Montana Campaign

Montana has nine national forests all of which engaged in some form of travel planning; many forests are done while others are still in the middle of the process.  For the last several years, we have focused mainly on three travel plans: one that covers the Bitterroot National Forest, and two other in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. However, we also work with groups such as the Pryors Coalition on the Custer National Forest and the Swan View Coalition on the Flathead National Forest.

By providing leadership and technical support to the Bitterroot Quiet Use Coalition, our Policy Specialist helped raise awareness of ORV impacts and generated thousands of comments in support of Roadless protection during official public comment periods on the agency’s proposed travel plan.  In August 2009, the Bitterroot National Forest released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and the agency’s preferred alternative protected the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area and six other Roadless areas from summer motorized use.  This was a significant change from the first proposed action, and represents a critical victory.  The final decision is set to be released towards the end of 2011, and you can be sure we’ll be checking to make sure the plan continues down the right path.

Travel planning on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is set to begin in 2011, but our Policy Specialist has been working ahead of the process in an effort to gain the best starting place. For example, he has helped Montanans for Quiet Recreation to educate its members and the general public about ORV impacts and the importance of securing non-motorized areas.  And he and his volunteers have spent countless hours on the ground, documenting areas that should be protected during the travel planning process.

Also, Wildlands CPR settled a lawsuit that challenged the agency’s authorization to groom 96 miles of trails inside the West Pioneer Wilderness Study Area.  Grooming in the WSA had ballooned over the past six years, without any environmental analysis or public involvement. We succeeded in getting the Forest Service to take a step back and end the grooming.   Read more about this success here. 

Even though most Montana forests are done with travel planning, many are now going back and making changes through site-specific projects.  These changes will be reflected on updated Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which requires us to be ever diligent in making sure important protections are not lost.  Find out more about MVUM revisions on our blog.