Colville National Forest OHV plan stalled

PUBLIC LANDS –A plan to open more roads at the south end of the Colville National Forest to off-road vehicles is months behind its original schedule as forest staff tries to comply with environmental regulations.

The plan, expected to be released for public comment last fall may not be ready for release until June, said Nancy Glines, forest planner.

“As we worked through we came to the requirement for an environmental analysis on (vehicle) emissions,” she said. “That’s where we are.”

Postponing approval leaves dirt-bike riders and ATVers with fewer roads to ride this season and curtails efforts to build connector trails to roads approved for their use.

On the other hand, the plan also proposes reducing the areas where OHVers are allowed to camp with their vehicles.