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UNITED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ASSOCIATIONS FORCES
U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO SETTLE OUT OF COURT (updated 3/15/00)
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, the nation's leading representative of four wheel drive enthusiasts, has compelled the Federal Government to sign a settlement agreement prohibiting the US Forest Service from categorically closing roads or using the term "unroaded" in establishing roadless areas for Wilderness designation.
"Under the terms of the settlement agreement the Forest Service is banned from using the Road Moratorium to close a single mile of road", stated Carla Boucher, author of the agreement and nationally recognized attorney for United. "United obtained evidence that many, if not all, of the national forests were using the Temporary Road Moratorium to create de facto wilderness areas as part of forest planning", stated Boucher, who predicted in early 1998 that this was the plan of the Forest Service all along. "This agreement prevents the creation of de facto wilderness, protecting nearly 347,000 miles of access for motorized recreationists", remarked Boucher.
The Forest Service is not allowed to use the Temporary Road Moratorium to close roads.
The Forest Service is not allowed to use the Temporary Road Moratorium to create de facto wilderness areas as part of forest planning.
The Forest Service will not be allowed to suspend planned construction or maintenance of motorized trails that are over 50 inches in width, even in Roadless areas or unroaded areas.
The Forest Service will not be allowed to suspend planned construction or maintenance of motorized trails that are under 50 inches in width, even in Roadless areas or unroaded areas.
The Forest Service is not allowed to use the terminology and definitions of road, classified road, unclassified road, or unroaded in forest planning, project implementation outside Roadless areas, or for road obliteration or closure purposes until the Forest Service subjects the definitions to public comment.
The Forest Service must respond within 30 days to United’s request for repeal which was filed on March 23, 1999.
The Forest Service must pay United’s attorneys fees.
As a result of United’s settlement, the Forest Service has amended the proposed definition for road, classified road, and unclassified road in its Transportation Policy.
As a result of United’s settlement, the public has been given an opportunity to comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared with the Transportation Policy proposed rule. This opportunity to comment was denied the public during the Temporary Road Moratorium.
For more information about the settlement agreement contact United Four Wheel Drive Associations:
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Carla Boucher |
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