Pacific Southwest Region |
Motor Vehicle Travel on National Forests in California As the new Regional Forester for the National Forests in California, I have been welcomed by many partners who are passionate and willing to help us carry out the Forest Service mission. One issue that keeps rising to the top is the travel management process the Forest Service is using to designate roads, trails, and other areas for motor vehicle use. The use of motor vehicles, particularly off–highway vehicles, is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation on California's National Forests. More Americans are enjoying access and recreational opportunities on their National Forests than ever before. But as motor vehicle use has expanded, the impacts have also expanded. This use—and their impacts—has largely gone unmanaged until now. Motor vehicle use needs to be balanced with the many different uses of our National Forests, and also ensure the protection of the land, wildlife and other recreational visitors. The key to protecting resources while providing recreational opportunities is through appropriate management. The new travel management rules will provide the framework for that management. In 2002, the National Forests in California, in partnership with California State Parks and the Off–Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, started the travel management process with overwhelming public support for the concept of designating roads, trails and areas for motor vehicle use. We have held open houses all over the state, convened discussion groups, and held numerous public meetings. The process has been complex and challenging. We are examining boundary and public access issues on private property, water quality, wildlife habitat, identification of access roads to non–motorized activities, and serious safety concerns associated with the mixing of both street legal and non–street legal vehicles on Forest Service roads by unlicensed drivers. What is encouraging to me is that the people who participated in this process, regardless of their interest, have expressed a desire to engage the Forests in partnership opportunities and help sustain our natural resources. We have accomplished a great deal. But there are still some remaining challenges, and there is still more to do. I am committed to completing the process for most of the California National Forests by the end of 2008 as agreed upon with the public and our partners. As with any dynamic process, I understand changes and adaptations may be necessary after the initial decisions have been implemented. In my mind, the management of motor vehicle use will evolve and continue to improve as we begin to implement these decisions. I recognize that the new travel management rules will change the way the some people access and experience their National Forests. But this change must happen so we can continue to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and protection of natural and cultural resources. An unexpected and welcome benefit of this process has been the willingness of groups, organizations, and individuals to serve as volunteer stewards for their favorite trails or areas. The public's involvement in this process is crucial, and I urge you to continue participating to help us move forward with on–the–ground implementation. If you need more information about the travel management process, please visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/routedesignation or contact any of California's 18 National Forests listed on the site.  Site Contents
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Contact InformationTo locate Travel Management contacts for a specific National Forest, please use their Travel Management home page or contact the Forest directly. For more information about Travel Management from the Region 5 (California) Office, please contact: U.S. Forest Service
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