Colville Forest meeting to discuss ATV use

The Colville National Forest is gearing up for public meetings in order to form policies to guide the use of all-terrain vehicles and other motorized vehicles on the 1.1-million acre forest in northeastern Washington.

The forest also has received preliminary approval for interagency grants to begin mapping ATV routes and improving signage, reconstructing the Batey-Bould motorcycle trail system and pursuing a lookout rental program, according to Deborah Wilkins, forest recreation specialist.

The new round of public meetings on recreational travel planning is as follows, with meetings scheduled to run from 6-8:30 p.m.:

Tonight, Republic School District office.

Wednesday, Kettle Falls High School.

March 15, Colville, Community College campus theatre.

March 16, Republic School District office.

March 22, Chewelah City Council chambers.

March 30, Colville, Community College campus theatre.

April 12, Newport, Stratton Elementary School.

May 18, Spokane BLM Office, 1103 N. Fancher Rd.