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.
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.
Over Snow Vehicle Plan
Update
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
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.
Over Snow Vehicle Plans
On Hold
The next step for the Over Snow Vehicle Plans for the Plumas NF is for the Forest Service to meet with individuals and groups who have objected to their draft decision. This is part of the Objection Process. An official from the Regional Office in Vallejo will hold a meeting and make a final decision.
Due to COVID-19, the meetings are indefinitely on hold.
UPDATE 4/5/21: There has been little to no movement on the Forest Service side regarding the OSV Objection process. Some of the delays may be blamed on COVID. But there have been a multitude of other delays that appear to be the result of internal problems at the Forest Service that have not yet been resolved.
On Hold
The next step for the Over Snow Vehicle Plans for the Plumas NF is for the Forest Service to meet with individuals and groups who have objected to their draft decision. This is part of the Objection Process. An official from the Regional Office in Vallejo will hold a meeting and make a final decision.
Due to COVID-19, the meetings are indefinitely on hold.
UPDATE 4/5/21: There has been little to no movement on the Forest Service side regarding the OSV Objection process. Some of the delays may be blamed on COVID. But there have been a multitude of other delays that appear to be the result of internal problems at the Forest Service that have not yet been resolved.
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
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.
Poker Run!
The Bucks Lake Poker Run is on for tomorrow,
Sat. February 2.
Come enjoy the snow and have a good time.
Registration is from 9:00 - 11:00 at Lakeshore Lodge.
The Bucks Lake Poker Run is on for tomorrow,
Sat. February 2.
Come enjoy the snow and have a good time.
Registration is from 9:00 - 11:00 at Lakeshore Lodge.
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
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. |
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 Plan Released
The Lassen NF released their Record of Decision (ROD) for Over-Snow Vehicles on 3/29/18.
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 6 open areas for cross country OSV riding in the Ashpan, Bogard, Fredonyer, Jonesville, Swain Mountain, and Morgan Summit areas
- An additional 201,100 acres will be closed to OSV
- 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 to the LNF.
Tahoe NF Proposes
Staging Area Improvements
The Tahoe NF is proposing improvements at the Little Truckee Summit parking and trailhead area, which is located approximately 8 miles south of Sierraville, California on State Highway 89.
The project is needed to improve parking lot safety by increasing parking lot capacity to meet current demand, by improving user experience, and by updating facilities at the parking and trailhead area. The project Proposed Action would construct a new lot to double the current parking capacity, repave the existing lot, realign and replace access routes, upgrade and increase restroom and grooming shed facilities, and install a warming hut. The total area affected would be approximately 11 acres, of which 5 acres would be temporarily affected and rehabilitated after project construction. Information about the project is available at: http://fs.usda.gov/projects/tahoe/landmanagement/projects
Public comments can be submitted to Jeff Wiley, OHV Program Manager, at jwiley@fs.fed.us or 530-994-3401 extension 6667.
Staging Area Improvements
The Tahoe NF is proposing improvements at the Little Truckee Summit parking and trailhead area, which is located approximately 8 miles south of Sierraville, California on State Highway 89.
The project is needed to improve parking lot safety by increasing parking lot capacity to meet current demand, by improving user experience, and by updating facilities at the parking and trailhead area. The project Proposed Action would construct a new lot to double the current parking capacity, repave the existing lot, realign and replace access routes, upgrade and increase restroom and grooming shed facilities, and install a warming hut. The total area affected would be approximately 11 acres, of which 5 acres would be temporarily affected and rehabilitated after project construction. Information about the project is available at: http://fs.usda.gov/projects/tahoe/landmanagement/projects
Public comments can be submitted to Jeff Wiley, OHV Program Manager, at jwiley@fs.fed.us or 530-994-3401 extension 6667.
Proposed PNF 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 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 this 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 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 this 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