Cascade Trail Disc Golf Course
For those who use and enjoy the Cascade Trail near Keddie:
The Forest Service is proposing an 18-hole Disc Golf Course at the trailhead.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63472
Those who live in the area and those who use that beautiful quiet trail may want to comment on the proposal.
You can send email comments on the project to: Alexander.Terry@usda.gov
or by mail to Terry Alexander, 39696 Hwy 70, Quincy CA 95971,
or hand deliver written comments to the Mt. Hough Ranger Station.
Comments must be submitted by Sept. 15, 2023.
Lassen NF 2022 OHV update
8/24/22
The Lassen NF is proposing changes to the Motor Vehicle Use Map for OHVs. Click here to view the Lassen National Forest's project website.
The proposal would change some roads from Level 3, which are typically graded roads, to Level 2 which are virtually never graded so have rough surfaces.
Generally, on the positive side, this will open more roads to OHVs that are not street legal. On the negative side, the downgraded roads will potentially make access for fire response vehicles slower and more difficult because the roads will be rougher.
Click here for the announcement letter asking for public comments.
Click here for the full Environmental Analysis document, which includes maps outlining the proposed changes. Maps start on page 12.
Public comments will be accepted through September 19, 2022. See the project website for instructions on how to comment. Or send your comments to SAC at info@sierraaccess.com and we will add your comments to our group comment letter.
The Lassen NF expects the final decision on this proposal will be released in November 2022.
The Lassen NF is proposing changes to the Motor Vehicle Use Map for OHVs. Click here to view the Lassen National Forest's project website.
The proposal would change some roads from Level 3, which are typically graded roads, to Level 2 which are virtually never graded so have rough surfaces.
Generally, on the positive side, this will open more roads to OHVs that are not street legal. On the negative side, the downgraded roads will potentially make access for fire response vehicles slower and more difficult because the roads will be rougher.
Click here for the announcement letter asking for public comments.
Click here for the full Environmental Analysis document, which includes maps outlining the proposed changes. Maps start on page 12.
Public comments will be accepted through September 19, 2022. See the project website for instructions on how to comment. Or send your comments to SAC at info@sierraaccess.com and we will add your comments to our group comment letter.
The Lassen NF expects the final decision on this proposal will be released in November 2022.
Lassen NF releases
OSV Final Decision
5/27/22
The Lassen NF Over Snow Vehicle planning process started seven years ago, in 2015. They have now released their Final Decision.
Links to the information:
Final Record of Decision
Map (36"x48")
Map (18"x24")
Final Environmental Impact Statement documents:
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3 - Appendices
This is the Final Decision. We have exhausted the lengthy Objection Process in which we attended numerous meetings, met with non-motorized individuals and groups, provided input, and discussed the decision with Lassen NF officials.
The only option left to oppose this decision is litigation in court.
The Lassen NF Over Snow Vehicle planning process started seven years ago, in 2015. They have now released their Final Decision.
Links to the information:
Final Record of Decision
Map (36"x48")
Map (18"x24")
Final Environmental Impact Statement documents:
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3 - Appendices
This is the Final Decision. We have exhausted the lengthy Objection Process in which we attended numerous meetings, met with non-motorized individuals and groups, provided input, and discussed the decision with Lassen NF officials.
The only option left to oppose this decision is litigation in court.
Forest Service seeks input
on Mapes road closures
on Mapes road closures
The Plumas National Forest is asking for public comments on the Mapes Project, which includes some road closures.
This map shows the proposed closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/112084_FSPLT3_5446026.pdf
This map shows the proposed closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/112084_FSPLT3_5446026.pdf
New OSV Info
Submitted to National Forests
On 1/5/22 Sierra Access Coalition submitted a letter to the Plumas, Lassen, Tahoe, Stanislaus, and Eldorado National Forests providing new information regarding the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Elizabeth Norton of SAC asked the Congressional Research Service for their interpretation of the National Trails System Act (NTSA) and whether the Act designates a protective trailside corridor alongside the PCT. The Congressional Research Service responded with a detailed analysis that concludes the NTSA does not create a protected nonmotorized area along the PCT. To read our letter, follow this link.
This is new information that was not available during the public comment period. SAC has asked for it to be added to the Project Record on each forest. The information is significant because it does not restrict snowmobile adjacent to the PCT.
We have requested a meeting with Plumas NF Forest Supervisor Chris Carlton to discuss the impact this information will have on the Over Snow Vehicle decision, which has not been released yet. The decision is currently "on hold" according to the PNF Schedule of Proposed Projects, with no estimated date of completion.
Stanislaus NF
Over Snow Vehicle Lawsuit
On 10/13/21 the Sierra Snowmobile Foundation, et al, filed a lawsuit against the Stanislaus NF Over Snow Vehicle Plan. The complaint lists several claims for relief including:
1. Violation of National Environmental Policy Act—Failure to Adequately Consider Environmental Impacts (which includes snow depth, elevation restrictions, and wildlife issues);
2. Violation of National Environmental Policy Act—Failure to Meet Purpose and Need of the Project;
3. Violation of the National Forest Management Act—Inconsistency with the Forest Plan;
4. Violation of the National Forest Management Act and National Environmental Policy Act—Inadequate Scientific Information in the Evaluation of Effects;
5. Violation of the Travel Management Rule—Arbitrary Application of the Minimization Criteria.
Click here to see the full complaint.
If the plaintiffs prevail in their lawsuit, several of the issues could apply to the other 4 forests who are doing OSV plans (Plumas, Sierra, Lassen, and El Dorado). So this case is very important to all snowmobilers.
More funding is needed for the lawsuit.
Donations can be made on:
The Sierra Snowmobile Foundation website
https://sierrasnowmobilefoundation.com
Sierra Access Coalition website
http://sierraaccess.com/make-a-donation.html
or by mail at 556 Carol Ln. E., Quincy CA 95971
Both of these organizations are operated by 100% unpaid volunteers. All donations will go directly to support the lawsuit.
Plumas NF Over Snow Vehicle Plan Update
UPDATE 7/16/21: Click here to see a letter the Forest Service sent, which outlines what they are considering in their final decision.
The Plumas NF Over Snow Vehicle plan has been a long, drawn out process that began in 2015.
This will exhaust the avenues that are available to appeal their decision.
Any further actions would require litigation, which we are not ruling out at this point.
UPDATE 7/16/21: Click here to see a letter the Forest Service sent, which outlines what they are considering in their final decision.
The Plumas NF Over Snow Vehicle plan has been a long, drawn out process that began in 2015.
- The Final Environmental Impact Statement came out in 2019, along with the Draft Record of Decision (ROD).
- The ROD was not in the best interest of snowmobilers, with many unreasonable restrictions on riding areas.
- In 2019 SAC appealed the draft decision (which in government lingo is the "objection" process).
- Our last chance to talk with Forest Service officials was on June 3. We were only allowed 9 minutes to speak.
- Their final decision isn't expected until October 2021.
This will exhaust the avenues that are available to appeal their decision.
Any further actions would require litigation, which we are not ruling out at this point.
Almanor Road
Closure Proposals
The Lassen National Forest is proposing a project on the west shore of Lake Almanor, consisting of fuel reduction, recreation improvements, and road mangement. The road portion of the project involves decommissioning nearly 35 miles of roads and trails.
Links:
Download the road map
Download the project information
Project website
How to submit comments
The first phase of this project is for the public to provide any input regarding the proposed work. Specific comments are most useful (ie. "I use this road/trail to go to my favorite fishing hole", or whatever your reason is for needing the route.)
After initial scoping comments are submitted the project may be adjusted, if necessary. Then the formal process of public meetings and with more public input will begin in January 2020.
Comments should be submitted now to Matthew Cerney mcerney@fs.fed.us
You can also send your comments to SAC at info@sierraaccess.com and we will take them to the Forest Service for you.
Closure Proposals
The Lassen National Forest is proposing a project on the west shore of Lake Almanor, consisting of fuel reduction, recreation improvements, and road mangement. The road portion of the project involves decommissioning nearly 35 miles of roads and trails.
Links:
Download the road map
Download the project information
Project website
How to submit comments
The first phase of this project is for the public to provide any input regarding the proposed work. Specific comments are most useful (ie. "I use this road/trail to go to my favorite fishing hole", or whatever your reason is for needing the route.)
After initial scoping comments are submitted the project may be adjusted, if necessary. Then the formal process of public meetings and with more public input will begin in January 2020.
Comments should be submitted now to Matthew Cerney mcerney@fs.fed.us
You can also send your comments to SAC at info@sierraaccess.com and we will take them to the Forest Service for you.
Plumas OSV
Plan Released
The Plumas National Forest released their Over Snow Vehicle Final Environmental Impact Statement and the Draft Record of Decision on August 21, 2019. Objections to the decision must be filed with the Forest Service by Oct. 7, 2019.
Links to Plumas NF OSV Decision documents and maps:
Cover Letter for Draft Record of Decision
Draft Record of Decision
Large Map:
OSV Decision Map - Entire Plumas National Forest (large file takes time
to download)
Smaller Maps:
OSV Decision Map - Lakes Basin Area inset
OSV Decision Map - Bucks Lake Area inset
OSV Decision Map - La Porte Area inset
Final EIS - Volume 1
Final EIS - Volume 2
Final EIS - Volume 3
We will post more information and maps as it becomes available.
The Forest Service's announcement stated, in part:
"The Plumas National Forest is proposing to designate National Forest System (NFS) trails and open areas for public over-snow vehicle (OSV) use. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (draft ROD) were prepared. The FEIS and draft ROD can be found at the project’s website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124.
"Project documents can be found in the “Project Documents” section; the FEIS and other related materials are found under the “Analysis” tab and the draft ROD can be found under the “Decision” tab.
For more information or to request project specific materials, please contact Katherine Carpenter, Environmental Coordinator and Project Leader, at (530)-283-7742 or katherine.carpenter@usda.gov
Plan Released
The Plumas National Forest released their Over Snow Vehicle Final Environmental Impact Statement and the Draft Record of Decision on August 21, 2019. Objections to the decision must be filed with the Forest Service by Oct. 7, 2019.
Links to Plumas NF OSV Decision documents and maps:
Cover Letter for Draft Record of Decision
Draft Record of Decision
Large Map:
OSV Decision Map - Entire Plumas National Forest (large file takes time
to download)
Smaller Maps:
OSV Decision Map - Lakes Basin Area inset
OSV Decision Map - Bucks Lake Area inset
OSV Decision Map - La Porte Area inset
Final EIS - Volume 1
Final EIS - Volume 2
Final EIS - Volume 3
We will post more information and maps as it becomes available.
The Forest Service's announcement stated, in part:
"The Plumas National Forest is proposing to designate National Forest System (NFS) trails and open areas for public over-snow vehicle (OSV) use. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (draft ROD) were prepared. The FEIS and draft ROD can be found at the project’s website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124.
"Project documents can be found in the “Project Documents” section; the FEIS and other related materials are found under the “Analysis” tab and the draft ROD can be found under the “Decision” tab.
For more information or to request project specific materials, please contact Katherine Carpenter, Environmental Coordinator and Project Leader, at (530)-283-7742 or katherine.carpenter@usda.gov
Crystal Lake Road Closure
Update Sept. 2020:
Plumas County Dept. of Public Works applied for and received a grant to design and build a new road to the lake. District Ranger Micki Smith agreed that the old road will not be obliterated until the new road is constructed.
The Forest Service is getting ready to obliterate and close the steep access road down to Crystal Lake because that section of road, directly above the lake, is eroding and dumping sediment into the lake.
We all love Crystal Lake and want to keep its waters clear. But the Forest Service is not offering to build a new road for public access before the old road is blocked off.
Please consider signing the petition in the link below, which says you are simply asking the Forest Service to provide the public with an alternate route to the lake before they close the current route.
Petition to keep Crystal Lake access road open
If you're not a fan of signing petitions, you can send us an email at info@sierraaccess.com and we'll add your name to the list of supporters.
For more information contact Mt. Hough District Ranger Micki Smith at (530) 283-7610 or micki.smith@usda.gov
New Road
Closure Proposals
The Mt. Hough District is proposing several road closures, paid for by an OHV grant. Roads are in the Crystal Lake area, Grizzly Peak, Snake Lake area, Lower Mt Hough Road.
Their proposal is being made as a Categorical Exclusion, which means administratively it is publicly "not subject to notice, comment, and appeal". They provided a notice only to "predetermined interested parties": Sierra Access Coalition, Friends of Plumas Wilderness, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, and Jim Battagin.
Links:
Signature page for the Project Initiation Notice
Project Description including maps
SAC has requested a meeting with the District Ranger to discuss the closures. We believe a Categorical Exclusion is not appropriate for this project. Some of these closures are controversial, and the public needs to be allowed to comment on the project and have the right to appeal the decision.
More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Closure Proposals
The Mt. Hough District is proposing several road closures, paid for by an OHV grant. Roads are in the Crystal Lake area, Grizzly Peak, Snake Lake area, Lower Mt Hough Road.
Their proposal is being made as a Categorical Exclusion, which means administratively it is publicly "not subject to notice, comment, and appeal". They provided a notice only to "predetermined interested parties": Sierra Access Coalition, Friends of Plumas Wilderness, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, and Jim Battagin.
Links:
Signature page for the Project Initiation Notice
Project Description including maps
SAC has requested a meeting with the District Ranger to discuss the closures. We believe a Categorical Exclusion is not appropriate for this project. Some of these closures are controversial, and the public needs to be allowed to comment on the project and have the right to appeal the decision.
More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Crystal Lake Road Closure Proposal
The Forest Service is in the early stages of a proposal which will physically close the road down to Crystal Lake and replace it with a foot trail. This will impact access to the lake for the very old, the very young, those who will have to carry ice chests, kayaks, etc.
The following statement was sent to SAC by Mt Hough District Ranger Micki Smith:
"I’m getting a few calls about the Crystal Lake OHV restoration grant. We received a 3 year grant to conduct NEPA and restore the steep access route that shoots down to Crystal Lake on the Mt Hough District.
"There has been some “mis-information” being spread on social media. We are not closing access to Crystal Lake. The steep part that shoots directly down to the lake did not make it into the road system during Travel Management, so it has been closed for several years. The route is still illegally used by 4x4s, and resource damage is occurring.
"The Restoration grant will allow us to physically close and restore the portion of the route that connects to the lake. The main road accessing the Crystal Lake Trailhead will remain open. A foot trail will be constructed that connects the Trailhead to the lake.
"I recently signed a Project Initiation Notice (PIN) to start the specialist reviews and outreach to the interested parties. You probably got an email from Kurt, or one will be coming soon."
_______________________________________
"OHV restoration work at Crystal Lake.
Some points,
- We are not closing the 25N11Y road that goes to the saddle above the lake, only the steep (>30%) route going into the lake. This was never added to the system and has technically been closed since Travel Management.
- We are looking at two routes for a trail to the lake, a route to the outlet part of the lake could be ~ 0.5 miles and constructed at a much more sustainable 10% grade.
- Want to mention impacts to the lake not only from erosion but the poaching, illegal tree cutting, and sanitation issues. The poaching incident was well publicized."
As SAC receives more information about this project, we will post it on this website and on SAC's Facebook page.
LaMalfa, Counties and SAC comment
on Plumas NF OSV Plan
Click on the links below to view comments:
LaMalfa's letter
Plumas County's comments as submitted to the FS website
Butte County's letter
SAC sent three comment letters to the Plumas National Forest DEIS:
Letter #1 - January 24, 2019
Letter #2 - March 1, 2019
Letter #3 - March 2, 2019
OSV Public Meetings
Rescheduled
The Plumas National Forest has rescheduled the public meetings for the Over-Snow Vehicle Designation Plan.
The meetings will be held at the following locations:
- February 26, 2019 in Blairsden-Graeagle, CA at the Graeagle Fire Hall, 7620 Hwy 89, from 4:00-6:00 pm
- February 27, 2019 in Oroville, CA at the Southside Oroville Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Rd. from 4:00-6:00 pm.
SAC objected to the daytime meetings, stating that working people would be unable to attend. However, we did not receive a response to our request to change the meeting times.
Click here to read the official meeting notice.
SAC submitted comments to the Draft EIS on January 25, 2019. Due to the government shutdown in January, the Forest Service extended the deadline to submit additional comments until March 1, 2019.
Click here to read SAC's comment letter.
Click here to read California Off-Road Vehicle Association's comment letter.
The Plumas NF website for information regarding the OSV Designation Project is https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124
All public comments are posted in the reading room on that website.
Sierra Snowmobile Foundation wrote an excellent guide to making comments to the Plumas NF Over-Snow Vehicle Designation Project. Click here to view the document.
It's important not to just cut and paste a letter. If the Forest Service receives 100 canned letters, for instance, they only count them as one letter. Each letter must written in your own words.
If you need help writing your comment letter, please contact us. We will be happy to help.
Plumas OSV
Public Meetings
Cancelled
According to Public Information Officer Lee Anne Schramel-Taylor,
"The 2019 Plumas National Forest Over-Snow Vehicle, DEIS Open Houses scheduled for January 8th in Quincy and January 10th in Oroville, will not be held due to the lapse in federal government funding."
The Plumas NF extended the deadline to comment on the proposed Over Snow Vehicle Plan. Comments will be accepted until January 24, 2019.
It is not known if the government will reopen prior to January 24. So SAC is requesting another time extension so people can make comments after the public meetings are rescheduled.
Petition filed to rescind
Travel Management Plan
On Dec. 12, the Texas Public Policy Foundation filed an Administrative Petition with the federal government on behalf of approximately 22,497 individuals represented by organizations in six states to ask the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service to rescind or revise the 2005 Travel Management Rule. Sierra Access Coalition and California Off-Road Vehicle Assoc. along with 18 partners played a key role as petitioners.
Links: View the full petition
View the accompanying letter to USDA and FS
If successful, the petition could rescind the Travel Management Rule, which would affect all motorized vehicles including over-snow vehicles.
Travel Management Plan
On Dec. 12, the Texas Public Policy Foundation filed an Administrative Petition with the federal government on behalf of approximately 22,497 individuals represented by organizations in six states to ask the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service to rescind or revise the 2005 Travel Management Rule. Sierra Access Coalition and California Off-Road Vehicle Assoc. along with 18 partners played a key role as petitioners.
Links: View the full petition
View the accompanying letter to USDA and FS
If successful, the petition could rescind the Travel Management Rule, which would affect all motorized vehicles including over-snow vehicles.
Fundraising
Event
Saturday
December 15
Pre-sale tickets can be picked up at the door.
Plumas County Roads
Open to Snowmobilers
The Plumas County Dept. of Public Works confirms that all Plumas County roads that fall into the winter road closures become OSV legal when the website http://www.countyofplumas.com/index.aspx?NID=1979
shows them as closed. All non-paved roads are also in the ordinance approving use for OHV and OSV. The ordinance spells out mile post, road name and road number. If the road is not closed, it is then not allowed for any non-highway registered vehicle.
Click here to view the County Ordinance.
Open to Snowmobilers
The Plumas County Dept. of Public Works confirms that all Plumas County roads that fall into the winter road closures become OSV legal when the website http://www.countyofplumas.com/index.aspx?NID=1979
shows them as closed. All non-paved roads are also in the ordinance approving use for OHV and OSV. The ordinance spells out mile post, road name and road number. If the road is not closed, it is then not allowed for any non-highway registered vehicle.
Click here to view the County Ordinance.
Public Comment Time Extension
Plumas NF
Snowmobile Plan
In response to SAC's request to extend the public comment period due to those who have been impacted by the Camp Fire, the Plumas National Forest has extended the public comment deadline to January 25, 2019.
T
Plumas NF Snowmobile
Plan Released
On 10/26/18 the Plumas National Forest released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Over-Snow Vehicles (OSV). The public comment period is 45 days.
The SAC Steering Committee is reading and analyzing the large volume of information and will be posting comments soon. In the meantime, click on the links below to see the documents and maps that have been released:
Project Page on PNF website (click on Analysis to see documents)
Draft EIS Volume 1
Draft EIS Volume 2 (Appendices)
Map - Alternative 1 (the no action alternative)
Map - Alternative 2 (the Proposed Alternative)
Map - Alternative 3
Map - Alternative 4
Map - Alternative 5
Letter to the public regarding release of the DEIS
The FS maps are very poor, so SAC requested more detailed maps. The FS provided this map of the Proposed Action (Alt 2), which still doesn't show enough detail to have a clear understanding of the proposal. SAC has requested a meeting with the FS to clear up this problem.
Plumas NF Snowmobile
Plan Released
On 10/26/18 the Plumas National Forest released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Over-Snow Vehicles (OSV). The public comment period is 45 days.
The SAC Steering Committee is reading and analyzing the large volume of information and will be posting comments soon. In the meantime, click on the links below to see the documents and maps that have been released:
Project Page on PNF website (click on Analysis to see documents)
Draft EIS Volume 1
Draft EIS Volume 2 (Appendices)
Map - Alternative 1 (the no action alternative)
Map - Alternative 2 (the Proposed Alternative)
Map - Alternative 3
Map - Alternative 4
Map - Alternative 5
Letter to the public regarding release of the DEIS
The FS maps are very poor, so SAC requested more detailed maps. The FS provided this map of the Proposed Action (Alt 2), which still doesn't show enough detail to have a clear understanding of the proposal. SAC has requested a meeting with the FS to clear up this problem.
9th Circuit Court Rules in Favor of Forest Service
Nearly one year after we filed our lawsuit in the Eastern District Federal Court against the Plumas National Forest Travel Management Plan, Judge Morrison England ruled in favor of the Forest Service. We appealed his decision which was heard in the 9th Circuit United States court of Appeals in San Francisco on April 10, 2018.
Unfortunately, the 9th Circuit upheld the Eastern District court's decision. We were disappointed to see the judges in the appeals court did not explain why they ruled against us. Their denial document was short and did not engage in the issues.
We did our best, and we feel there are several benefits to filing the lawsuit even though we did not win.
When one door closes, another door opens.
Congress took notice of our lawsuit. The Congressional Subcommittee on Interior, Energy, and Environment invited Amy Granat, a co-plaintiff in our lawsuit, to testify at a hearing in Washington D.C. concerning the effects of Forest Service road closures. Amy and Corky Lazzarino traveled to Washington D.C. on June 26, 2018 to attend the hearing. Amy's testimony can be viewed at: https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/access-to-public-lands-the-effects-of-forest-service-road-closures/
We thank all the SAC members for your support. We will continue working to preserve access to our public lands.
Nearly one year after we filed our lawsuit in the Eastern District Federal Court against the Plumas National Forest Travel Management Plan, Judge Morrison England ruled in favor of the Forest Service. We appealed his decision which was heard in the 9th Circuit United States court of Appeals in San Francisco on April 10, 2018.
Unfortunately, the 9th Circuit upheld the Eastern District court's decision. We were disappointed to see the judges in the appeals court did not explain why they ruled against us. Their denial document was short and did not engage in the issues.
We did our best, and we feel there are several benefits to filing the lawsuit even though we did not win.
When one door closes, another door opens.
Congress took notice of our lawsuit. The Congressional Subcommittee on Interior, Energy, and Environment invited Amy Granat, a co-plaintiff in our lawsuit, to testify at a hearing in Washington D.C. concerning the effects of Forest Service road closures. Amy and Corky Lazzarino traveled to Washington D.C. on June 26, 2018 to attend the hearing. Amy's testimony can be viewed at: https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/access-to-public-lands-the-effects-of-forest-service-road-closures/
We thank all the SAC members for your support. We will continue working to preserve access to our public lands.
New Group Works to Preserve
Snowmobile Access in the Sierras
This new group is working hard to protect snowmobile access on public lands in the Sierras. They got over 300 sledders to attend a Forest Service meeting in Truckee on May 16. They're getting it done!
See their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Snowmobile-Foundation-1855484898085627/ Please like and share their Facebook page to help spread the word. SAC will be working closely with them, especially on the Tahoe and Plumas OHV plans in the coming months.
Snowmobile Access in the Sierras
This new group is working hard to protect snowmobile access on public lands in the Sierras. They got over 300 sledders to attend a Forest Service meeting in Truckee on May 16. They're getting it done!
See their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Snowmobile-Foundation-1855484898085627/ Please like and share their Facebook page to help spread the word. SAC will be working closely with them, especially on the Tahoe and Plumas OHV plans in the coming months.
Tahoe NF Snowmobile Draft EIS Released
The Tahoe NF released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Over-Snow Vehicles (OSV) on 4/13/18.
The Forest Service's Preferred Alternative is Alt. 2.
Follow the links below to view the documents.
Maps of Alternatives:
Alt. 1 - Current management - 636,002 acres open to OSV
Alt. 2 - (FS Preferred Alternative) 406,895 acres open to OSV
Alt. 3 - Emphasis on Nonmotorized interests - 275,972 acres open to OSV
Alt. 4 - Emphasis on Motorized interests - 641,105 acres open to OSV
Alt. 5 - Emphasis on wildlife interests - 300,146 acres open to OSV
Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Volume 1
Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Volume 2
Official Publication Notice
Tahoe National Forest OSV Project Website
(Under "Project Documents" click on "Analysis" for the most recent documents, which are listed above. On the right hand side of the web page there are links to get more information, and instructions for submitting comments.)
The Lakes Basin area, which is a favorite for OSV riders locally as well as visitors from out of the area, is on the border of the Tahoe and the Plumas National Forests. So it is important to comment on the Tahoe OSV plan because the outcome of the Tahoe plan will also affect your riding areas on the Plumas NF.
Public comments will be accepted until May 29, 2018. If you submit your comments directly to the Forest Service, please send SAC a copy for our records. Or send us your comments and we will add them to our official comment letter that we will submit to the Forest Service on behalf of all our members.
The Tahoe NF released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Over-Snow Vehicles (OSV) on 4/13/18.
The Forest Service's Preferred Alternative is Alt. 2.
Follow the links below to view the documents.
Maps of Alternatives:
Alt. 1 - Current management - 636,002 acres open to OSV
Alt. 2 - (FS Preferred Alternative) 406,895 acres open to OSV
Alt. 3 - Emphasis on Nonmotorized interests - 275,972 acres open to OSV
Alt. 4 - Emphasis on Motorized interests - 641,105 acres open to OSV
Alt. 5 - Emphasis on wildlife interests - 300,146 acres open to OSV
Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Volume 1
Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Volume 2
Official Publication Notice
Tahoe National Forest OSV Project Website
(Under "Project Documents" click on "Analysis" for the most recent documents, which are listed above. On the right hand side of the web page there are links to get more information, and instructions for submitting comments.)
The Lakes Basin area, which is a favorite for OSV riders locally as well as visitors from out of the area, is on the border of the Tahoe and the Plumas National Forests. So it is important to comment on the Tahoe OSV plan because the outcome of the Tahoe plan will also affect your riding areas on the Plumas NF.
Public comments will be accepted until May 29, 2018. If you submit your comments directly to the Forest Service, please send SAC a copy for our records. Or send us your comments and we will add them to our official comment letter that we will submit to the Forest Service on behalf of all our members.
Lassen NF Snowmobile Decision Released
The Lassen NF released their Record of Decision (ROD) for Over-Snow Vehicles on 3/29/18. SAC, as well as several other groups, filed an objection to the decision. There will be an Objection Meeting with all the parties at the Forest Service office in Susanville on July 25, 2018.
Click here to read the official release letter.
Click here to read the Record of Decision (ROD)
The decision creates restrictions for OSV including the following:
- 12" minimum snow depth for cross country riding
- 6" minimum snow depth for riding on roads
- Designates 5 open areas for cross country OSV riding in the Ashpan, Bogard, Fredonyer, Jonesville, and Morgan Summit area
- Designates 17 crossings of the Pacific Crest Trail
Click on these links to see the Revised Final Environmental Impact Statement (RFEIS) documents:
Volume 1 of the RFEIS
Volume 2 of the RFEIS
It is expected that the same basic restrictions will be applied to the Tahoe, Plumas, Stanislaus and Eldorado National Forests' OSV Plans, along with restrictions on local areas for each of the Forests.
Click here to read SAC's Objection Letter.
FS Proposes to Close
56 mi. of Roads
The Plumas NF is proposing to close 56 miles of roads within the Moonlight Fire area.
SAC does not support this blanket closure of roads.
Links: Map of road closures (roads shown in red, orange, and pink are
proposed for closure)
Forest Service Proposed Action
Forest Service Project Website
56 mi. of Roads
The Plumas NF is proposing to close 56 miles of roads within the Moonlight Fire area.
SAC does not support this blanket closure of roads.
Links: Map of road closures (roads shown in red, orange, and pink are
proposed for closure)
Forest Service Proposed Action
Forest Service Project Website
Work Day June 25 at
Meadow View CG
Volunteers from High Mountain Riders and Sierra Access Coalition had a work day at the Meadow View Campground, north of Frenchman Lake at the top of Doyle Grade. This is a multi-use campground that allows OHVs and horses.
We cleaned up the campground including raking pine needles, cleaning fire pits, removing sagebrush that was encoaching on the campground, and began prepping the large picnic tables for painting. If you haven't had a chance to go to Meadow View historic Guard Station, the facilities are great for horses and the high desert terrain is spectacular.
Directions: from Quincy - take Hwy 70 east to Hwy 395, go north on Hwy 395 approx. 19 miles and then turn left on Doyle Grade, drive approx. 6 miles to camp (last 2 miles is a gravel road). Doyle Grade goes right through camp so you can't miss it. No fee camping is available.
Meadow View CG
Volunteers from High Mountain Riders and Sierra Access Coalition had a work day at the Meadow View Campground, north of Frenchman Lake at the top of Doyle Grade. This is a multi-use campground that allows OHVs and horses.
We cleaned up the campground including raking pine needles, cleaning fire pits, removing sagebrush that was encoaching on the campground, and began prepping the large picnic tables for painting. If you haven't had a chance to go to Meadow View historic Guard Station, the facilities are great for horses and the high desert terrain is spectacular.
Directions: from Quincy - take Hwy 70 east to Hwy 395, go north on Hwy 395 approx. 19 miles and then turn left on Doyle Grade, drive approx. 6 miles to camp (last 2 miles is a gravel road). Doyle Grade goes right through camp so you can't miss it. No fee camping is available.
Meadow Valley Area Road Closures Proposed
The Plumas NF is proposing road closures in the Meadow Valley area. The project is called "Storrie Fire Fuels Reduction in Spotted Owl and Goshawk Habitat Project".
Under the proposal, 8 miles of roads and trails will be closed. Some of these routes are adjacent to private land.
Click here to read the entire project proposal.
The Plumas NF is proposing road closures in the Meadow Valley area. The project is called "Storrie Fire Fuels Reduction in Spotted Owl and Goshawk Habitat Project".
Under the proposal, 8 miles of roads and trails will be closed. Some of these routes are adjacent to private land.
Click here to read the entire project proposal.
Proposed Plumas Snowmobile Restrictions
The Plumas NF is proposing restrictions for snowmobiles on National Forest lands. This is the result of a lawsuit by Snowlands Network, Winter Wildlands Alliance, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Click on the links below to view maps of the current proposed snowmobile restrictions:
Lakes Basin area
Lake Davis area
Little Grass Valley area
Bucks Lake area
Forestwide map
These are the current proposals. The Lakes Basin and Bucks Lake area restrictions were submitted by Feather River College. Several public meetings have been held. Public comments have been submitted and are posted on the Plumas NF website http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124 The Forest Service is working through the comments and say they will be posting responses next month. At the Plumas Co. Coordinating Council meeting with the Forest Service on Jan. 14, 2016 the Forest Service said they will be developing some new alternatives, in addition to the ones shown in the maps listed above.
This complete process will take a couple years. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected to be released to the public in Feb. 2017, with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision expected in Dec. 2017. When the DEIS is released, there will be public meetings and another public comment period.
Click here to see comments submitted by Sierra Access Coalition on the Notice of Intent.
SAC is also a member of the Coalition of Organizations who submitted a "Citizens Alternative".
Click here to sign up to be on SAC's Snowmobile Restriction mailing list for updates.
Click on these links for OSV information on the other forests:
Lassen National Forest (The Lassen NF Draft Environmental Analysis has been posted on their website)
Tahoe National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest
Eldorado National Forest
The Plumas NF is proposing restrictions for snowmobiles on National Forest lands. This is the result of a lawsuit by Snowlands Network, Winter Wildlands Alliance, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
Click on the links below to view maps of the current proposed snowmobile restrictions:
Lakes Basin area
Lake Davis area
Little Grass Valley area
Bucks Lake area
Forestwide map
These are the current proposals. The Lakes Basin and Bucks Lake area restrictions were submitted by Feather River College. Several public meetings have been held. Public comments have been submitted and are posted on the Plumas NF website http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124 The Forest Service is working through the comments and say they will be posting responses next month. At the Plumas Co. Coordinating Council meeting with the Forest Service on Jan. 14, 2016 the Forest Service said they will be developing some new alternatives, in addition to the ones shown in the maps listed above.
This complete process will take a couple years. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected to be released to the public in Feb. 2017, with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision expected in Dec. 2017. When the DEIS is released, there will be public meetings and another public comment period.
Click here to see comments submitted by Sierra Access Coalition on the Notice of Intent.
SAC is also a member of the Coalition of Organizations who submitted a "Citizens Alternative".
Click here to sign up to be on SAC's Snowmobile Restriction mailing list for updates.
Click on these links for OSV information on the other forests:
Lassen National Forest (The Lassen NF Draft Environmental Analysis has been posted on their website)
Tahoe National Forest
Stanislaus National Forest
Eldorado National Forest
SNOWMOBILERS !!!
The Plumas NF is proposing restrictions on your riding areas.
Proposed snowmobile closures include the following:
Lake Davis 497 acres
Butt Lake 410 acres
Little Grass Valley 271 acres
Antelope Lake 283 acres
Frenchman Lake 215 acres
Snake Lake 63 acres
Bucks Lake 62 acres
Grizzly Forebay 57 acres
Beckwourth Peak/Portola 54 acres
Round Valley Reservoir 41 acres
Lakes Basin 31 acres
That's a total of 2015 acres proposed to be restricted to snowmobiles. In Lakes Basin, the western portion of the area would be closed including Little Jamison Lake, Wades Lake, Grass Lake, Florentine Canyon and the Jamison drainage.
The FS proposal adds 72 miles of groomed trails mostly on the southern slope between Jackson Creek, Smith Peak and Hwy 70, which is not acceptable because it doesn't have adequate snow depth for grooming most of the winter. Instead, SAC believes there should be a groomed trail from Hwy 70 at Chalet View Lodge up to the Lake Davis area with additional groomed trails around Lake Davis which would provide great scenic riding areas.
The proposal also calls for a 12" minimum snow depth, unless less depth causes no resource damage. That fuzzy definition sounds like an opportunity for law enforcement officers to write tickets.
Silence is consent. Save your sport.
For more info go to: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124
Plumas NF Travel Management Lawsuit
SAC filed a lawsuit in federal court March 18, 2015 challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Plan which restricts motorized vehicles in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California.
Joining SAC in the lawsuit are Plumas County, Butte County and the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. Amy Granat and Corky Lazzarino are also named as individual plaintiffs. In this lawsuit the public is fighting their own federal government, which has been compared to a David and Goliath battle. The litigants are being represented by Damien Schiff of Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento. Click here for more information.
Joining SAC in the lawsuit are Plumas County, Butte County and the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. Amy Granat and Corky Lazzarino are also named as individual plaintiffs. In this lawsuit the public is fighting their own federal government, which has been compared to a David and Goliath battle. The litigants are being represented by Damien Schiff of Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento. Click here for more information.
Pacific Crest Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states: California, Oregon and Washington.
The PCT is reserved for hikers and equestrians. Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles, are not allowed on the trail.
Crossing at 90 degrees to the PCT is allowed only in designated locations. Vehicles and bikes are not allowed on the trail itself. But they are allowed to cross.
Thank you for respecting this unique national trail by keeping motorized vehicles off the trail.
For more information, go to http://www.pcta.org/
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) spans 2650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states: California, Oregon and Washington.
The PCT is reserved for hikers and equestrians. Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles, are not allowed on the trail.
Crossing at 90 degrees to the PCT is allowed only in designated locations. Vehicles and bikes are not allowed on the trail itself. But they are allowed to cross.
Thank you for respecting this unique national trail by keeping motorized vehicles off the trail.
For more information, go to http://www.pcta.org/
Lakes Basin Public Meetings
The Plumas NF is planning a project in the Lakes Basin area.
The project proposes to close roads, improve yellow-legged frog habitat, thin trees, add trails, and other work items.
Click here to view the project area maps.
The Plumas NF is planning a project in the Lakes Basin area.
The project proposes to close roads, improve yellow-legged frog habitat, thin trees, add trails, and other work items.
Click here to view the project area maps.
HR 1555 Would Stop Implementation of Travel Management Plan
HR 1555, introduced by Rep. Greg Walden [R, OR], would "stop implementation and enforcement of the Forest Service travel management rule and require the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to incorporate the needs, uses, and input of affected communities, and to obtain their consent, before taking any travel management action affecting access to National Forest System lands derived from the public domain or public lands, and for other purposes".
For more information, and to send your representatives a message of support, go to:
https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/114/hr1555
HR 1555, introduced by Rep. Greg Walden [R, OR], would "stop implementation and enforcement of the Forest Service travel management rule and require the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to incorporate the needs, uses, and input of affected communities, and to obtain their consent, before taking any travel management action affecting access to National Forest System lands derived from the public domain or public lands, and for other purposes".
For more information, and to send your representatives a message of support, go to:
https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/114/hr1555
Road Closures Proposed in Butterfly, Twain, Snake Lake Areas
The Mt. Hough Ranger District is proposing several road closures under the Butterfly Twain Fuels Reduction and Forest Restoration Project.
The Forest Service has not published any project information on their website or on their Schedule of Proposed Actions. However, SAC requested and received a map of proposed road closures. Click here to view the map of proposed road decommissioning and closures.
The Mt. Hough Ranger District is proposing several road closures under the Butterfly Twain Fuels Reduction and Forest Restoration Project.
The Forest Service has not published any project information on their website or on their Schedule of Proposed Actions. However, SAC requested and received a map of proposed road closures. Click here to view the map of proposed road decommissioning and closures.
Volunteers Needed for Roads and Trails
Plumas and Butte Counties each received State OHV grants for work on the Plumas National Forest. They are looking for volunteers to help on the following projects:
Plumas County received a State OHV Divison grant to evaluate road maintenance needs on the Plumas NF. They are looking for volunteers to drive roads and complete a simple checklist to identify road maintenance issues, such as roadside brushing, slides, washouts, etc. so they can apply for grant funds next year to do the maintenance work. This will help us keep roads and trails open on the Plumas NF. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Sierra Access Coalition.
Butte County received a grant from the State OHV Division to do trail maintenance in the French Creek area on the Feather River District. For more information click on these links to see the meeting agenda and to see a flyer with a map of trails.
SAC is supportive of both of these projects and we hope you will volunteer to work with the Counties and SAC to keep our roads and trails open.
Plumas and Butte Counties each received State OHV grants for work on the Plumas National Forest. They are looking for volunteers to help on the following projects:
Plumas County received a State OHV Divison grant to evaluate road maintenance needs on the Plumas NF. They are looking for volunteers to drive roads and complete a simple checklist to identify road maintenance issues, such as roadside brushing, slides, washouts, etc. so they can apply for grant funds next year to do the maintenance work. This will help us keep roads and trails open on the Plumas NF. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Sierra Access Coalition.
Butte County received a grant from the State OHV Division to do trail maintenance in the French Creek area on the Feather River District. For more information click on these links to see the meeting agenda and to see a flyer with a map of trails.
SAC is supportive of both of these projects and we hope you will volunteer to work with the Counties and SAC to keep our roads and trails open.
SAC Founder Mike Lazzarino
Lawsuit Filed Against Plumas NF
SAC filed a lawsuit in federal court March 18, 2015 challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Plan which restricts motorized vehicles in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California. Joining SAC in the lawsuit are the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, Plumas County, and Butte County. Amy Granat and Corky Lazzarino are also named as individual plaintiffs. In this lawsuit the public is fighting their own federal government, which has been compared to a David and Goliath battle. The litigants are being represented by Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento.
The Plumas NF Travel Management Plan, signed in August 2010, designated forest roads and trails that will remain open for motorized use. Non-designated routes, including many that have been open to motorized travel for decades, are now off-limits to the public including the disabled, firewood cutters, campers, hunters, Christmas tree cutters, hikers, and other recreationists. The federal decision affects everyone who uses unpaved roads and trails for access to the forest using pickups, cars, 4x4s, motorhomes, motorcycles, quads, tow rigs for equestrian trailers, travel trailers, and others. Thousands of recreationists, sportsmen, and many businesses are affected by the ill-conceived plan.
For outdoor enthusiasts who suffered the indignities of the Travel Management Process over the last several years, this lawsuit has twelve claims for relief. Claims include failure to coordinate with local governments, inadequate analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, failure to provide the public with a scientific basis for the Record of Decision, failure to analyze effects to the human environment and socioeconomic impacts, inadequate response to public comments, and other violations of law and regulation.
“SAC is taking action with this landmark lawsuit to protect the rights of local citizens and to fight against this overly restrictive plan on our National Forest lands”, said Corky Lazzarino, Executive Director of SAC. “Hundreds of citizens are outraged that the Plumas National Forest plan failed to consider local input, which has affected our way of life.”
Amy Granat, Managing Director of CORVA stated, "Accessibility for the disabled and elderly was not considered, nor their needs accommodated. What the Forest Service has done seems like an incredible overreach of what a federal agency can do. We have to bring fairness back. We have to insist that it is part of our right to be able to access public land in an environmentally responsible way. "
In summary, the final decision closed 873 miles of the 1107 miles of routes that were inventoried for the study. Parking for all uses is limited to one vehicle length from a designated route which severely restricts public opportunities for camping, firewood retrieval, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, rockhounding, game retrieval, and other activities. Many traditional family camps are no longer legally accessible. Main gravel roads, which historically were open to all vehicles, are now closed to non-street legal (green sticker) vehicles. Accessibility for the disabled and elderly was not considered, nor their needs accommodated. The Forest Service did not coordinate with the five counties within the Plumas National Forest, as required by law. The entire French Creek drainage is closed pending study of the California red-legged frog.
Click here for a copy of the lawsuit.
UPDATE 7/29/15
On May 29, 2015 the Forest Service filed a Motion To Dismiss the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) claim. In that motion, the FS provided the court with all the documents SAC requested five years ago but never received. The judge’s ruling is that since SAC now has the information, regardless of the fact that we received it after a 5 year delay and it is now useless to us, the claim has been dismissed from the lawsuit. This is frustrating, because the Forest Service is not being held accountable for failure to provide the documents within 30 days, as required by law. However, this one claim is not the main focus of our lawsuit, so we will move on to the more important issues.
Click here for the Forest Service's Motion To Dismiss the FOIA Claim.
Click here to read Corky Lazzarino's Declaration regarding the FOIA Claim.
Click here for the Judge's ruling on the Motion To Dismiss FOIA Claim.
LINKS
Copy of the lawsuit document
Pacific Legal Foundation News Release
CORVA and SAC News Release
Plumas County News Release
Plumas County Newspaper Article
Chico Enterprise-Record Editorial
CORVA website article with links
SAC filed a lawsuit in federal court March 18, 2015 challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Plan which restricts motorized vehicles in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California. Joining SAC in the lawsuit are the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, Plumas County, and Butte County. Amy Granat and Corky Lazzarino are also named as individual plaintiffs. In this lawsuit the public is fighting their own federal government, which has been compared to a David and Goliath battle. The litigants are being represented by Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento.
The Plumas NF Travel Management Plan, signed in August 2010, designated forest roads and trails that will remain open for motorized use. Non-designated routes, including many that have been open to motorized travel for decades, are now off-limits to the public including the disabled, firewood cutters, campers, hunters, Christmas tree cutters, hikers, and other recreationists. The federal decision affects everyone who uses unpaved roads and trails for access to the forest using pickups, cars, 4x4s, motorhomes, motorcycles, quads, tow rigs for equestrian trailers, travel trailers, and others. Thousands of recreationists, sportsmen, and many businesses are affected by the ill-conceived plan.
For outdoor enthusiasts who suffered the indignities of the Travel Management Process over the last several years, this lawsuit has twelve claims for relief. Claims include failure to coordinate with local governments, inadequate analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act, failure to provide the public with a scientific basis for the Record of Decision, failure to analyze effects to the human environment and socioeconomic impacts, inadequate response to public comments, and other violations of law and regulation.
“SAC is taking action with this landmark lawsuit to protect the rights of local citizens and to fight against this overly restrictive plan on our National Forest lands”, said Corky Lazzarino, Executive Director of SAC. “Hundreds of citizens are outraged that the Plumas National Forest plan failed to consider local input, which has affected our way of life.”
Amy Granat, Managing Director of CORVA stated, "Accessibility for the disabled and elderly was not considered, nor their needs accommodated. What the Forest Service has done seems like an incredible overreach of what a federal agency can do. We have to bring fairness back. We have to insist that it is part of our right to be able to access public land in an environmentally responsible way. "
In summary, the final decision closed 873 miles of the 1107 miles of routes that were inventoried for the study. Parking for all uses is limited to one vehicle length from a designated route which severely restricts public opportunities for camping, firewood retrieval, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, rockhounding, game retrieval, and other activities. Many traditional family camps are no longer legally accessible. Main gravel roads, which historically were open to all vehicles, are now closed to non-street legal (green sticker) vehicles. Accessibility for the disabled and elderly was not considered, nor their needs accommodated. The Forest Service did not coordinate with the five counties within the Plumas National Forest, as required by law. The entire French Creek drainage is closed pending study of the California red-legged frog.
Click here for a copy of the lawsuit.
UPDATE 7/29/15
On May 29, 2015 the Forest Service filed a Motion To Dismiss the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) claim. In that motion, the FS provided the court with all the documents SAC requested five years ago but never received. The judge’s ruling is that since SAC now has the information, regardless of the fact that we received it after a 5 year delay and it is now useless to us, the claim has been dismissed from the lawsuit. This is frustrating, because the Forest Service is not being held accountable for failure to provide the documents within 30 days, as required by law. However, this one claim is not the main focus of our lawsuit, so we will move on to the more important issues.
Click here for the Forest Service's Motion To Dismiss the FOIA Claim.
Click here to read Corky Lazzarino's Declaration regarding the FOIA Claim.
Click here for the Judge's ruling on the Motion To Dismiss FOIA Claim.
LINKS
Copy of the lawsuit document
Pacific Legal Foundation News Release
CORVA and SAC News Release
Plumas County News Release
Plumas County Newspaper Article
Chico Enterprise-Record Editorial
CORVA website article with links
Tahoe NF Snowmobile Restrictions
The Tahoe National Forest is beginning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the designation of over-snow vehicle (OSV) use. This effort will designate National Forest roads, trails, and areas that will be open to OSV use, as well as identify snow trails for grooming. Their proposal will close some areas and specify a minimum snow depth for snowmobile use. Click here to view a map of the proposed closures.
Go to the Project Webpage to submit comments online, view the Proposed Action and other related documents, use the interactive mapping feature, and learn more about this project.
Public meetings were held in March.
Click here to read SAC's comment letter to the Tahoe NF.
Click here to see a map of Pacific Crest Trail Crossings that are proposed by SAC.
The Tahoe National Forest is beginning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the designation of over-snow vehicle (OSV) use. This effort will designate National Forest roads, trails, and areas that will be open to OSV use, as well as identify snow trails for grooming. Their proposal will close some areas and specify a minimum snow depth for snowmobile use. Click here to view a map of the proposed closures.
Go to the Project Webpage to submit comments online, view the Proposed Action and other related documents, use the interactive mapping feature, and learn more about this project.
Public meetings were held in March.
Click here to read SAC's comment letter to the Tahoe NF.
Click here to see a map of Pacific Crest Trail Crossings that are proposed by SAC.
Lassen NF Snowmobile Restriction Proposal
1/15/2015 - Today the Lassen National Forest released their Proposed Action for Over the Snow Vehicles (OSV).
Click here to see the 13-page document and maps.
Last fall at the public meetings in Chester and Susanville, we were told that there would be no new restrictions on snowmobile use on the Lassen NF. However, we now see this is not the case.
The proposal will prohibit snowmobile use below 3500 ft regardless of how much snow there is, and will prohibit snowmobile use on the rest of the Lassen NF if there is less than 12" of snow.
There are two areas on the Lassen NF that are being proposed for no snowmobile use at all, which is another change from what the public was told last fall.
This is a good time to send your comments to the Lassen NF. Go to this page for more info:
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=45832
Note: At the April 2, 2015 Plumas Co. Coordinating Council meeting, Lassen NF representative Chris Obrien said the 3500 ft. elevation restriction will be removed from the proposal, and that there will be a 12" snow depth requirement for all areas on the forest. However, these changes have not been published.
1/15/2015 - Today the Lassen National Forest released their Proposed Action for Over the Snow Vehicles (OSV).
Click here to see the 13-page document and maps.
Last fall at the public meetings in Chester and Susanville, we were told that there would be no new restrictions on snowmobile use on the Lassen NF. However, we now see this is not the case.
The proposal will prohibit snowmobile use below 3500 ft regardless of how much snow there is, and will prohibit snowmobile use on the rest of the Lassen NF if there is less than 12" of snow.
There are two areas on the Lassen NF that are being proposed for no snowmobile use at all, which is another change from what the public was told last fall.
This is a good time to send your comments to the Lassen NF. Go to this page for more info:
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=45832
Note: At the April 2, 2015 Plumas Co. Coordinating Council meeting, Lassen NF representative Chris Obrien said the 3500 ft. elevation restriction will be removed from the proposal, and that there will be a 12" snow depth requirement for all areas on the forest. However, these changes have not been published.
Snowmobile Restriction Meetings
Public meetings were held the week of November 3, 2015 on the Plumas, Lassen, Eldorado and Stanislaus NFs concerning future restrictions of snowmobiles on our public lands.
SAC attended the Plumas and Lassen meetings. We were very disappointed that the Forest Service made every attempt to control public comment by shutting people down when they tried to speak.
This is just the beginning of the process and more public meetings will be held after the first of the year. Click here to read some background information and SAC's observations on how the meetings went.
Public meetings were held the week of November 3, 2015 on the Plumas, Lassen, Eldorado and Stanislaus NFs concerning future restrictions of snowmobiles on our public lands.
SAC attended the Plumas and Lassen meetings. We were very disappointed that the Forest Service made every attempt to control public comment by shutting people down when they tried to speak.
This is just the beginning of the process and more public meetings will be held after the first of the year. Click here to read some background information and SAC's observations on how the meetings went.
Lake Davis Snowmobile Study Released
The Forest Service has released the final draft of a feasibility study of Over Snow Vehicles (OSV) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) at Lake Davis.
Click here for a copy of the entire document. In the document, the right half of the map was cut off. SAC requested a full copy of the map which is displayed above. The right half, which was not shown in the document, shows the areas around the lake closed to snowmobiles. The Feasibility Study is a lengthy 72-page document with a lot of unnecessary and irrelevant detail. To save time, we recommend that you skip down to page 54 of the document to the section titled "Summary". The Summary tells the story in just a few sentences. It states: "It is recommended that the Lake Davis Management Area stay a quiet recreation area due to the importance of the habitat diversity of so many wildlife species." Quiet recreation means no snowmobiles.
The report was discussed at the Plumas County Coordinating Council meeting on Oct. 2. There was a large crowd in attendance, with many opinions against closing Lake Davis to snowmobile use. The subject was continued to the PCCC meeting on November 6 for additional discussion, but no one from Deb Bumpus' staff was there to answer questions which was very disrespectful. Several people traveled to the meeting and gave up their paying jobs to be at the meeting, but the FS had no information to share.
SAC is very disappointed in the Forest Service, who received a $70,000 grant from the California OHV Division of State Parks to study improving winter OSV and summer OHV use in the Lake Davis area. The grant was specifically for the Forest Service to do an Environmental Analysis decision document for summer and winter motorized recreation, which they did not complete.
The Forest Service held several public meetings regarding motorized recreation in the Lake Davis area, but disregarded OHV use. They stated they didn't have enough money to study OHV use, so they dropped that subject from public discussion and focused only on OSVs. Surprisingly, their report still contains recommendations for OHV use.
The final report appears to be a decision to eliminate, OSV and OHV use in the Lake Davis area. This is a huge impact to the economy of Eastern Plumas County, as well as an impact to many motorized recreationists.
This report is extremely important, because it makes recommendations that the Forest Service says will be used during Subpart C of the Travel Management Plan, which will analyze where snowmobiles will be allowed to travel in the forest.
The recommendations made in the Lake Davis Feasibility Study are unlikely to change during the Subpart C analysis, so it's important to voice our concerns now. Ironically, our OHV green sticker funds were used to pay the Forest Service to write the report that recommends restricting green sticker vehicles in the Lake Davis area.
Comments can be sent to Ranger Deb Bumpus, Beckwourth Ranger District.
The Forest Service has released the final draft of a feasibility study of Over Snow Vehicles (OSV) and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) at Lake Davis.
Click here for a copy of the entire document. In the document, the right half of the map was cut off. SAC requested a full copy of the map which is displayed above. The right half, which was not shown in the document, shows the areas around the lake closed to snowmobiles. The Feasibility Study is a lengthy 72-page document with a lot of unnecessary and irrelevant detail. To save time, we recommend that you skip down to page 54 of the document to the section titled "Summary". The Summary tells the story in just a few sentences. It states: "It is recommended that the Lake Davis Management Area stay a quiet recreation area due to the importance of the habitat diversity of so many wildlife species." Quiet recreation means no snowmobiles.
The report was discussed at the Plumas County Coordinating Council meeting on Oct. 2. There was a large crowd in attendance, with many opinions against closing Lake Davis to snowmobile use. The subject was continued to the PCCC meeting on November 6 for additional discussion, but no one from Deb Bumpus' staff was there to answer questions which was very disrespectful. Several people traveled to the meeting and gave up their paying jobs to be at the meeting, but the FS had no information to share.
SAC is very disappointed in the Forest Service, who received a $70,000 grant from the California OHV Division of State Parks to study improving winter OSV and summer OHV use in the Lake Davis area. The grant was specifically for the Forest Service to do an Environmental Analysis decision document for summer and winter motorized recreation, which they did not complete.
The Forest Service held several public meetings regarding motorized recreation in the Lake Davis area, but disregarded OHV use. They stated they didn't have enough money to study OHV use, so they dropped that subject from public discussion and focused only on OSVs. Surprisingly, their report still contains recommendations for OHV use.
The final report appears to be a decision to eliminate, OSV and OHV use in the Lake Davis area. This is a huge impact to the economy of Eastern Plumas County, as well as an impact to many motorized recreationists.
This report is extremely important, because it makes recommendations that the Forest Service says will be used during Subpart C of the Travel Management Plan, which will analyze where snowmobiles will be allowed to travel in the forest.
The recommendations made in the Lake Davis Feasibility Study are unlikely to change during the Subpart C analysis, so it's important to voice our concerns now. Ironically, our OHV green sticker funds were used to pay the Forest Service to write the report that recommends restricting green sticker vehicles in the Lake Davis area.
Comments can be sent to Ranger Deb Bumpus, Beckwourth Ranger District.
Snowmobile Restrictions Meeting in Chester
County Supervisor Sherri Thrall is starting a series of Town Hall Meetings. The first meeting was on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Almanor Recreation Center on Meadowbrook Loop, Chester.
The subject of this meeting was the National Forest Travel Management Plan (TMP) Subpart C. This Subpart deals with “over the snow vehicles” ( OSV - snowmobiles) and their use of National Forest trails. Both the Lassen and Plumas National Forests are in the very early stages of addressing Subpart C.
Representatives from both the Lassen and Plumas National Forests participated in the meeting, answering questions from the public.
Now is the time for us to become informed and engaged in their planning process. It is critically important that we are involved from the first stages of planning so that our concerns are included as they move through their processes.
This is the time to become involved and save your sport!
For more information go to: http://almanorpost.com/tap/blog/
For videos and other information about the meeting, see: http://almanorpost.com/tap/issues/usfs/travel-management/travel-management-plan-subpart-c-osv/
County Supervisor Sherri Thrall is starting a series of Town Hall Meetings. The first meeting was on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Almanor Recreation Center on Meadowbrook Loop, Chester.
The subject of this meeting was the National Forest Travel Management Plan (TMP) Subpart C. This Subpart deals with “over the snow vehicles” ( OSV - snowmobiles) and their use of National Forest trails. Both the Lassen and Plumas National Forests are in the very early stages of addressing Subpart C.
Representatives from both the Lassen and Plumas National Forests participated in the meeting, answering questions from the public.
Now is the time for us to become informed and engaged in their planning process. It is critically important that we are involved from the first stages of planning so that our concerns are included as they move through their processes.
This is the time to become involved and save your sport!
For more information go to: http://almanorpost.com/tap/blog/
For videos and other information about the meeting, see: http://almanorpost.com/tap/issues/usfs/travel-management/travel-management-plan-subpart-c-osv/
Best donation ever!
SAC received a donation from 10 year old Matthew Pahland of Novato, California.
The best part was the letter that was attached.
This is a wonderful reminder that we are working to keep our forests open for the generations who will follow us.
Thank you, Matthew.
SAC received a donation from 10 year old Matthew Pahland of Novato, California.
The best part was the letter that was attached.
This is a wonderful reminder that we are working to keep our forests open for the generations who will follow us.
Thank you, Matthew.
Tahoe NF Lawsuit
Friends of Tahoe have a lawsuit against the Tahoe National Forest. They are faced with some unreasonable charges for document copying and need help. Please read the press release and the fundraising information.
Help support OHV use on the Tahoe NF.
Friends of Tahoe have a lawsuit against the Tahoe National Forest. They are faced with some unreasonable charges for document copying and need help. Please read the press release and the fundraising information.
Help support OHV use on the Tahoe NF.
Snowmobile Use Restrictions
Meetings have been held at Lake Tahoe to begin planning on Subpart C of the Travel Management Plan, which will restrict snowmobile use on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).
Representatives from SAC, California Off-Road Vehicle Asoc., Friends of Independence Lake, and the California-Nevada Snowmobile Assoc., and members of the Snowlands Network are active in the process.
It is extremely important to be involved in the LTBMU planning, because the process the Forest Service decides to use for restricting snowmobile use at Lake Tahoe will most likely be the model that will be used across the nation for restrictions on other National Forests. This will potentially affect local areas including Lakes Basin, Bucks Lake, La Porte, Little Grass Valley, Lake Davis, and other areas.
Snowlands Network, who are proponents of non-motorized winter recreation such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing, argue that snowmobiles are noisy and have high emissions. This is not the case, especially with newer models of snowmobiles. They are very clean, quiet, and meet State and Federal standards for emissions and noise.
We will post more information on Subpart C of the Travel Management Plan as the Forest Service's process evolves.
Representatives from SAC, California Off-Road Vehicle Asoc., Friends of Independence Lake, and the California-Nevada Snowmobile Assoc., and members of the Snowlands Network are active in the process.
It is extremely important to be involved in the LTBMU planning, because the process the Forest Service decides to use for restricting snowmobile use at Lake Tahoe will most likely be the model that will be used across the nation for restrictions on other National Forests. This will potentially affect local areas including Lakes Basin, Bucks Lake, La Porte, Little Grass Valley, Lake Davis, and other areas.
Snowlands Network, who are proponents of non-motorized winter recreation such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing, argue that snowmobiles are noisy and have high emissions. This is not the case, especially with newer models of snowmobiles. They are very clean, quiet, and meet State and Federal standards for emissions and noise.
We will post more information on Subpart C of the Travel Management Plan as the Forest Service's process evolves.
722 mi. of Road Closures Proposed - Subpart A
Last year the Plumas NF released maps of proposed road closures for Subpart A of the Travel Management Plan. An additional 722 miles of main system roads are proposed for closure. Look at these maps. Everything in red is proposed to be closed.
For the eastside of the forest:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5424415.pdf
For the westside of the forest:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5424416.pdf
Six public meetings were held in 2013. Representatives from Congressman LaMalfa's office were at the meetings and met with representatives of SAC. The Congressman clearly opposes the Forest Service's proposed road closures.
At the Plumas Co. Board of Supervisors meeting February 18, 2014, Todd Johns of the Plumas Co. Sheriff's Dept. stated that the department is very concerned about these proposed road closures because they will affect Search and Rescue operations. The position of the Sheriff's Dept. is that they want all roads in the forest to remain open.
SAC is concerned that the proposed road closures will not only affect people who drive in the forest, but will also affect our local economy. Roads in the forest were built years ago to provide an infrastructure for logging, and if the roads are obliterated it will be too expensive to build new roads for future logging operations. This will make timber sales uneconomical so they will be cancelled. This will cause further damage to our local economy, schools, and tourism. But it will help the corporate environmentalists' agenda by keeping people out of the forest.
Many roads that access your favorite spots to hike, fish, hunt, cut firewood, go 4-wheeling, ride bicycles, watch wildlife, go rockhounding, look at wildflowers, go for a picnic, or drive into the forest for a multitude of special activities may be in jeopardy.
Click here to see the Forest Service website that explains this latest round of road closure proposals, which is known as Subpart A of the Travel Management Plan.
Subpart B of the Travel Management Plan closed 873 miles of routes in August 2010. Another 722 miles of road closures are now being proposed.
Between Subpart A and Subpart B, a total of 1595 miles of roads and trails are either closed or proposed for closure on the Plumas N.F.
The Forest Service says the new closures will not be implemented immediately, but will be closed when projects, such as a timber sale or watershed restoration project, are implemented in the future.
Click here to see SAC's comment letter to the Plumas National Forest regarding the proposed road closures.
The Final Report from the Plumas NF is due to be released in Spring 2015.
Crocker/Clover Valley Trail Project
As a result of negotiations between SAC, Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), Beckwourth Ranger District, and Plumas County, an OHV trail is being proposed in the vicinity of Clover Valley and the Crocker Campground. The parties agreed to this project as mitigation to the road paving.
On August 13, 2012 Forest Supervisor Earl Ford wrote a letter to the Plumas County Dept. of Public Works saying the environmental analysis for the project would be completed by October 2013.
However, on February 14, 2014 District Ranger Deb Bumpus announced that the project has been put on hold due to lack of funding. This is frustrating because SAC contacted the Forest Service last fall with a source of grant funding for the project, but they didn't apply for the funding.
Historically, the Forest Service designated the Crocker Campground for use by green sticker vehicles. A FHWA project will be paving the roads adjacent to the campground which would leave green sticker vehicles with no legal way to leave the campground. As mitigation for this problem, the parties agreed to complete a project which would build a trail leaving the campground and give green sticker vehicles access to Clover Valley and points beyond. Without this mitigation, the entire $20-million paving project may be in jeopardy.
Click these links for more information:
SAC has some concerns with this proposal. Many of the details that the Forest Service agreed to last year are not being proposed in the project. Access to Dotta Canyon Road 24N32 from the campground is not being proposed, as agreed. For example, the trail in Alternative 1 is slated for closure under Subpart A of the Travel Management Plan (see the article above). SAC submitted a letter to the Forest Service listing the inconsistencies between our agreement and their project proposal. The current proposal doesn't connect to the campground, which was the primary need for the project.
Please send your comments regarding this project to SAC or to Ranger Deb Bumpus.
On August 13, 2012 Forest Supervisor Earl Ford wrote a letter to the Plumas County Dept. of Public Works saying the environmental analysis for the project would be completed by October 2013.
However, on February 14, 2014 District Ranger Deb Bumpus announced that the project has been put on hold due to lack of funding. This is frustrating because SAC contacted the Forest Service last fall with a source of grant funding for the project, but they didn't apply for the funding.
Historically, the Forest Service designated the Crocker Campground for use by green sticker vehicles. A FHWA project will be paving the roads adjacent to the campground which would leave green sticker vehicles with no legal way to leave the campground. As mitigation for this problem, the parties agreed to complete a project which would build a trail leaving the campground and give green sticker vehicles access to Clover Valley and points beyond. Without this mitigation, the entire $20-million paving project may be in jeopardy.
Click these links for more information:
SAC has some concerns with this proposal. Many of the details that the Forest Service agreed to last year are not being proposed in the project. Access to Dotta Canyon Road 24N32 from the campground is not being proposed, as agreed. For example, the trail in Alternative 1 is slated for closure under Subpart A of the Travel Management Plan (see the article above). SAC submitted a letter to the Forest Service listing the inconsistencies between our agreement and their project proposal. The current proposal doesn't connect to the campground, which was the primary need for the project.
Please send your comments regarding this project to SAC or to Ranger Deb Bumpus.
Lake Davis Winter/Summer Recreation Project
According to District Ranger Deb Bumpus, after over a year's delay, the Lake Davis project is again delayed until she finds a source of funding to complete the project analysis.
However, we were told by the State that there is approx. $57,000 remaining in the Lake Davis grant unspent.
For more information, go to the Projects page.
However, we were told by the State that there is approx. $57,000 remaining in the Lake Davis grant unspent.
For more information, go to the Projects page.
SAC and Partners Receive Grant
for Trail Maintenance in Spring 2015
Sierra Access Coalition, along with partners Ironman Dual Sport, Paradise Ridge Riders, and Plumas Dirt Riders were approved for a RAC grant in the amount of $14,500 to do maintenance on single-track trails on the Feather River District.
SAC has been working with the Forest Service for over a year, trying to get paperwork signed to allow us to work on trails. We finally got a signed agreement from the Forest Service in late Sept. 2014. The intention of the RAC grant is to help communities implement projects that will encourage recreation, tourism, and benefit local people. We are very frustrated that it took so long to get the paperwork completed, because the trail work will now be delayed until Spring 2015.
If you are interested in working on the trails, contact Bob VanCourt at ironmandualsport@sbcglobal.net
SAC has been working with the Forest Service for over a year, trying to get paperwork signed to allow us to work on trails. We finally got a signed agreement from the Forest Service in late Sept. 2014. The intention of the RAC grant is to help communities implement projects that will encourage recreation, tourism, and benefit local people. We are very frustrated that it took so long to get the paperwork completed, because the trail work will now be delayed until Spring 2015.
If you are interested in working on the trails, contact Bob VanCourt at ironmandualsport@sbcglobal.net
Mt. Hough Trails Project
Implementation of the combined motorized and non-motorized Mt. Hough-South Park Trails project began in 2013.
In 2014, additional grants are tentatively approved by the State OHV Division for more work on the motorized areas. Plumas County will be receiving the grant money and implementing the work on the trail system.
In 2014, additional grants are tentatively approved by the State OHV Division for more work on the motorized areas. Plumas County will be receiving the grant money and implementing the work on the trail system.