Forest Service sets workshop to discuss trail decision process

BISMARCK -- Hunters, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the forest may find an upcoming workshop interesting.

A Motorized Route Designation Workshop is Nov. 1-2 in Bismarck. The workshop is being conducted by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, in cooperation with the McKenzie and Medora Ranger Districts of the Little Missouri National Grassland of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

The purpose of the workshop is to assist the Forest Service and other stakeholders in effective implementation of the United States Forest Service Travel Management Rule in the ranger districts listed above.

The USFS Travel Management Rule is an involved process that designated what trails are available in national forests, said Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

It's important the public understands the process, he said, adding people don't always understand if a specific trail they've used is closed. The workshop is to provide information so the public can learn how decisions are made about trails. Another goal of the workshop is to open the lines of communication between the public and the USFS, he said.

"We want that dialogue to occur between the public and the Forest Service," Terrell said.

Hunters, anglers and environmentalists are examples of stakeholders who may be interested in the workshop, he said. Hunters and fishers use forest trails and roads and may want some explanation if any of those trails are closed.

"If as part of this (USFS Travel Management Rule) plan, roads or trails are closed that have traditionally been open, it may severely limit what their access is for their recreation purpose is; to get to a favorite fishing place or a favorite hunting location, it impacts a lot of people," Terrell said.

The USFS Travel Management Rule also takes environmental issues into consideration, and thus anyone interested in the environment may want to attend the workshop, he said.

There is no charge for the workshop, and all sessions are open to anyone interested in travel management on USFS lands. A continental breakfast is to be served at 7 a.m.; with a lunch and break refreshments provided each day.

The registration deadline is today. To register, go online at www.nohvcc.org and click on the "USFS Route Designation Workshops" link. For more information, contact Ann Vance at 888-458-0131, or by e-mail at avance@nohvcc.org.

The workshop is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Comfort Inn, 1030 E. Interstate Ave., in Bismarck.