BENTON, IL.(March 28, 2002) A collection of groups filed suit
this week in Federal District Court against the Shawnee National Forest and its
Supervisor Forrest Starkey, claiming failures to properly manage and provide for
recreational access opportunities on the Forest. The suit alleges the Forest has
failed to conduct planning or maintenance necessary for off-highway vehicle and
equestrian access, and also attacks the agency's efforts marking and managing
"natural areas" throughout the Forest. "We have held meetings with Supervisor Starkey and Forest
staff for years attempting a constructive dialogue on these issues," stated
Clyde Schmidt, President of the Shawnee Trail Conservancy. "These
discussions have been very polite but equally unproductive. We have reached the
unfortunate conclusion that litigation is the only way to get answers to the
tough questions that need to be asked." "The Forest would seemingly prefer a "do nothing"
approach that would leave vast public areas inaccessible or unmanaged,"
complained Sue Perina of the Illinois Trail Riders. "A system of
well-designed and well-maintained trails can create "win-win"
solutions for all visitor groups, but the Forest seems content to ignore or
postpone attempts at creative solutions to access issues. We hope this lawsuit
will spur the Forest to an active management role," Perina concluded. The Shawnee Trail Conservancy, BlueRibbon Coalition, Illinois
Trail Riders and the Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources filed the suit in
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Paul Turcke of Boise,
Idaho represents the groups. ###
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national non-profit recreation
group that champions responsible use of public lands. It represents over 1,100
organizations and businesses with approximately 600,000 members.
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