Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF to Host Travel Management Open Houses
Release Date: May 7, 2012 Dillon, MT
Contact(s): Leona Rodreick
The Forest Service is hosting several open houses to kick off the development of the travel management plan for the Dillon, Wisdom and Wise River Ranger Districts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Forest visitors who travel routes on these Districts are encouraged to attend an open house of their choice to review current route maps and make sure their favorite routes are included. People are invited to drop-in at any time during open house hours. All open houses will start at 12 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m. Following is the schedule of open houses:
May 18 in Polaris (location to be announced)
May 21 in Divide at the Grange Hall
May 22 in Wisdom at the Community Center
May 23 in Lima at the Fire hall
May 24 in Twin Bridges Madison County Fairgrounds
May 29 in Dillon Beaverhead County fairgrounds in the 4-H Building
June 7 in Butte at the Butte Ranger Station located at 1820 Meadowlark
In 2005, the Forest Service published a new rule for motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands. The rule requires each national forest to designate a system of roads and trails open for public motorized vehicle use, and identify them on a motor vehicle use map (MVUM). This process would continue the current prohibition of cross-country travel on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF. The map will only show the routes open to public motorized use by the type of vehicle and season of use. It will be published annually, will be free to the public, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the forest visitor maps. This plan will not include over-snow vehicles.
Wisdom and Wise River District Ranger Russ Riebe added, “Many opportunities will be provided for people to help with the project.” “Through the use of newsletters, meetings, our website, and other communication tools, we will be providing many avenues for anyone who is interested in the Dillon, Wisdom and Wise River Ranger Districts travel management plan to receive information as well as provide their feedback and comments.”
“We really need people to be involved early in the process to represent all interests, both motorized and non-motorized. In order for us to provide a system of opportunities, it’s up to all of us to come together in a collaborative spirit and work together to find common ground and solutions,” said Dillon District Ranger Cornie Hudson.
Anyone who desires to be on the travel management mailing list should contact the D123 OHV Route Designation Coordinator; Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest; 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and e-mail. For more information contact Alex Dunn at (406) 683-3864