Help sought on off-road routes
Sierra Countis
October 25, 2006
Dirt bikers, hikers, and four-wheel drivers are working to gether to map a system of off-road trails within the Tahoe National Forest.
Tahoe National Forest Service personnel Monday hosted a public workshop to map off-highway vehicle routes near Truckee and Sierraville. The meeting was designed to gather public input, indicate where existing roads and trails are, and to present proposed OHV routes.
The forest service is considering a number of factors in the route designation process, in cluding environmental impact, maintenance, and safety, said Joanne Roubique, Truckee district ranger.
"One of the key points is that the National Forest Service provides recreational opportunities," said Phil Horning, Tahoe National Forest route designation coordinator. "The majority of off-highway vehicle users are responsible. Off-highway vehicle use does have a place in the system."
Inventory of existing routes began in 2002 and was completed by the forest service last summer, Horning said. More than 800 people participated in an online survey conducted by the forest service last spring.
During Monday's meeting, three groups were formed to decipher numerous color-coded maps and to discuss existing four-by-four routes, all terrain vehicle routes, off highway motorcycle routes, and the proposed routes.
Many residents raised questions about the forest service's definitions pertaining to "roadless areas," what determines a road, and unclassified trails.
Unclassified routes are historical or user-created trails, said Rick Maddalena of the Truckee ranger station.
The information gathered by the groups will be presented at the next meeting in Truckee scheduled for Dec. 5.
The forest service will use the public input to develop an OHV route proposal to be finalized by 2008.
