Motorized Users Deny Vehicles Harm Wildlife

The Helena Independent Record reported on the first meeting of the Divide Travel Plan, which was held this past Monday, Dec. 1st.  The Helena District of the Helena National Forest released a notice that day announcing their proposed action. Unfortunately, the Forest Service did not give the public any advance warning as the first meeting was the same day people received notice in the mail. 

The article did a good job of explaining why people are so upset with the Divide Plan, and it also contained statements of denial from local motorized users that off-road vehicles harm wildlife, while also complaining that they don’t see any point in seasonal protections.

Read the full article: http://www.helenair.com/articles/2008/12/02/top/65lo_081202_treefolo.txt

Many studies show that motorized use harms wildlife and Wildlands CPR has a database on our website of scientific articles proving this fact. In one issue of our journal, the RoadRIPorter, we provided a brief overview and cite to numerous studies.

Please see: http://www.wildlandscpr.org/biblio-notes/effects-motorized-access-wildlife-northern-rockies

Off-road vehicle impacts have become such a serious issue that it prompted Congress to convene Congressional Oversight Hearings to address the ongoing ORV abuse not only to wildlife but to all of us who want to find some peace and quiet on our public lands.

Please see: http://www.wildlandscpr.org/article/congressional-hearings-address-off-road-vehicle-damage

The Divide Travel Plan is particularly egregious as it will allow motorized use on the Continental Divide Scenic Trail; it will designate user-created routes in an un-inventoried roadless area, and open roads previously closed due to fish and wildlife impacts. It will also expand snowmobiling into recommended Wilderness Areas as well as in lynx habitat.

Please visit our action alert section to learn how to comment.