Phenomenal growth in southwestern Utah, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas has led to increasing erosion, watershed and habitat damage, threats to cultural sites and endangered or threatened species, and increasing degradation of recreational experience, the Forest Service says. Currently, the 1.9 million acres that the Forest Service administers in six southeastern Utah counties is considered open to OHVs unless otherwise posted. The agency now proposes to end cross-country travel except for specific purposes, to close some OHV trails and to establish a new system of designated routes.
"The Motorized Travel Plan decision is one of the most important decisions that the [Dixie National Forest] will make in the near future," said Dixie Forest Supervisor Rob MacWhorter. - Patty Henetz
The Forest Service is holding public meetings to discuss the travel plan and take public comment on a draft environmental study for an off-highway vehicle management plan. All the meetings will begin at 6 p.m. Here is the schedule:
* Today, Triple C Arena, Highway 89, Panguitch
* Thursday, Wayne County Community Center, 475 S. 300 East, Bicknell
* Tuesday, Library in the Park, 303 N. 100 East, Cedar City
* June 25, Ramada Inn, 1440 E. St. George Blvd., St. George
* June 26, Salt Lake City Hilton, 255 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City.
The report is available on the Web: www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie/projects/MTP
For information: Kenton Call, 435-865-3730
