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Please Take Action: Winter Wildlands Alliance is supporting our local partner, Bend Backcountry Alliance, in working to provide safe, quiet recreation opportunities for backcountry skiers and snowshoers by creating a Backcountry Recreation Zone on Tumalo Mountain near Bend, Oregon. Please take a few minutes to write the Forest Service in support of the Tumalo Backcountry Recreation Zone. The deadline for public comment is February 1, 2009.
Here's what's happening:
How you can help:
Email your comments supporting the Backcountry Recreation Zone to:
comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-bend-ftrock@fs.fed.us
(Please put "Kapka Scoping Comment" in the subject line and cc: info@bendbc.com)
Or mail your comments to:
Shane Jeffries, District Ranger
Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District
1230 NE 3rd St., Suite A-262
Bend, OR, 97701
Consider these talking points for your response:
Visit http://www.bendbc.com for additional information.
Comments due by January 15
It's an icon of pristine backcountry and quiet recreation, the spine along the Rocky Mountains known as the Continental Divide. But in Montana, a new Travel Management Plan proposes to hand it and surrounding areas over to snowmobilers.
The Helena Ranger District Divide Travel Plan proposes to open 74 miles of quiet, previously nonmotorized routes to snowmobiles. Unfortunately, these specific areas are also core winter habitat for lynx, wolverine, and other wildlife. You can speak up for quiet winter recreation and wildlife protection by sending the Helena Ranger District your comments by January 15.
The draft Divide Travel Plan proposes to:
Where to Send Your Comments:
Email your comments to: comments-northern-helena@fs.fed.us. Be sure to include the words "Divide Travel" in the subject line.
Or, mail your comments to Ranger Duane Harp at:
Ranger Duane Harp
Helena Ranger District
2001 Poplar
Helena, MT 59601
Talking Points:
Ask that the proposed Helena Ranger Divide Travel Plan be changed to protect these two quiet winter areas on the Continental Divide:
Background Information:
Bison Mountain is inside the 15,000-acre core of the Electric Peak Recommended Wilderness. This area has traditionally been managed to provide solitude and wilderness values. Since 1997, it has been closed to motorized traffic year-round by a special order signed by then Helena National Forest Supervisor Tom Clifford. The order notes: "The initiation of this order is to prevent the loss of solitude or unacceptable depreciation of the wilderness qualities of the Electric Peak Roadless Area."
As noted above, under the new Divide Travel Plan, Bison Mountain would be opened to snowmobile traffic.
Next to the Recommended Wilderness Area on Bison Mountain is an 8-mile wild land corridor reaching east and encompassing the roadless headwaters of Bison and Ontario creeks along the Continental Divide. This Bison-East Continental Divide Roadless Area is an important wildlife habitat with numerous springs and seeps, patch meadows and moist forest supporting lynx, wolverine, elk, moose, martens and grizzlies.
The same area includes 7.5 miles of new trail on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, to be completed by the Forest Service and volunteers in 2009 as part of Montana High Divide Trails. The new trail will reach from Josephone Mine to Bison Mountain Trail. Unfortunately, the new Divide Travel Plan would expand snowmobile and ATV traffic in the area, compromising the area's important status as habitat. In this very same habitat, the roadless headwaters of Bison and Ontario creeks serve as nurseries for native trout.
The already established Continental Trail is crossed by the Jericho Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area, from Jericho Mountain north to MacDonald Pass. This area is easily accessible and therefore enjoyed by families, hikers, snowshoers, and skiers. It is a "wild divide" that allows for movement of wildlife, and it also provides the drinking water for Helena. The proposed Travel Plan would completely fail to protect the Continental Divide Trail corridor from motorized traffic in this previously nonmotorized area, and would furthermore create a snowmobile road across the Divide Trail and Bear Gulch. A small area on the east slopes would be assigned to human-powered recreation, but much more would be given over to snowmobiles.
In the past, the 2005 Lincoln-Continental Divide Winter Recreation Agreement has helped protect the Nevada Mountain Proposed Wilderness and protected excellent habitat for wolverine, elk, moose, lynx and grizzlies, as well as provided serene backcountry areas for winter human-powered recreation. The new Divide Travel Plan interrupts the former Agreement's valuable track record of protecting wilderness and solitude. Please write to ensure that the new Travel Plan doesn't allow snowmobile traffic into such obviously precious areas.
Backcountry Skiers and Snowshoers,
After passing in the House, the $800 billion economic stimulus bill is heading for the Senate. This massive stimulus package hopes to put three million people to work on short-term projects that will have lasting benefits.
If passed, this bill will allocate a large amount of funding to federal land management agencies - the same agencies that manage many of our most cherished winter wildlands. These agencies, including US Park Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, will spend up to $3 billion of stimulus money on construction-related projects such as road maintenance. And while we don't have influence on whether this bill passes, we do have the opportunity to make suggestions on where this funding will be spent, and help these agencies prioritize projects in and around backcountry skiing and snowshoeing destinations.
We need your input on potential projects Winter Wildlands Alliance has joined forces with other members of the Outdoor Alliance to compile a list of infrastructure projects that are important to the active outdoor recreation community. We will put this list in front of the federal land management agencies during upcoming meetings in Washington, D.C. to provide guidance on how to spend this stimulus money.
We need to hear from you! This is your chance to propose a project or highlight a problem with a road, trail, trail head, parking area, ski run, river, or landscape in your back yard that needs increased financial support. Suggestions might include design of new roads, parking areas, trail heads, bridges, trails, remediation of abandoned mine sites, and even restoration projects. Please take the following brief survey by Friday February 6 and provide as much information about your suggested project as possible. Take the survey
Thank you!
Forrest McCarthy
Public Lands Director
Winter Wildlands Alliance
fmccarthy@winterwildlands.org
208-336-9227
The Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 (S. 22), which passed the US Senate last week by a vote of 73-21, will protect 3 million acres of public land, including prime backcountry ski and snowshoe locations and 1000 miles of rivers. The bill is now in the hands of the US House of Representatives. The bill will likely come up for a vote before the President's Day holiday. House leadership has decided to try to pass it without any amendments, which will require a two-thirds majority. This will be challenging, but not impossible.
PLEASE contact your member of Congress today and ask that he or she vote yes on S. 22.
This is the largest land and water conservation initiative we've seen in years. Please help push it across the finish line.
Thanks!
You may view additional information about this action item at this address:
We are making significant strides in restoring clean air and quiet in Yellowstone National Park and we need your help to make sure these healthier conditions for visitors and wildlife continue.
For nearly eight years, the Bush Administration has refused to follow laws that would best protect our country's first national park. After more than ten years of scientific study, the administration decided last year to propose a plan that actually would have grown back a larger number of noisy, polluting snowmobiles than Yellowstone has seen on average during the past five winters. We took the Administration to court and won. In his ruling, Judge Emmet Sullivan found the Interior Department negligent in its duty to be good stewards by allowing increased air pollution, impacts to wildlife, too much noise, and most importantly, not abiding by its mandate to conserve the park unimpaired for future generations. That plan was ruled illegal.
Now, the Park Service must develop a temporary plan for this winter to make sure the public can visit Yellowstone and it is still proposing more snowmobiles each day than the daily average of the past five winters. You have a chance to comment on it, but the window to do so is short. The deadline for comments is November 17, 2008.
This should beÑand can beÑanother step towards phasing-out snowmobile use in favor of snowcoaches, which offer a more environmentally-friendly way to access the park for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter adventures. Your voice can make a difference.
Please, take a few minutes right now to urge the Park Service to heed its own science and protect Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
On a temporary basis, the Park Service is proposing to allow 318 snowmobiles per day in Yellowstone and 50 snowmobiles per day in Grand Teton. Through years of scientific monitoring paid for with your tax dollars, the Park Service has verified that declining snowmobile use has improved air quality, solitude, and protection for the health of visitors, employees, and wildlife. It makes no sense to go in the other direction by promoting more snowmobiles in Yellowstone. It is crystal clear from this monitoring data that the Park Service can do better and has a viable and readily available alternative to snowmobile use. Snowcoaches provide a unique, skier-friendly experience through Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Visitors in snowcoaches have an expert guide taking them to ski trails, geysers, wildlife watching, and Old Faithful. It is critical that we push the Park Service to begin phasing-out snowmobile use starting this winter.
A sample letter, background informaton and additional points are provided below.
Click here to submit your comments electronically. (Rule)
Sample comment letter:
Superintendent Suzanne Lewis
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190
Dear Superintendent Lewis:
As a Nordic skier [or snowshoer] who values the natural sights and sounds of Yellowstone in winter, I urge you to do better by the park's resources than the recommendations in your temporary plan. It is time to begin phasing out snowmobile use.
All of the studies you have conducted of winter use in Yellowstone since 1998 have demonstrated that continued snowmobile use causes a greater level of harm to park resources and that these adverse impacts to air, quiet and wildlife can be minimized with snowcoach access. Snowmobile use compromises visitor enjoyment of the parks' natural conditions and makes the Park less healthy for visitors, employees and wildlife. Each of your studies concluded that Yellowstone would be significantly cleaner, quieter, less hectic, and healthier if snowmobile use is ended and visitor access on snowcoaches is expanded.
It's time for the Park Service to implement what its own studies have concluded: "that snowcoach access would provide public motorized access to Yellowstone while having the lowest impact on air quality, water quality, natural soundscapes and wildlife - while presenting the lowest risk of visitor and Park Service staff health and safety."
Although the proposed plan is temporary, I urge you to change your recommendation and instead begin phasing-out snowmobile use. The plan is scheduled to be in effect for three years. That is plenty of time to put in place reductions of snowmobile use that will eventually lead to a long term plan to promote full snowcoach access to Yellowstone.
This is a wonderful opportunity to put Yellowstone on the right path to protection. I urge you to please implement the transition to snowcoaches--which your studies have consistently identified as the best way to balance public access with preserving these magnificent places for future visitors to enjoy.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
This year, a federal court ruled that the Bush Administration's decision authorizing snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park violated the fundamental legal responsibility of the National Park Service to protect the clean air, wildlife, and natural quiet of national parks, including Yellowstone, for the benefit of all visitors. The court found that the Administration authorized snowmobile use despite scientific conclusions by the National Park Service that its decision would result in significant increases in noise and unhealthy exhaust, which disrupt the experiences of visitors, and traffic that harms Yellowstone's wildlife, including bison.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia invalidated the Bush decision and directed that the National Park Service's substitute plan ensures all visitors can safely experience the park, and uphold laws that require stronger protection of Yellowstone's air quality, wildlife, and natural sounds.
In a 63-page ruling, Judge Emmett Sullivan stated:
“The Organic Act clearly statesÉthat the fundamental purpose of the national park system is to conserve park resources and values.”
“NPS fails to explain how increasing snowmobile usage over current conditions, where adaptive management thresholds are already being exceeded, complies with the conservation mandate of the Organic Act.”
“...the Court finds that NPS has failed to articulate why a plan that will admittedly worsen air quality complies with the conservation mandate.”
“...the Plan clearly elevates use over conservation of park resources and values and fails to articulate why the Plan's 'major adverse impacts' are 'necessary and appropriate to fulfill the purposes of the park.'”
“According to NPS's own data, the WUP [Winter Use Plan] will increase air pollution, exceed the use levels recommended by NPS biologists to protect wildlife, and cause major adverse impacts to the natural soundscapes in Yellowstone.”
Now, the Park Service needs a plan that recognizes these laws and principles. The proposal to allow 318 snowmobiles per day for the next three years will not protect AmericaÕs first national park. Please urge the Park Service to begin phasing-out snowmobile use over the next three winters.
The draft environmental analysis can be found at the National Park Service's Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) at: Environment and Public Comment (PEPC).
Please heed your own science. Four prior studies at a cost of $10 million have demonstrated conclusively that Yellowstone's air quality, peace and quiet, wildlife, and visitor experience are best protected by providing winter access on modern snowcoaches and phasing out the use of snowmobiles in the park. Those studies verified that a continuation of snowmobile use would result in greater levels of air and noise pollution and disturbance of Yellowstone's wildlife.
Snowcoaches give all individuals the same opportunity to see Yellowstone in winter and offer an environmentally friendly way to access the park for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter adventures. The public is increasingly demanding the opportunity to enjoy Yellowstone via snowcoach. Snowcoach use has grown 89 percent since 2002 due to increasing visitor demand for comfortable and educational park tours. Businesses have responded with significant investments in modern coaches that feature guides knowledgeable about Yellowstone's geology, wildlife and history.
Noise Ð already a problem with the current daily average of snowmobiles. Even with an average of 263 snowmobiles per day during the past five winters, snowmobile impacts have exceeded YellowstoneÕs noise thresholds. Increasing the number of snowmobiles in the park makes NO sense. In contrast, the snowcoach alternative analyzed in prior studies would allow visitors to enjoy natural sounds and quiet far more consistently at the park's major attractions.
Yellowstone's own scientists have recommended, in order to avoid adverse impacts on the park's wildlife, that winter traffic remain "at or below" the levels they studied in previous winters. The proposal to increase snowmobile use above that level is at odds with the recommendation of scientists and is WRONG.
A bipartisan group of every former director of the National Park Service for the last forty years joined in a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne urging him to ensure a continued transition away from snowmobile use in the park. Spanning every Democratic and Republican presidential administration from Lyndon Johnson to Bill Clinton, the eight former NPS directors wrote that, "The study also provides clear evidence that reducing snowmobile numbers still further Ð from 250 per day to zero Ð while expanding public access on modern snowcoaches, would further improve the park's health." The full letter is available at Full Letter.
Overwhelming public support for protecting Yellowstone. During the past ten years, over half a million Americans sent comments to the National Park Service concerning YellowstoneÕs winter management, making it the most publicly-commented-on issue in the history of the national parks. A consistent 4-to-1 majority has favored accessing the park by snowcoach instead of snowmobile.
Comments to the US Forest Service are needed by October 23. See below for a direct link to help you add your vital input.
More than four million roadless acres in Colorado National Forests are in peril of exposure to commercial interests and degradation. Your email can protect them.
We know Roadless Areas aren't wilderness, but they feel that way, and they're often more accessible to backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding.In Colorado, the rules protecting them are being redefined, and this leaves the door open to self-interest in place of public interest. Colorado's National Forests are nationally important to the backcountry skiing and snowshoeing community.
The situation has come up because the way has been opened for federal policy makers to draftÊnew terms. The Proposed Rule has weakened protection and created loopholes that allow harm to these lands as well as the quiet, serene experience of them. Your comments are needed to close these loopholes. Go to http://capwiz.com/outdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=11996936 to make the point for protection for the benefit of the environment, backcountry skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders. It's simple, and it's effective! Now and before October 23 is the time to register comments.
There are numerous points you can use in your email and that are covered in detail in the weblink. To help you understand more, here are two significant points: Roadless areas are free of impacts from logging, mining, or road building. Backcountry skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders place a high value on these experiences and these places.
The proposed rule needs a clear management directive for conservation and stewardship. As presently written, the Proposed Rule is a collection of circumstances under which Roadless Areas can be subordinated to the needs of development. There must be recognition that Roadless Areas have intrinsic value because they lack roads and associated development.
The feedback process suggested by the Proposed Rule is too short to involve significant public comment and so favors the self-interest of development.
Read more at http://capwiz.com/outdooralliance/issues/alert/?alertid=11996936. To see a short film on Roadless Protection go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsRfXtnKk0o.
The Deschutes National Forest is currently reviewing winter recreation opportunities in the Century Drive Corridor west of Bend Oregon. An expansion of groomed cross-country and skate ski trails has recently been approved, and a new Snopark to accommodate additional snowmobile recreation is in the final planning stage. Additionally, the development of dog-friendly ski trails is being evaluated.
In conjunction with these projects, a recent proposal to establish the Tumalo Backcountry Recreation Zone is also being considered. The proposal asks the Deschutes National Forest to recognize, and provide for, accessible opportunities for those that seek the naturalness, solitude, challenge and inspiration that is an integral part of the unaltered and non-motorized landscape. This could be the first Backcountry Recreation Zone to be established by the United States Forest Service. Your support for it will help to bring it to fruition.
Winter Wildlands´ grassroots member group Central Oregon Backcountry Skiers asks you to encourage others to visit this site and sign-on, as public support for the Tumalo BRZ is critically important.
To learn more and join the effort to protect this quality human-powered winter recreation area click here.
On May 7, 2008, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 3094, the National Park Centennial Fund Act with support of Democrats and Republicans. Soon, it will be taken up by the full House, and a companion bill has already started its way through the Senate.
The National Park System – "America´s best idea" – will turn 100 years old in 2016. By passing the National Parks Centennial Fund Act out of committee, the House is taking a bold step forward toward legislation that will help get rangers out from behind their desks, reduce the park system´s environmental footprint, protect cultural resources, and enhance human-powered recreation opportunities.
Winter Wildlands Alliance applauds the House Natural Resources Committee´s action on H.R. 3094 and looks forward to supporting this bill in Congress and seeing it become law in the near future.
Want to keep the energy level high? Fire-up an email to your Senators and ask them to keep-up with the House!
After rejecting requests for extending the comment period on the Forest Plan Revision by Winter Wildlands Alliance, Montanans for Quiet Recreation and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest extended the period—being directed to after Idaho and Montana politicians contacted the Forest Service Chief at the request of the motorized crowd.
You can still weigh-in on this important forest plan – the motorized folks needed more time to get their act together, and we need to take advantage of the new April 30 deadline. Please act now!
The 3.3 million-acre Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the largest forest in Montana. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, and where fantastic backcountry winter recreation is found on Mount Jefferson.
The Forest has released its “revised draft” management plan (essentially, the final plan) with a number of changes that affect quiet winter recreation. The most troubling change from the initial draft plan is that the southern slopes of Mount Jefferson are now open to snowmobiles. No reason was given for this change, but a visit from the Idaho snowmobile lobby to the Forest Supervisor´s office certainly didn´t hurt the motorized crowd´s chances.
Here´s a possible letter form for your use (adding personal experiences, etc., is always helpful)
Date
Mr. Bruce Ramsey, Forest Supervisor
Forest Plan Revision Comments
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
420 Barrett Street
Dillon, MT 59725
Dear Mr. Ramsey,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Forest Plan Revision. I am a third-generation backcountry skier who´s enjoyed skiing in the Yellowstone area for many years . . . [Write a short paragraph of why you value quiet winter recreation; visits to the area, if any, etc.]
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is to be commended for many components of this new plan. I particularly appreciate the Plan´s focus on sustaining the quiet use trails now existing throughout the Forest, especially those in the draft plan that were not changed in the revised plan. I also heartily applaud the new non-motorized winter use designations for the Ross Fork of Rock Creek and the Sapphires Crest.
Still, there are problems with the Plan. The East Pioneers and West Pioneers Roadless areas, and Sapphire Wilderness Study Area should be non-motorized year-round, and the McAtee Basin should be non-motorized in winter—in the draft plan it was a recommended wilderness area.
The most egregious breach of the forest planning process was the mid-stream decision to allow snowmobiles access to the Forest´s portion of Mount Jefferson. This area gets little current use by snow machines, is a significant ecological area with high wildlife value, and is a rare spot in the Forest that has world-class backcountry skiing and an ongoing business catering to the demand for quiet recreation. In other words, an excellent place to be left quiet.
I urge the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Nation Forest reconsider its decisions on the Pioneers, Sapphire Wilderness Study Area, McAtee Basin, and most importantly, Mount Jefferson. On a 3.3 million acre forest, a few thousand acres remaining free of the noise and pollution of snow machines does not seem unreasonable at all.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this Plan. Please include these comments in the administrative record and keep me informed of any additional opportunities to participate in this Plan.
Sincerely,
Before April 30th, please send your comments via snail mail, or be e-mail:
E-mail: comments-northern-beaverhead-deerlodge@fs.fed.us
View the plan documents at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d/forest-plan/index-plan-document-maps.shtml
In Idaho, as in most Western states, the majority of our winter adventures take place on National Forest land often in the Roadless Areas. The captivating alpine terrain of Idaho provides high quality winter recreation opportunities and important wildlife habitat during all seasons. The world-class backcountry ski terrain in Idaho’s Roadless Areas is at risk to future road development which leads to increased motorized recreation.
A big part of what makes these winter landscapes what they are, from scenery and terrain to the solitude and aesthetics is that they are in Roadless Areas. Roadless Areas are not quite wilderness, but they feel that way, and they tend to be more accessible and open to a variety of sustainable recreational pursuits. Roadless Areas make up about 31% of our National Forests and are ecological gems with clean air, water and plenty of wildlife.
Back in 2001 the Federal government proposed to protect these area in a simple way - stop building new roads. Without roads, it's pretty tough to harvest timber or mine phosphate. The American public loved the idea and the "2001 Roadless Rule" became one of the most popular federal regulations in history.
Things are about to change. Even though these are National Forests, the Federal government now wants to let individual states drive how roadless areas are managed, letting them re-jigger different levels of ecosystem protection and impinge on the wild qualities that make these places what they are to skiers, snowshoers, and everyone else that uses these lands and waters in a sustainable manner.
The first state to take the plunge is Idaho. Colorado is next. There are Roadless Areas in 39 states across the country. Fortunately the Federal government is circling back and asking the public what they think about this new state-driven plan, starting with the Idaho plan. Aside from setting the stage for other states, Idaho is particularly important because with 9.3 million acres of Roadless Areas, it’s got the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states.
We already have more than 380,000 miles of Forest System roads - nine times the size of the federal interstate system.
To Protect these Experiences
We Need Your Help Today!
Tell the Idaho Roadless Planning Team what you think. Should we keep these places wild and thriving with qualities that make places worth climbing up and carving down and treat them like the national resources that they are, or whittle them away, here and there, state by state until the edge that makes Roadless Areas unique becomes dull and then gone?
********************************************************
The comment deadline for the
Idaho Roadless Rule is April 7th
Please make your voice heard on this important issue.
********************************************************
Idaho Snowmobile Lobby Arm-Twists Forest Service on Mount Jefferson
The 3.3 million-acre Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the largest forest in Montana. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, and where fantastic backcountry winter recreation is found on Mount Jefferson.
The Forest has released its "revised draft" management plan (essentially, the final plan) with a number of changes that affect quiet winter recreation. The most troubling change from the initial draft plan is that the southern slopes of Mount Jefferson are now open to snowmobiles. No reason was given for this change, but a visit from the Idaho snowmobile lobby to the Forest Supervisor’s office certainly didn’t hurt the motorized crowd’s chances.
Winter Wildlands Alliance, along with Montanans for Quiet Recreation and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition requested an extension of the comment period for the plan, given its complexity and the backroom changes that were made, but our request has been denied.
We now have until March 31st to make our views known on the management of this sprawling national forest. Please weigh in on this important forest management plan – the good, the bad, and the ugly—
Before March 31st, please send your comments to:
Mr. Bruce Ramsey, Forest Supervisor
Forest Plan Revision Comments
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
420 Barrett Street
Dillon, MT 59725
Email: comments-northern-beaverhead-deerlodge@fs.fed.us
View the plan documents at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d/forest-plan/index-plan-document-maps.shtml
Comments now due - by February 29th!
Due to pressure from local motorized groups and aided by the Blue Ribbon Coalition’s extensive e-mail network and close ties to Idaho politicians, the Clearwater NF has extended the comment period on its travel planning process.
As we feared, the motorized groups are exerting heavy pressure on the Clearwater NF to keep recommended wilderness areas open to motorized use, and continue the wide-open reign of motors throughout the Clearwater.
First, commend the Clearwater for including winter use in its travel planning, and for keeping recommended wilderness areas free from motorized use. Strongly urge them to keep these recommended wilderness areas free from snowmobiles!
Second, urge them to keep additional roadless areas off-limits to motorized use in order to keep the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness free from trespassing snowmobiles. Be specific: ALL of the following roadless areas must be protected (not just the small portions of each as propsed by the Forest) --
Finally, ask them to describe in detail in the Travel PLan how the Forest plans to enforce the travel restrictions they propose, specifically keeping snowmobiles out of recommended wilderness areas and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.
You can mail your comments to:
Lochsa Ranger District, Kamiah Ranger Station
Attn: Lois Foster, Interdisciplinary Team Leader
Rt. 2 Box 191
Kamiah, ID 83536
Or via e-mail to:
comments-northern-clearwater@fs.fed.us
To view all available documents, see the Clearwater's Travel Planning website:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/Projects/TravPlan/ClwTravel.htm
Reforming the 1872 Mining Law will, finally, give recreation values a voice on how our federal public lands are managed
Mineral activities often affect recreation by polluting the soils and water but also by allowing roads into classic backcountry ski terrain. Once mining roads are established, often at taxpayer expense, further protection becomes nearly impossible. Roads open up to additional motorized activities year round: further compromising the environment and experience for quiet winter enthusiasts. The Beartooths (MT), Boise National Forest (ID), Sierra Range (CA), and the Colorado high country are just a few of the backcountry ski destinations under intense hardrock mining pressure.
Fueled by record-high metal prices over 89,000 new claims have been staked throughout the West. As skiers and snowshoers requiring lightweight gear, we all need metal and responsible mining remains an important activity. The problem lies with 19th century values and policy guiding 21st century high tech mining technology. Laws put in place before the invention of the light bulb show no regard for the new outdoor recreation values and economic future of the West.
Late last year, U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reform our nation’s policy on hardrock mining policy. Right now the U.S. Senate is considering reform too.
Please take action and let your Senators know what you think.
Follow this link to conveniently generate a unique letter that you can email directly to both of your Senators.
Looking for more information or needing another reason to get motivated to write? The Outdoor Alliance recently premiered an excellent six and half minute video that reminds and inspires us what is at stake.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62ndawMJPZY
As millions of Americans prepare to spend their summer vacations hiking, backpacking and enjoying outdoor pursuits in our national forests, Congress has united in a bi-partisan effort to protect those areas for future generations. More than 140 House Democrats and Republicans introduced legislation recently that would provide permanent protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine forest land in 39 states. This would include 9.3 million acres of North America’s only coastal temperate rainforest - Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner (R-VA), along with 16 of their colleagues, introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
The legislation is intended to finally turn the landmark 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule into law. The rule was approved in January 2001 following years of scientific study, more than 600 public hearings across the country, and 1.6 million official public comments. Ongoing legal battles continue to threaten the fate of the 2001 Roadless Rule and the lands it protects, which are critical to wildlife, backcountry recreation, and downstream water quality.
The legislation would protect our remaining roadless US Forest Service lands from most logging and road-building, however the rule allows new roads to be constructed in order to fight fires and ensure public health and safety.
The National Forest System contains over 380,000 miles of roads and 60,000 miles of unmapped logging roads, enough to circle the globe 17 times. Only 21 percent of these roads meet adequate road maintenance standards. The current road maintenance backlog is estimated at $10 billion, with 16 states maintaining a backlog of $100 million each.
Winter Wildlands Alliance has consistently supported the protection of roadless lands. The legislation would not lead to the closure of any existing roads. It would only prevent new roads from being built in the few remaining special places in our nation that are currently roadless. Protecting these wild places from road building is critical to protecting winter wildlands - and the unique experience of skiing over the pristine snowscapes that blanket them in winter. Winter Wildlands Alliance is working with our partners in the Outdoor Alliance to promote roadless protections - and the management of existing roads in a responsible manner that protects rivers and public access to recreational opportunities.
Your help is needed. Both the House and Senate legislation need more congressional support. Write your representative at http://www.house.gov/writerep/, and/or your senator at http://www.senate.gov/. Another of our partner organizations, American Lands, has a good letter writing tool that you can also use to send a letter to your Representative (http://tinyurl.com/2j37g3) or Senator (http://tinyurl.com/32fxp5). Please be sure to modify the letter significantly, and indicate that you support roadless protections from the perspective of someone who appreciates the value of winter wildlands and pristine snowscapes. Please state that you support the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007.
Our nation's first national park is at a crossroads. The comment period is now open on a new Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and your voice can make a difference in whether Yellowstone and its irreplaceable resources are protected for future generations or whether the park takes a step backward to increased noise and pollution from more snowmobiles.
Please, take a few minutes right now to tell the Park Service to heed their own science and protect Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Dramatic decreases in snowmobile use over the past four winters have led to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks becoming quieter, healthier and more enjoyable for a broader range of visitors. Now, however, rather than working to continue this hopeful trend, the National Park Service is proposing to escalate snowmobile use by as much as three times the current average even though the park's own studies verify the reason Yellowstone is healthier today is because of fewer snowmobiles and that it would be healthier still with no snowmobiles.
Background information, a sample letter and talking points are provided below. Click here to submit your comments electronically. If you cannot use the electronic form, you may mail your letter to: Winter Use Planning Team, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
Please also email a copy of your letter to .
Deadline for comments is June 5, 2007.
The National Park Service recently released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement – the fourth such study in less than 10 years – on a Long-term Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The Park Service's "preferred alternative" calls for up to 720 snowmobiles per day in Yellowstone. In addition to the preferred alternative, the DEIS includes other alternatives including Alternative 2, the Snowcoach Only Alternative which calls for providing winter access on modern snowcoaches and phasing out snowmobile use in the park. Winter Wildlands Alliance supports Alternative 2 as it offers the park and its visitors the best protection while ensuring public access in winter.
The Draft EIS can be found at the National Park Service's Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website. The Draft EIS is also available on CD or in hard copy by writing the Winter Use Planning Team, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
Sample Letter
Note: The sample letter below is provided as a template. However, personalized letters have far greater impact so please take a few minutes to put this information in your own words (additional talking points are listed below). If you have visited Yellowstone please note that and include your firsthand experiences there.
Dear Park Service,
I respectfully urge you to do the right thing in protecting Yellowstone National Park and its future. Please do NOT adopt your "preferred alternative" which allows 720 snowmobiles per day in the park. Instead, heed your own Management Policies, the conclusions of your scientists, the advice of your former directors and the wishes of the vast majority of American citizens and adopt Alternative 2, which calls for providing winter access on modern snowcoaches and phasing out snowmobile use in the park.
The evidence is clear – after four studies and $10 million it should be – that Yellowstone's air quality, peace and quiet, wildlife, and visitor experience are best protected by phasing out the use of snowmobiles. Furthermore, snowcoaches offer all individuals the same opportunity to see Yellowstone in winter and provide an environmentally friendly way to access the park for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter adventures. On that note, I ask you to use the Winter Use Plan as an opportunity to expand and improve services and facilities for healthy recreation like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Enhancing park services such as grooming and skier shuttles in appropriate areas as well as providing trail maps and safety information will better serve park visitors and protect the delicate winter ecosystems of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
I commend the Park Service on the improved conditions – fresher air, more natural sounds, less conflict with wildlife – achieved in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks over the past four winters. As we all know, those conditions are a direct result of fewer snowmobiles in the parks. The Park Service is duty-bound to continue this hopeful and resurgent trend, not to contravene and undercut it as your current proposal will surely do. Your studies clearly show that eliminating snowmobiles and providing access on cleaner, quieter snowcoaches will further improve the parks' health and protect them for future generations. Please do the right thing by America's flagship national park. Implement what you have already verified is best, Alternative 2.
Sincerely,
name
address
Additional Talking Points
Please heed your own science. Four separate studies at a cost of $10 million have demonstrated conclusively that Yellowstone's air quality, peace and quiet, wildlife, and visitor experience are best protected by providing winter access on modern snowcoaches and phasing out the use of snowmobiles in the park. The latest study verifies yet again that a continuation of snowmobile use would result in greater levels of air and noise pollution and disturbance of Yellowstone's wildlife.
Snowcoaches are equalizing in that they give all individuals the same opportunity to see Yellowstone in winter and offer an environmentally friendly way to access the park for skiing, snowshoeing and other winter adventures. Increasingly, visitors are choosing snowcoaches as the more affordable and educational means of touring the park. Visitor use of snowcoaches has climbed by more than 67 percent in the past four winters.
Providing appropriate services and facilities for healthy recreation like cross country skiing and snowshoeing will better serve park visitors and protect the delicate winter ecosystems of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Enhancing park services like grooming and skier shuttles in appropriate areas as well as trail maps and safety information for skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking is a smart and strategic way to increase visitorship while protecting park resources.
Noise – already a problem with the current daily average of 250 snowmobiles – will significantly increase under the preferred alternative of 720 snowmobiles per day. The DEIS acknowledges that Yellowstone's thresholds for natural soundscapes have been repeatedly exceeded in recent winters with an average of 250 snowmobiles per day and that the problem will grow significantly worse under the "preferred alternative." Increasing the number of snowmobiles in the park makes NO sense. In contrast, the snowcoach alternative would allow visitors to enjoy natural sounds and quiet far more consistently at the park's major attractions.
The National Park Service has clear direction under the Clean Air Act and its newly affirmed Management Policies to provide "the best possible air quality." This mandate is patently at odds with 720 snowmobiles per day in the park. The DEIS includes these details: If snowmobile numbers expand from 250 to 720 per day, Particulate and Nitrogen Oxide emissions would nearly triple. Hydrocarbon emissions would double. Carbon Monoxide emissions would increase by nearly 60 percent. By proposing to expand snowmobile use nearly three-fold from current levels and increase air pollution form current levels, NPS is choosing to take Yellowstone's air quality backward and to forgo options that would further enhance air quality.
Yellowstone's own scientists have recommended, in order to avoid adverse impacts on the park's wildlife, that winter traffic remain "at or below" the levels they studied in the winters of 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2006-06. Snowmobile numbers during those winters averaged 250 daily. The proposal to increase snowmobile use above that level is at odds with the recommendation of scientists and is WRONG.
A bipartisan group of every living former director of the National Park Service except one has joined in a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne urging him to ensure a continued transition away from snowmobile use in the park. (Recently retired NPS director Fran Mainella is constrained by ethics rules from commenting for one year and did not sign.) Spanning every Democratic and Republican presidential administration from Lyndon Johnson to Bill Clinton, the seven former NPS directors write to "express our alarm over a proposal in Yellowstone National Park that would radically contravene both the spirit and the letter of the 2006 Management Policies." The letter continues, "The latest National Park Service study illuminates in detail that allowing Yellowstone's current average of 250 snowmobiles per day to increase – to as many as 720 snowmobiles – would undercut the park's resurgent natural conditions." It continues, "The study also provides clear evidence that reducing snowmobile numbers still further – from 250 per day to zero – while expanding public access on modern snowcoaches, would further improve the park's health." The full letter is available at NPS_director_joint_letter.pdf.
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