Nez Perce Forest sets public meetings on motorized use plan

PUBLIC LANDS — Forest Service officials say they are “re-engaging the public” on the Nez Perce National Forest travel plan through a series of public meetings before the  final decision on the Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use is made later this summer.

Cheryl Probert,  Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests supervisor, says her decision would designate motor vehicle use on specific roads, trails and areas on the Nez Perce side of the rorest; and result in a Motor Vehicle Use Map the public would use to see where motorized use would be allowed.

Forest staff will update the process and present alternatives that will be in the Final Environmental Impact Statement and considered in the upcoming decision. Public meetings are scheduled in Grangeville, Elk City, Riggins and Kamiah before the final meeting, 5 p.m. on July at the Idaho Fish and Game Department’s, Lewiston Office, 3316 16th St.

The Forest Served began the project in 2007 with a proposed action to manage motor vehicle use on roads, trails and areas on the Forest. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement was published in 2009, followed by a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 2010. The Forest has gathered and considered numerous comments from the public.

For details, background and updates, see the project webpage .

Info: (208) 983-4048.