USFS releases snowmobile management rule

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Forest Service released a federal rule Tuesday aimed at putting in place management plans for snowmobiles on all national forest lands.

The Forest Service established a travel management rule in 2005 to provide more effective management of public motor vehicle use, which led to a challenge by Winter Wildlands Alliance.

The alliance argued that the Forest Service had illegally exempted snowmobiles and other over-snow vehicles when it issued the travel management rule.

A U.S. District Court judge in Idaho ruled in 2013 that the Forest Service has the discretion to determine where and when over-snow vehicle use can occur on national forest system lands. The ruling required the agency to designate routes and areas where vehicle use is permitted and where it’s not.

The 51-page rule will not have any effect on the ground until designation of roads, trails and areas for over-snow vehicle use is complete for a particular ranger district following appropriate public involvement and coordination with state and local governments.

“This final rule does not encourage or discourage motor vehicle use, but rather requires designation of roads, trails and areas for OSV use. The Department believes that a well-designed system of routes and areas designated for OSV use can reduce maintenance needs and environmental damage while enhancing the recreational experience for all users, both motorized and non-motorized,” the rule reads.

The Winter Wildlands Alliance had a mixed reaction to the rule.

“Our hope is this new rule will provide the framework to bring local stakeholders together with forest officials to work toward balanced management plans that accommodate both motorized and non-motorized uses,” Winter Wildlands Alliance executive director Mark Menlove said in a statement issued on Tuesday night.

However, the alliance contends there are still loopholes in the rule that allow the Forest Service to carry forward with existing designations for snowmobile use without further opportunity for public input.