Spokesman Kenton Call notes Dixie's 1.9 million acres in central and southern Utah already boast a significant number of trails for motorized travel. A draft environmental-impact statement closes the rest of the forest to such use.
"We want something to make sense for future use while protecting resources," Call said.
The forest is seeking public comment on the draft EIS and has scheduled six hearings. A preferred alternative will be selected from five recommendations.
Forest Supervisor Rob MacWhorter is encouraging people to participate in the process.
"The motorized-travel-plan decision is one of the most important decisions that the forest will make in the near future," MacWhorter said. "We hope to understand the broad public sentiment about the alternatives we are considering for this decision."
The public hearings are from 6 to 8 p.m. on these dates:
-- May 27, Escalante, Interagency Visitor Center, 755 W. Main St.
-- May 28, Panguitch, Triple C Arena, U.S. Highway 89.
-- May 29, Bicknell, Wayne County Community Center, 475 S. 300 East.
-- June 3, Cedar City, Library in the Park, 303 N. 100 East.
-- June 25, St. George, Ramada Inn, 1440 E. St. George Blvd.
-- June 26, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Hilton, 255 S. West Temple.
