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Land Matters Discussion Area Discussion Relating to Your Land/Legislative Issues |
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"Sxwuytn 'Trail' - Kaniksu Connections Project"
The possibility of opening 90,000 acres of the Colville NF to more recreation exists. The project is known as the "Sxwuytn 'Trail' - Kaniksu Connections Project" One of the project's purposes - as stated in the pre-scoping letter - is to "identify where recreation facilities connect with needs to restore watershed health; and contribute to the local economy through a consistent supply, stewardship and contracting opportunities." If you recreate (whether by 4WD/4X4, ATV/UTV/SxS, single track motorcycle, mountain bicycle, snowmobile, on foot, or by any other mode) and access the project area you need to take an interest in this project. I have been exchanging e-mail messages with the project POC asking some basic/general questions and have received some answers. In one of the replies the project POC said the CNF recognizes there are some user-created roads/trails in the area and it is very likely they will be "removed from the landscape". So what does this mean? Anything user-created will be obliterated in such a way you will never be able to use them again! Therefore if you want these added to the CNF road/trail inventory, you need to become involved! Public land managers recognize numbers of people who respond to their public comment periods. An individual voice has little chance of impressing upon public land managers the need for something. However, if many people are heard, you have a better chance of making things happen. I have obtained copies of the FS Topo maps (US Forest Service USGS topographic maps) which show roads/trails in the area. Many of these roads/trails are NOT on the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) dated April 01, 2017 (the most current MVUM for this area). Although these maps are dated 1996 and some 1993, I don't think many roads/trails have been added. These maps could be used as a starting point for identifying user-created roads/trails and hopefully we can justify their need and get them added to the CNF inventory. I have MVUMs starting back in 2006 and most years thereafter. MVUMs published prior to 2008 were considered "interim" meaning they did not have the force of law. I will be reviewing the MVUMs to see if any roads/trails on them are not on the current MVUM. You can help me by identifying any user-created roads/trails that you have reason to believe are needed and we can work to hopefully get them added to the CNF inventory. They are planning on releasing a list and a map of all the National Forest System roads in the area. I'm not sure when that will occur. Here's some links related to this project: Project websites: US Forest Service - Colville NF: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54315 Kalispel Tribe: https://www.kalispeltribe.com/…/sxwu...tribal-forest… Downloadable FSTopo maps: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/we...er/index.html… Currently the USFS website has the most information. If you decide you'd rather recreate in the area now and worry about this later, the will be NO "later". We must respond during the project public comment periods. If you do not, you will not have anyone to blame except yourself! I have been working with the CNF on their Forest Plan revision for elevens years (it's almost done!) and am well-known in the CNF for my contributions to the Forest Plan Revision. I can help you, but I won't do this if there's no interest! I do not know this area that well (have only been in the area once). I am depending upon YOU to help identify roads/trails in this area. Paul Yelk
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Dave Walters Tri-Cities Peak Putters Land Use Coordinator WOHVA Board member www.peakputters.com www.wohva.org It's a Scout thing ![]() |
#2
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Thanks Dave great Info
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Edward Campbell Webmaster 2008-2014 Glad I could help Region 2 Director 2008-2010 Glad to help. President DogpoundOffroad ![]() |
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