Recently, the Klamath National
Forest (KNF) came before the Board of Supervisors to discuss its proposed new “route
designation” process. Originally, the process was focused on off-road vehicle usage.
It now includes the designation of a system of all roads and trails in the Forest that
will be opened to any motor vehicle traffic. It will also specify any conditions, such as
season of use, that apply to travel. Roads will be designated “open,” “closed”
or “restricted.” Hunters, campers, wood cutters, miners, grazers and other Forest
users will no longer be permitted to go off the designated road.
The designation process has identified 4,580 miles of “system
roads.” These are roads designated as necessary for long term management of the Forest.
They includes: 180 miles of various lengths of paved roads for autos; 920 miles gravel or
native surfaced roads that will carry autos; 2540 miles of rough clearance roads for high
clearance vehicles; and 940 miles of roads that are closed all year round. There are
currently no “designated” motorized trails.
“Non-system roads” are roads that are not engineered and
are not needed for management purposes. In a series of public meetings held in 2005 and
2007, the public identified 400 miles of non-system roads currently in use. These included
1,056 segments of roads – some being used by OHVs (Off-highway vehicles.) The longest
segment of road identified was about six-seven miles long. In addition, the public
identified 2,374 miles of system roads and 74 miles of trails (system and non-system.) 52
acres near Pluto Caves off A-12 were identified for concentrated use by OHVs.
The public evaluated the recreational value of routes, trails and
areas through a questionnaire in 2007. KNF evaluated various concerns on the 400 miles of
“non-system” roads identified, (soils, wildlife, archaeology, botany, hydrology,
etc.) KNF staff is now in the process of developing a “Route Designation conceptual
plan” for further public review. Five
workshops will be held this month in Macdoel, Happy Camp, Yreka, Fort Jones and Orleans.
From this, a proposed action will be developed and the Environmental Impact Review process
will begin.
The final result will be a “Motor Vehicle Use Map” released
in the fall of 2009. Limitations on vehicle use according to the map will be enforced.
That means that “disbursed camping” will no longer be allowed and will be
considered damaging resources if the vehicle use is not indicated on the map. Likewise,
anyone else who uses the Forest must stay on the appropriately designated road or will be
considered in violation.
Anyone with questions or who is interested in attending one of the
scheduled meetings should contact Bob Talley at the KNF.
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