BRC Action Alert - IDAHO'S OWYHEE FIELD OFFICE

[HummBebe]

Media Release: BLM Initiates Travel Management Plan In Idaho's Owyhee Field Office
Date: May 02, 2007

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BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!
BLM INITIATES TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLAN IN IDAHO'S OWYHEE FIELD OFFICE
KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY BRC'S PUBLIC LANDS STAFF
PLEASE READ ENTIRE ALERT!
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Owyhee Field Office has kicked off a travel planning effort to prepare a Comprehensive Travel Management Plan for approximately 227,000 acres in what is known as the Murphy Sub-Region.
The BLM is interested in scheduling meetings with individuals and user groups over the next few weeks to discuss the route designation process. These meetings will include reviewing the current route inventory, gathering ideas and opinions and collecting any additional information needed via maps and field trips. To schedule a meeting, contact Ryan Homan at 208-896-5925 or via email at Ryan_Homan@blm.gov.
The BLM will be accepting comments through June 15, 2007. Submit written comments to, BLM Owyhee Field Office, 20 First Ave West, Marsing, Idaho 83639, Attn: Ryan Homan or via email to Ryan_Homan@blm.gov.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The BLM is in a 45-day "scoping" period where they take information from the general public and user groups regarding "Planning Issues" that will be used when formulating alternatives. BRC has noted a disturbing trend in previous route designation plans in Idaho that requires immediate comment from the OHV community. In addition, BLM is attempting a "comprehensive" travel management process whereby they will identify routes for all modes of travel, including motorized, mechanized, equestrian and even hiking routes. This requires the immediate attention by all of Idaho's recreational groups as well as written comment on each of the "KEY ISSUES" below.
Please take a minute to review the information below and send a quick email to the BLM regarding the KEY ISSUES. This does not limit your ability to submit additional comments as the process moves along.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your involvement,
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
SITUATION:
The Idaho BLM's Owyhee Field Office is attempting to formulate a "comprehensive" travel management plan for the Murphy Sub-Region. BRC has identified several key issues that require comment.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
1) The BLM is interested in scheduling meetings with individuals and user groups over the next few weeks to discuss this important process. These meetings will include reviewing the current route inventory, gathering ideas and opinions and collecting any additional information needed via maps and field trips. Schedule a meeting for your local club by contacting Ryan Homan at 208-896-5925 or via email at Ryan_Homan@blm.gov.
2) Several key issues have been identified that require immediate comment. Please use the information below to help you send an email comment today addressing these important items. Your comment letter does not limit you from submitting comments or information later in the process.
The BLM will be accepting comments through June 15, 2007. Submit written comments to: BLM Owyhee Field Office, 20 First Ave West, Marsing, Idaho 83639, Attn: Ryan Homan or via email to Ryan_Homan@blm.gov.

KEY ISSUES AND COMMENT SUGGESTIONS:
KEY ISSUE #1:
THE NEED FOR A "PRO-RECREATION" ALTERNATIVE
Virtually all of the ongoing travel management planning projects in Idaho have one common critical flaw: a lack of a true "pro-recreation" alternative.
All of the alternatives developed for consideration represent a significant reduction in routes available for motorized use. Not one alternative even sustains the current opportunity. Conversely, virtually every project has developed a "conservation" alternative, where a maximum amount of closures are considered.
This sad situation must come to an end immediately!
BRC is encouraging Idaho's OHV community to draw a line in the sand, beginning today, with this Murphy Sub-Region planning process.
The increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunities on public lands and National Forests is extensively documented. Therefore, we believe it is incumbent upon the Owyhee Field Office's planning team to formulate at least one alternative that maximizes recreation, or at least does not reduce recreational opportunities in the planning area.
According to the "Outdoor Recreation for 21st Century America: A Report to the Nation, The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment" (H. Cordell, 2004), the number of people driving motor vehicles off road in the United States increased over 109 percent from 1982 to 2000. In Idaho, the report estimates over 33 percent of Idaho's population enjoys OHV recreation.
In 2004, a survey conducted by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation found that 52.4% of Idahoans participated in OHV recreation. Statewide registrations of trail motorcycles and ATVs have increased 75% in the last five years, from 59,395 in 2001 to 104,127 in 2005. These statistics demonstrate that OHV recreation is very important to Idahoans, and OHV use is growing fast.
The BLM itself has documented the increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunities. The BLM's "National OHV Strategy" states:
"Motorized off-highway vehicle use on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has increased substantially in recent years. ... Some of [the factors contributing to growing OHV popularity] are:

• greater public interest in unconfined outdoor recreational opportunities
• rising disposable income ...
• advances in vehicle technology
• the rapid growth of the West's cities and suburbs ...
• a population with an increasing median age with changing outdoor recreational interests

This [growing OHV] popularity is evidenced by the fact that recreational enthusiasts are buying OHVs at the rate of 1,500 units per day nationwide, with nearly one-third of them doing so as first-time buyers." BLM's OHV Strategy recognizes, as does policy outlined in BLM Manual 8340 (May 25, 1982), "that off-road vehicle use is an acceptable use of public land wherever it is compatible with established resource management objectives. Motorized OHV use is now firmly established as a major recreational activity on BLM-administered public lands."
Comment Suggestions:
* The planning team cannot legitimately address increasing demand for OHV recreation opportunity by refusing to accommodate such demand. Alternatives must include at least one that prudently provides for increased OHV use that meets the current and anticipated demand.
* The Planning Team must formulate a wide range of alternatives including at least one Alternative that maximizes recreational opportunities in the Planning Area.
* The Planning Team must formulate at least one Alternative that emphasizes OHV use in Roaded Natural and Semi-Primitive Motorized opportunity settings for recreation. This alternative should strive to provide for the current and future demand for OHV recreational routes.
* Alternatives should include areas where OHV trails can be constructed and maintained when demand increases.
* If appropriate, the BLM should use this process to analyze the impacts of any future route construction. Direction for the required process to construct new routes should be incorporated into each alternative. At least one alternative should maximize the ability to construct new sustainable trails to meet the current and future need.
* The planning team should develop management alternatives that allow for proactive OHV management. All alternatives should include specific provisions to mark, map and maintain designated roads, trails and areas in cooperation with OHV users. All alternatives should include direction to engage in cooperative management with OHV groups and individuals.