Soda Springs, Idaho. The purpose of this project is to respond to outside public interest to provide a motorized trail opportunity from Morgan Meadows to Caribou City allowing forest visitors to experience the historic mining history of the area. The DEIS discusses the purpose and need for the Proposed Action; alternative to the Proposed Action; project design criteria; potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing each alternative. Three alternatives were analyzed in detail in the DEIS.

The Soda Springs District Ranger is the Responsible Official for this project. The decision will include whether or not to construct a motorized trail from Morgan Meadows to Caribou City. If a motorized trail is constructed, the decision would also include the selection of a route location (the proposed action or alternative 3).

Reviewers should provide the Forest Service with their comments during the review period of the draft environmental impact statement. This will enable the Forest Service to analyze and respond to the comments at one time and to use information acquired in the preparation of the final environmental impact statement, thus avoiding undue delay in the decision making process.

The Draft EIS is available for review at the Caribou-Targhee Forest Supervisors Office at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID or online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48732.

Additional information regarding this action can be obtained from: Jessica Taylor, Forest NEPA Coordinator at 208-557-5837 or jessicartaylor@fs.fed.us.