Post by: NWWABOWHNTR on September 21, 2012, 11:54:00 AM
The National Forest Service Travel Management Rule requires forests to identify sustainable forest road systems by 2015. In order to meet this requirement, the GPNF is completing a roads analysis responsive to ecological, economic and social concerns. “As public land managers trusted with maintaining a road system on this forest, it is very important to gather information on public road use and access needs in order to move towards a more durable and sustainable road network,” said Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor, Janine Clayton.
To enhance public engagement, the Collaborative Groups are taking a facilitative role, helping the forest gather public input on road use, access and other road-related information. “I very much appreciate the collaborative groups, “Clayton said. “Their involvement in the roads analysis will help us gather useful public input.”
Public input concerning access will be used to better describe existing conditions, which would then lead to identifying issues and key public concerns. The next step in the analysis will be to integrate access needs with environmental risks and expected budgets. The outcome of the roads analysis will identify opportunities for changes to the road system, and be carried forward to inform future decisions regarding management of the forest transportation system. There will be future opportunities for public input under NEPA.
The current series of public meetings are scheduled for the purpose of gathering information on access needs for completion of the roads analysis. Please consider attending any of the following public meetings where small-group participation will be used to collect information on access needs. Meetings will occur:
Sept. 18, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at Yale School Gym 11842 Lewis River Rd. Ariel, WA 98603
Sept. 20, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at the White Salmon Fire Hall 119 NE Church St. White Salmon, WA 98672
Sept. 26, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at Forest HQ 10600 NE 51 Cir. Vancouver, WA 98682
Oct. 1, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at the Randle Fire Hall 9978 U.S. 12 Randle, WA 98377
Oct. 4, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at Stevenson Rock Creek Auditorium in Stevenson, WA
Oct. 18, 2012, 6-8 p.m. at Centralia Community College Cafeteria in the Student Center 600 Centralia College Blvd. Centralia, WA 98531
A questionnaire is available through Dec. 31, 2012 as an alternative way to provide input to the GPNF roads analysis. The questionnaire can be found here:http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/landmanagement?cid=stelprdb5388890
Please print, fill out and mail hard-copy questionnaires to c/o Ken Sandusky 10600 NE 51 Cir. Vancouver, WA 98682 by Dec. 31, 2012.
Post by: fireweed on September 24, 2012, 09:16:29 AM
Post by: Dirtsquirt on October 10, 2012, 03:50:17 PM
Post by: logger on October 12, 2012, 03:30:48 PM
The forest service had their meeting in Stevenson last week and the way I understand it they plan to shut down a very high percentage of roads in the Gifford Pinchot. I guess their done managing the forest for multi-use purposes. Here in Skamania County that's the last nail for our coffin. Wont even have a tourism economy now.skamania county is damn near all f.s. I am a firm believer that they should be abolished, they can't grade a road, but they can build paved sno parks all over the damn place, pisses me off.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on October 13, 2012, 02:24:19 PM
Post by: logger on October 13, 2012, 02:32:28 PM
Post by: dbor on October 23, 2012, 08:15:26 PM
Post by: fireweed on October 24, 2012, 08:58:47 AM
Post by: Huntbear on October 24, 2012, 09:02:47 AM
Talked to a frustrated Margaret hunter who can't get into his unit because it is landlocked by private lands. If enough people comment, maybe they will actually use a travel management plant to IMPROVE travel, instead of just cut. The key is to get your concerns in and official during the SCOPING phase. If you don't, they will say, "that never came up earlier, so we can't consider it now.".
There are already so many roads closed off, due to slides, washouts, etc.. that they never fix.. I do notice though, that anyplace the Natives have "traditional" berry fields, they seem to make sure those roads stay open and fixed. :dunno: :dunno:
Post by: fireweed on November 02, 2012, 08:06:13 AM
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S6B538Y (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S6B538Y)
Post by: logger on November 24, 2012, 09:08:52 PM
Post by: Simcoe hunter on December 13, 2012, 12:01:53 AM
Voice your opinion.