Northwest Access Alliance - 2003 Projects

We convened a group of trail enthusiasts from both the motorized and non-motorized communities to discuss access issues on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District and to develop a strategic plan or a listing of specific actions that would improve the existing travel management situation. The process required 7 facilitated meetings between January and July. We also developed a preliminary map of routes that are important to each of the enthusiast groups represented at the meetings.

 As a follow-up to the above discussions, we have held one additional meeting for the group to discuss current issues affecting access. These meetings will continue to be held on a quarterly basis.

 We have participated in a “collaborative learning” process to assist the Colville National Forest in developing a Recreation Travel Management Strategy. We attended a total of 6 meetings and provided input during the process.

 We were invited to attend and make a presentation at a Colville NF management field trip to discuss OHV issues.

 We met with Senator Kent Bailey to discuss fee structure and use of ATVs on snowmobile trails,

 We are joining with other motorized and non-motorized interests in Idaho to form the Idaho Recreation Council to develop positions on access issues in the state and to help provide information to state legislators to improve their decisions that may influence access issues

 ** Filed to intervene on the lawsuit filed by environmentalists to block opening of old roads to motorized use. **

 Working on IPNF planning workgroups for the Coeur d’Alene River and Sandpoint RDs.

 Reviewed Plans

 Proposed several modifications to the 2001 Travel Management Plan on the Coeur d’Alene River RD. FS adopted some of our proposals. Environmentalists filed a lawsuit to stop opening of old roads to ATVs.

 Reviewed plans, attended meetings, participated in field trips and provided input and route suggestions on:

·         West Gold project on the Sandpoint RD. District kept an alternative route open to bypass a portion of the Bunco Road.

·         Palouse RD of the Clearwater NF. Closure plan delayed. No decision has been made at this point

·         Quartz Gold project on the St, Maries RD. Decision not final but some suggested routes may be adopted

·         Kickbush project on the Sandpoint RD. Decision pending.

·         Two-Mile project on the Coeur d’Alene River RD. Decision pending.

Prepared Letters

 ·         Opposing a proposed closure of a road on Steamboat Creek. Project. Closure stopped and project being redone.

·         Opposing proposed closure of road #240 before reconstructing road #205 to continue to provide loop opportunities for snowmobile grooming, as agreed in a previous decision. Proposal withdrawn.

·         Supporting the installation of a restroom at the Bunco parking lot. Toilet installed.

·         Supporting replacement of a bridge on Lightning Creek above Clark Fork on the Sandpoint RD. Received a response and will follow up nest spring.

 Maintained Trails

 Cleared 12 miles of trail in the Flora Miller/Five Fingers area, worked with North Idaho ATV Assn to clear 31.4 miles of trail in the 4^th of July area and recruited Back Country ATV Assn. to open or maintain 17 miles of trail # 28 and 11miles around Monument Peak.