Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Travel Management:Travel Management:Designated Routes and Areas for Designated Routes and Areas for

Motor Vehicle UseMotor Vehicle UseALL Trails Users AffectedALL Trails Users Affected

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

BackgroundBackground

• Unmanaged Recreation: a key threat facing national forests and grasslands

• Environmental and social impacts from unmanaged recreation (e.g. social – hikers and ATV’s sharing trails)

• Motorized recreation is a legitimate use of National Forest System lands – in the right places

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Requirements of the RuleRequirements of the Rule

• Each unit or district shall designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use by vehicle class, and if appropriate, by time of year (36 CFR 212.51)

• Designated roads, trails and areas shall be identified on a motor vehicle use map (36 CFR 212.56)

• Once the map is published, motor vehcile use inconsistent with designations is prohibited (36 CFR 261.13)

• Until designation is complete, current rules and authorities remain in place.

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Designation Process Designation Process

TravelAnalysis

ProposedAction

EnvironmentalAnalysis(NEPA)

Implement DecisionMotor Vehicle

Use Map

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Exemptions from Designated RoutesExemptions from Designated Routes

• Aircraft

• Watercraft

• Over-the-snow

• Limited Administrative Use

• Emergency Purposes

• National Defense purposes

• Law Enforcement purposes

• Use specifically authorized under a written authorization (e.g. fuelwood, grazing, etc..)

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

The Rule Requires Public InvolvementThe Rule Requires Public Involvement

“The public shall be allowed to participate in the designation of National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and areas on National Forest System lands and revising those designations… Advance notice shall be given to allow for public comment on proposed designations and revisions.” (36 CFR 212.52)

• This is more than a formality.

• The Chief expects an open, collaborative process.

II.B.-6

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

General Criteria (212.55(a))General Criteria (212.55(a))

• Consider:

– Effects on NFS natural and cultural resources.

– Public safety.

– Recreational opportunities.

– Access needs.

– Conflicts among uses of NFS lands.

– Need for maintenance and administration.

– Availability of resources for maintenance and administration.

II.F.-7

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Dispersed Camping and Game RetrievalDispersed Camping and Game Retrieval

• May include in the designation the limited use of motor vehicles within a specified distance of certain designated routes, solely for dispersed camping or big game retrieval (36 CFR 212.51 (b)).

• Dispersed Camping access by designation of short access routes, route associated facilities, or roadside parking are preferred over fixed-distance.

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Motor Vehicle Use Map (and signing)Motor Vehicle Use Map (and signing)

• The map identifies those roads, trails and areas designated for motor vehicle use, by vehicle and time of year.

• Available on the web, and in black–and-white single-purpose publication

• Signing will be done, but is not required for enforcement.

• Signs have proven difficult to maintain and subject to vandalism. The rule places more responsibility on the users to get motor vehicle use maps.

Travel Management Rule: Southwestern Region Implementation

Getting Involved in TMR ImplementationGetting Involved in TMR Implementation

• 11 National Forest’s in different stages of implementation of the Travel Management Rule.

• The key to making these designations, and ensuring they are sustainable over the long term, will be working together at the local level. (Forest or District).

• Opportunities for input will be into “travel analysis” (pre-NEPA) and during NEPA scoping.