BlueRibbon Coalition sent over information on an upcoming Environmental Impact Statement for the Tahoe National Forest. See more information below – Editor

The Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to designate Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) use on roads, trails and areas on lands within the Tahoe National Forest. The EIS will also identify snow trails available for grooming on the Forest. Public input on the initial proposed action is encouraged.

The Tahoe National Forest maintains a world-class OSV trail system. Designating OSV use on the Forest will ensure over-snow vehicle activity, such as snowmobile riding, is effectively managed to:  provide access; ensure OSV use when there is adequate snow; promote the safety of all users; enhance public enjoyment, minimize impacts to resources; and minimize conflicts among users.

As an initial step in preparing the EIS, the Forest Service has developed a proposed action, which serves as a point from which to continue dialog with interested members of the public about this project. At this time, a decision has not been made regarding the project.

The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) believes it is possible that specific designation of routes and areas for Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) use will create better management of winter recreation on the National Forest System. Snowmobile interests — including the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, BRC and several individuals — were parties in the Snowlands Network lawsuit and made efforts to ensure that the settlement complied with applicable law and included procedural safeguards.  For example, the snowmobile interests are afforded the opportunity under the settlement to submit an alternative which must be considered by the Forest Service in the analysis.

BRC and the Forest Service encourages your participation in this process and requests comments on the proposed action. To ensure your comments are fully considered during this initial scoping phase of the project, please submit them by March 25. Additional comments are welcome throughout the planning process.

To facilitate public input on the proposal, five meetings are planned. All meetings will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following locations:

March 2 – Tahoe National Forest Headquarters Office, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA
March 3 – Truckee District Ranger Station, 10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee, CA
March 4 – Sierraville District Ranger Station, 317 South Lincoln Street, Sierraville, CA
March 5 – Sierra City, Sierra City Community Hall, 13 Castagna Alley, Sierra City, CA
March 9 – Foresthill Fire Department, 24320 Main Street, Foresthill, CA

More information is available at:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tahoe/home/?cid=stelprd3829965

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

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107