11/07/05 Forest Service new rules for off-road use

The Forest Service has put out new guidelines that will tell off-road enthusiasts where they can and cannot go in our national forests. BOSWORTH "The goal is to improve opportunities for motorized recreation and still insure the best possible care of the land. "Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth says each national forest now has guidelines to determine which routes are open, which are not. He says the decisions will be made based on four themes. BOSWORTH "First, outdoor recreation is essential to our work. The demand for recreation opportunities keeps growing and these opportunities connect people to the land and they foster healthy lifestyles. The second theme is motorized recreation is a legitimate use. The third theme is route designations will involve working with local communities. Its important to realize that the rule itself doesn't open or close a single route. Those decisions will be made at a local level working with local communities, with interest groups, tribal governments over the next four years will result in a system of designated routes and areas that are tailored to local conditions and needs." Bosworth says it will take about four years for all national forests to complete their lists of designated routes and areas for off-road use. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott