Carson National Forest

Public participation at the local level is critical to the success of implementing the final travel management rule. Not only does the rule require it, but the Chief of the Forest Service expects an open, collaborative process.

The Carson National Forest is a "backyard" for many northern New Mexico residents, a destination for visitors coming from other places, and a refuge for everyone. But most importantly, the forest is managed as public land and all interested parties should be actively involved in its management. States and counties manage public road systems providing access to forests and represent owners of private lands within and adjacent to National Forest System lands.

Route and area designation decisions will be made by the forest supervisor, working closely with local communities. In addition, route and area designations will be coordinated closely with federal, state, county, local, and tribal governments.

In October and November of 2006, the Carson National Forest hosted several public meetings in Taos, Questa, Canjilon, Tres Piedras, El Rito, Jicarilla, and Penasco, New Mexico to collect ideas about motorized travel management. Public comments received during each round of meetings were used to develop Proposed Actions and Alternatives.

A second series of open houses were held in 2007. Letters and verbal comments were received throughout 2007 and 2008. The comments were used to formulate proposed actions so the four geographical areas of the Carson National Forest, (Jicarilla Ranger District, West Side Canjilon, El Rito and Tres Piedras Ranger Districts, Questa Ranger District and Camino Real Ranger Districts). A scoping letter was issued January 31, 2009.

The proposed actions for Jicarilla, West Side and Questa were issued on July 14, 2009. Comments were received and used to further define the proposed action.

A second 30 day comment period started on June 14, 2010 for the West Side. Likewise a second 30 day comment period started on February 8, 2010 for the Jicarilla Ranger District. The comment period for the Questa started in July, 2011.

Comments received at these meetings and during the comment periods are available on this website. (Documents and Maps)

We appreciate your participation thus far and look forward to hearing your feedback as this project continues.

What Can You Do Now?

Motorized travel is a valid use of National Forest System lands - your ideas can help us focus this valid use on our forest. Our ultimate goal in the planning process is to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas open to motorized use based on the existing transportation system.

Your ideas about motorized travel management are welcome any time. If you frequently recreate on the Carson National Forest, we definitely want to hear from you! Initially, we are seeking answers to these questions:

• What experiences or destinations are important to motorized travelers?
• What type of vehicle is appropriate in these places and when?
• What or where are areas of safety concerns?
• What areas are important for non-motorized recreation?
• What areas are important to be closed to motorized travel (and when)?

Remember: We are gathering information about existing use patterns, natural resource conditions, user demand, and social and economic interactions. Please help us focus on identifying needs for change to our existing travel management system.

Feel free to contact us in any of the following ways:

Important Note: Names and physical and/or e-mail addresses submitted on this website or in response to any request for comments will be included in the official record for the Carson National Forest’s travel management planning project and may be released to the public if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.