The following information comes from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (www.snowmobilers.org).
Utah Roadless Rule
Utah Governor Herbert is planning to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture for permission to thin forests, clear out dead trees and do controlled burnings on protected areas that account for nearly half of national forest lands in the state.
The Governor is seeking to adjust how the U.S. Forest Service's Roadless Area Conservation Rule is applied in the state to allow for better state influence over national forests following a particularly brutal wildfire season.
The effort is intended to give forest managers the flexibility they need for projects to make forests more resilient and protect watersheds, air quality and wildlife habitat.
California National Forests
Five National Forests in California are currently progressing through the Over Snow Vehicle process. This process will designate areas and trails that will be available for snowmobiling.
The Plumas National Forest has just released its DEIS. The DEIS is now available for review and comments. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 10.
The DEIS is online at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47124.
The Eldorado National Forest released the FEIS and ROD this week. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 17.
The document can be reviewed at: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Final-Environmental-Impact-Statement-Features-New-Preferred-Alternative-for-Over-snow-Vehicle-Use-Designation-on-the-Eldorado-Na.html?soid=1118922714849&aid=_E5-wAsxEf0