Officials from the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Comanche and Cimarron National Grasslands (PSICC) have released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for public motor vehicle use. The Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on Friday, September 20, 2019, initiating the formal 45-day public comment period that ends November 4, 2019.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is part of the 2005 Travel Management Rule, requiring National Forests and Grasslands to designate roads, trails and areas that are open for motorized use. It offers five alternatives for a system of designated roads, trails and areas by class of vehicle and season of use. See the complete Forest Service News Release with more information.

Forest officials will host four meetings for the public to review the alternatives, ask questions and learn how to submit comments.

Written comments must be submitted in person, through the online comment portal, or mailed to John Dow, PSICC Forest Planner, Travel Management, 2840 Kachina Drive, Pueblo, CO, 81008.

Comments, including the names and addresses of respondents, will be part of the public record. Anonymous comments will be accepted and considered, but those submitting comments anonymously will not have standing to object to the final decision. Only those who commented during this process will be eligible to object the final decision. Comments should be clear and specific to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and must be submitted by November 4, 2019.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48214 under the “Analysis” tab.

Thanks in advance and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.

Ric Foster
Volunteer
BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org
208-237-1008 ext. 2