The Lassen National Forest is reviewing their Motorized Travel Management decision of 2010 to expand and accommodate more opportunities for off highway vehicle use and recreation. During the initial phase, the Forest Service will review approximately 600 miles of existing system roads to determine which additional routes could be opened for OHV use. This may be accomplished by either lowering operational classification of a road or by allowing OHV use on a low-risk road while not changing the roads classification.
The low-risk assessment would be documented in an engineering safety analysis.
“Our goal is to have a transportation system that is manageable, environmentally sound, and economically viable. We are interested to hear your views as we update our previous decision,” remarked Forest Supervisor Dave Hays.
The forest will host two public meetings to seek preliminary input from the public regarding OHV use on National Forest System roads. Public input will aid in modifying the existing Motorized Vehicle Management which spans three ranger districts and includes five counties. The public is invited to attend one of the scheduled meetings which will be held on May 22, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lassen National Forest Headquarters at 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, Calif., and May 23, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Family Center at 1110 W. East Avenue, Chico, Calif.
Following preliminary public input opportunities, and the completion of the engineering safety analysis, the project will undergo an environmental assessment and a final decision regarding OHV use and viability on the Lassen National Forest. The final decision will be aligned with the current Lassen National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Once this decision is finalized, the Lassen National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map will be updated reflecting any modifications and additional routes that would be opened for OHV use.
The Lassen National Forest lies at the crossroads of California, where the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin meet. The Forest is managed for recreational access as well as timber and firewood, forage for livestock, water, minerals, and other natural resources.
For more information about the OHV project, contact Charles Gondeiro, Project Manager at 406-370-6929 or by email at: [email protected].
