Northwest Access Alliance - 2004 Projects

Facilitated four quarterly meetings with the Coeur d' Alene Ranger District Access Group to continue the dialogue regarding access to public lands

We have participated in a "collaborative learning" process to assist the Colville National Forest in developing a Recreation Travel management Strategy. We continue to be involved in the access planning process for this Forest

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.

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

Worked with our attorney and participated in 5 days of hearings in Federal Court on the Environmentalist lawsuit to close roads to ATV use. We anticipate a decision this spring regarding the status of the access management planning^-for the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger-District. We anticipate that a  new planning effort-will be-required

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

Helped get a stream crossing on the Sandpoint RD was improved with a low water ford on the east fork of Lightning creek. Met with the Regional Forester to discuss the new crossing and other access issues when she was touring the IPNF.

We are participating in a FS forum to help develop educational information for OHV riders to reduce impacts of the use reviewed plans

Continue to work with the Forest Service on Access issues. We continue to propose modifications to the 2001 Travel Management Plan on the Coeur d' Alene River RD.

Reviewed plans, attended meetings, participated in field trips and provided input and route suggestions on: •  Attended a field trip to review proposed meadow restoration work at Shamrock and Stump meadows. •           Attended a field trip on the amended Quartz Gold project on the St, Maries RD.

Prepared Letters

•      Wrote support letters for FS grant request for trail maintenance personnel and equipment.
•      Supported the construction of a warming hut/trail shelter in the Skitwish area,
•      Provided comments on the Shamrock and Stump Meadow restoration project
•      Provided suggested trail maintenance guidelines for OHV trails at the request of the CDA River RD.
•      Prepared support letters for 2 non-motorized trail projects on the 5andpoint RD
•      Submitted comments on the access planning being conducted by the CDA BLM

 

Maintained Trails

Helped layout a new trail near Badger Mountain and reviewed new trail near Skookum Creek

Supervised 1 week of work by the Idaho State trail tractor to opened 8 miles of impassible trail. Cleared and repaired 15 additional miles of trail.