“From the start, this project has been about balancing the various needs for motorized recreation opportunities with the need to protect natural and cultural resources,” said Upchurch. “I believe my decision strikes the best balance in providing motorized access with the protection of these critical resources.”
As described in the Record of Decision the Selected Alternative will restrict public motorized use to designated National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads, trails, and areas. It will add to the system:
• 850 miles of high-clearance native surface roads as high-clearance roads open to all vehicles,
• 122 miles of motorized trails open to all trail vehicles,
• 20 miles of ATV trails,
• 15 miles of motorcycle trails.
The Selected Alternative includes limited changes to existing NFTS roads, including changes in vehicle class, and identifies mitigation efforts that must be completed prior to designating certain routes for motor vehicle use.