HQ is extremely concerned about the new proposed Forest Service rule that would allow categorical exclusions (Cat Ex) for the aggressive decommissioning (e.g. road ripping) of public routes.
Article on Proposed Rule to Rip Roadshttp://politicalnews.me/?id=14873&keys=ENVIRONMENTAL-REVIEWS-RESTORATION-FOREST
BRC Media Release on Proposed Rule (good read and lots of info)
http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2012/06/13/blueribbon-coalition-criticizes-us-forest-service-proposed-ruleAccording to one notorious anti-access champion as cited in an E &E article…”The new categorical exclusions appear less controversial than earlier proposals that sought to exempt certain tree removal projects from NEPA reviews, said Andy Stahl, executive director for the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics.” Hey Andy, how about cutting OHV some slack when it comes to designating historic "non-system" routes that have been used for decades and some even signed and maintained by the FS?
While some of the proposed cat ex’s for restoration work could be used to address OHV trail maintenance issues, HQ believes this new rule - with the usual lack of oversight from either the FS’s Washington Office or Regional Offices – basically gives the “green light” to Forests that are hell bent on the aggressive decommissioning of routes to go forth and rip.
One example of this is where the BRC et al filed a lawsuit which challenged the Smith River NRA’s road ripping (e.g. ground disturbing activities during the rainy season in the watershed of a wild and scenic river) without any NEPA process.
BRC Lawsuit Challenging Road Ripping
http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2010/05/18/county-and-recreation-groups-challenge-illegal-road-decommissioning-northern-califorLink to lawsuit
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Turcke_Six_Rivers_Lawsuit_Orig_Filed_May2010.pdfAnother example of an overzealous unit when it comes to decommissioning of route is on the Gunnison NF in Colorado.
HQ blog with info on that Unit (letters, etc.)
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/09/road-ripping-hits-colorado-nf.htmlHQ history of Road Ripping (letters and strategy of eco-groups)
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2010/05/road-ripping-is-coming-to-forest-near.htmlThe most recent example of a unit that focuses on road decommissioning is highlighted in BRC’s June 5 scoping comments on a proposed action that combines TMR with a large road ripping project.
BRC’s June 5, 2012 Scoping Comments on the Six Rivers NF/Smith River NRA Proposed Action
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Tyrone_EIS_scoping_comments_6-5-12.pdfStay tuned on this latest version of the road ripping saga...
