April 2010

Snowmobilers Challenge WSA Protections - Again

Created by Adam Rissien on April 26, 2010
The Courthouse News Service reported today that snowmobilers filed yet another lawsuit, this time against the Gallatin National Forest for its plan to protect portions of the Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area (WSA). Interestingly, the article explains,
“Snowmobilers and environmentalists have filed at least nine lawsuits in the past 3 years over snowmobiles in Montana and Wyoming. The snowmobilers are somewhat more sue-happy, with six of these to their count.”

MSU Elk Study: People (on machines) have Bigger Impacts

Created by Adam Rissien on April 21, 2010

A recent article on an MSU elk study focused on how hunters, not wolves, have the bigger impact on this popular game animal, and while this is undoubtedly true, not all hunters are the same. For those who park their vehicles and hike in, the impacts are much different than those who use off-road vehicles for access. 

University of Oregon releases new report on restoration jobs.

Created by Bethanie Walder on April 15, 2010

The Ecosystem Workforce Program at the University of Oregon just released three new reports about jobs related to forest AND watershed restoration. (There are two versions of each report, all available at the link above.)

Gallatin NF Responds to Judge Molloy

Created by Adam Rissien on April 9, 2010

This week the Gallatin National Forest issued an interim summer travel management plan that protects more of the 155,000-acre Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn wilderness study area (WSA). The new plan was necessary since Judge Molloy ruled last year that the agency’s travel plan violated the Montana Wilderness Study Act by designating trails for motorcycles and mountain bikes, and areas for snowmobile use in a manner that reduced the WSA’s wilderness character.   

The Real Story on the Proposed White Rock ORV Area

Created by Sarah Peters on April 7, 2010

An article in the Douglas County, Oregon News-Review over the weekend highlighted damage that is occurring on private timber land in southern Oregon due to off road vehicle use.  While private land owners have in the past turned a blind eye to off road vehicle use on their lands, they now find themselves in a situation where the damage that is occurring is too great to ignore.  But, stopping the illegal trespass is easier said than done.  Read the full article here.

Off-road vehicle abuse continues in Big Cypress National Preserve

Created by Bethanie Walder on April 2, 2010