The Blueribbon Coalition recently sent over this update for the Wallowa-Whitman Travel Management Plan. See their news item below:

Since the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest released its travel management decision, there has been huge public outrage over the amount of road and trail closures. Indeed, over 800 people showed up in opposition to the travel plan at a recent public meeting organized by a group called Forest Access for All.

In a letter to the editor, Wallowa-Whitman Forest Supervisor Monica J. Schwalbach announced the withdrawal of the travel management decision. Please read Supervisor Schwalbach’s announcement here:

Forest Supervisor Stops the Clock on Wallowa-Whitman Travel Management Plan
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wallowa-whitman/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5363914

While this is certainly good news, many local OHV enthusiasts are assuming the agency will “start over” and begin the travel planning process anew. We want to caution our members and supporters that such a “re-do” is highly unlikely. It is far more likely the agency will simply wait until the outrage subsides and make only minor changes to the plan.

BRC strongly recommends local OHV enthusiasts identify the most glaring flaws in the plan and submit their proposed changes both to the District Ranger offices and the counties. General comments such as “keep existing routes open” or “start the planning process over” probably won’t be effective. Instead, identify the roads and trails that were proposed for closure, and make the case that they be open. Be specific as possible.

BRC will be blasting an update as soon as we learn more. Thanks to everyone who have been involved. As we often say… stay tuned!

As always, please call or email if you have any questions or comments.

Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107