November 21, 2003

A.J. Helgenberg, Chloride Bush Project Leader

Sandpoint Ranger District

1500 US Highway 2, Suite 110

Sandpoint, ID 83864

Dear Sir:

Following are comments on the Chloride Bush Project Proposal released in October 2003. This information is being provided on behalf of the Northwest Access Alliance (NWAA), a group of 70 families and businesses who use the Forest for recreational and business purposes. NWAA works to preserve, protect and enhance the ability to access public lands for both motorized and non-motorized enthusiasts.

We support the efforts to address forest health issues and support the alternative that allows maximum flexibility.  The removal of commercial saw timber should be undertaken if it is determined to be the best treatment for management of the land and resources.  The economic benefits to local communities should be a strong consideration.

We support the retention of existing road access for visitors with standard highway vehicles.  Many of the existing roads serve this purpose and should be retained. These roads may be used for a variety recreation and other activities including wood gathering, huckleberry picking, hunting and pleasure riding. These are low impact activities that should be encouraged.

We support efforts to upgrade the Conjector road #1017. This will facilitate normal vehicle travel into and out or Lakeview. It will also facilitate winter grooming for snowmobile use. Control of road drainage and the resulting reduction of sediment will contribute significantly to the improvement of Bull Trout spawning habitat.

Planning efforts must include the analysis of existing and potential opportunities to improve OHV recreation. Prior to any road decommissioning, the route should be analyzed for potential inclusion into a motorized trail system. All trail related recreation activities benefit from a systems approach to trail route management.  This requires that isolated route segments be connected wherever possible to allow users to find loops and to access desirable locations.  In many cases, these connections can be made on existing roads, such as those that are being closed to normal traffic or being put into storage for future use, with limited new construction needed to connect dead-end segments. In addition, trails that provide an opportunity for riders to find a challenging experience should be included in the system as alternative loops.

Single-Track motorized opportunities are needed in the area. There are many examples of single-track opportunities being lost to ATV use. The existing Kick Bush motorcycle trail #113 should be maintained for the single-track experience. We do not believe that is prudent to designate a dead end portion of road #1358 as an ATV trail. This route segment should be identified as a motorcycle only segment. Management and signing in the area should clearly identify which routes available for ATV use and those available only for motorcycle use.

There is a strong need for designation or development of new ATV trails. ATV use in the area is increasing dramatically and use is occurring within this area.  Trail designation will give visitors a place to go and will also provide economic benefits to the communities as they are called on to provide services to the trail users.

We support conversion of the Silver Leaf road #1079 to as ATV trail. Road #2410 that is currently identified for storage should be converted to an ATV trail after Culverts have been removed. The culvert removal operation should include developing crossings for ATV use. Some of the crossings may need to be hardened with rock for stabilization. We also believe that road #1180, #1180A and #1380, currently proposed for decommissioning, should be left open for high clearance traffic use. This will allow an alternative route into Lakeview in addition to road #1017 and will provide an opportunity for ATV riders to find additional loop opportunities.

ATVs in Idaho can legally use Forest Service roads but drivers must be licensed.  This requirement makes it nearly impossible for a family to legally enjoy an ATV experience on the Forest.  As new projects are undertaken, attempts should be made to provide ATV trails that parallel existing roads to allow users to find a trail experience and to get off the main roads if desired.  In areas where alternate routes are not possible, designate road segments as a combined use road or as a trail to facilitate family recreation. A route that includes roads #2410, 1180A and 1380 will help with this problem

Another recreation opportunity that needs to be considered is the need for disabled hunters to access use specific trails for hunting purposes. Road #1017B should be considered for this purpose.

With the climatic conditions that usually exist throughout much of the hunting season, there is a need to rapidly process and remove big game that has been harvested.  The use of ATVs greatly facilitates this process.  Therefore, we would recommend that roads that are normally closed to vehicles be designated for game retrieval.  Such use could be managed by allowing use only by those with tagged game on the ground.

We appreciate your consideration of these comments as your proceed toward your final decision. We look forward to working with your in the future on this and other access related issues.

Sincerely,

David Vig,