US Forest Service roads in the Superior National Forest offer scenic rides for local all-terrain vehicle (AT V) riders.
Continuing the nearly four year long process of determining where off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can travel in the Superior National Forest (SNF), Forest Service Supervisor James Sanders notified “interested parties, agencies, and organizations” on November 19 that a supplement to the environmental review of the SNF Forestwide Travel Management Project (TMP) is now available for review.
Sanders noted that his original decision, in December 2008, was appealed because of concerns regarding the impacts to air quality in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Sanders said his staff had completed an environmental assessment (EA) supplement, which can be seen at www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior. Click on “Projects and Plans” and then “Travel Management Project.”
In the 50-page decision notice, Sanders explained that he had once again determined that the proposed Alternative 2, with modification, was the best option for the SNF. Sanders wrote, “Compared to the current condition, my decision would increase the amount of OHV loop riding opportunities, as well as riding on longer connected routes. Because my decision results in fewer total roads and that most additional OHV use will be placed on higher standard roads, overall negative impacts to natural resources will be less than is occurring now or would occur under the ‘No Action’ Alternative.
“Overall, taking the 154 miles of road to be decommissioned and the 46 miles of trail that will be designated for ATV/OHM use, there is a net reduction of 108 miles of motorized use on the national forest.”
Sanders acknowledged that not everyone would be happy with his decision. He defended the modification to Alternative 2, which eliminates OHV use on a portion of the Lima Grade (Forest Road 152). During the appeal process, the Forest Service determined that this portion of the Lima Grade was not necessary for providing loop riding opportunities. Sanders wrote that “a substantial portion of the Lima Grade will still be opened to OHV use,” explaining that although the four campsites in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources campground south of the closure at Twin Lakes will be closed to OHVs, there is a gravel pit off FR 152 north of the closure that will be accessible by OHV that will allow for camping opportunity.
Sanders also acknowledged comments that expressed concern about potential impact on the wilderness, but gave five reasons why his decision would not have a significant effect:
1. There will be fewer low standard roads
within one mile of the wilderness, and no new roads or trails will be constructed within one mile. Accordingly, there
will be less OHV and motor vehicle use
within one mile of the wilderness.
2. There would be a very minor reduction
in effects to the BWCAW from air pollutants
due to a shift of OHV use to locations
further away from the wilderness.
3. Additional OHV use will be primarily on
existing roads open to all vehicles; there
will not be a separate set of motorized trails created within this proposal.
4. The analysis for sound provided in the EA demonstrates the very minor impact
that additional motor use will have from
use on existing roads.
5. We have demonstrated that decisions to
close roads can be implemented to have
very effective results.
Sander’s latest decision is subject to administrative review (appeal). Anyone wishing to appeal must submit written notice within 45 calendar days after the legal notice is published in the Duluth
News Tribune.
The notice was published on November 30, 2009. If no appeals are filed within the 45-day time period, implementation of the decision may occur five business days from the close of the appeal filing period. When appeals are filed, implementation may occur on, but not before, the 15th business day following the date of the last appeal disposition.
Sanders said he intends to implement the decision and publish a motor vehicle use map (MVUM) in February or March 2010. He explained that OHV use is minimal in winter, which allows several months to get information out before OHV use again increases in the spring and summer. Sanders said this schedule also allows time for Forest staff to post signs prior to the spring/summer use season next year.
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