The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA) is announcing the availability of the proposed action for the Big Wood Travel Management Plan. The purpose of this plan is to bring road and trail use into compliance with the Forest Plan, laws, and regulations; to provide a system of roads and trails for public access and recreational travel; to manage resource impacts that are occurring due to the use of roads and trails; and to rehabilitate non-system routes identified as a problem to natural and cultural resources (soil, water, fish, plants, wildlife, heritage, etc.).
This proposal would revise the existing Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Big Wood Watershed to meet changed conditions. The majority of routes represented on the existing MVUM would remain open to the public. Some new routes would be added, while others would be closed and naturalized or restricted to administrative or other authorized uses. Other changes include installing barriers or gates on ski trails, designating dispersed camping areas, upgrading and adding parking areas, converting roads to non-motorized trails, rerouting one motorized trail, and reducing the length of routes that encroach upon sensitive areas. This project is being analyzed in compliance with the 36 CFR 212 Travel Rule.
The documents and maps that describe this proposal in detail are available for review and comment at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49367. To subscribe to email updates for this project, please choose the appropriate link on the project website. You may review hard copies at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters located in Ketchum, Idaho or at the Stanley Ranger Station in Stanley, Idaho. You may also request hard copies or CDs containing the information by contacting our office at 208-727-5000. Additionally, an extensive network of unauthorized routes exist within the planning area.
These routes are not displayed on the Proposed Action map unless we propose to add them to the transportation system. A map that displays these inventoried routes is available to view upon request.
The Sawtooth NRAI would appreciate your comments or feedback on any part of the proposed action. Your scoping comments are being requested to help identify potential major issues related to the proposed action.
Please be as specific as possible in expressing your comments so they can be effectively addressed. All comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposed action and will be available for public inspection.
Written, facsimile, hand-delivered, oral, and electronic comments concerning this action are most useful if received by July 1, 2016. Email comments to comments-intermtn-sawtooth-nra@fs.fed.us or send written comments to:
Kirk Flannigan
Attn: Big Wood Travel Management Plan
5 NorthFork
Ketchum, Idaho 83340
If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Robin Garwood, Project Manager at 208-727-5014 or Susan James, Recreation Program Manager at 208-774-3037.