December 19, 2002
Steamboat
SUPPORT THE FOREST SERVICE'S DECISION TO IMPLEMENT ENFORCEABLE BOUNDARIES FOR NON-MOTORIZED WINTER RECREATION ON THE ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST
Background
A growing number of conflicts between skiers and snowmobilers has prompted Routt National Forest officials to consider new restrictions on snowmobiling. The forest has stated its intentions to separate non-motorized and motorized winter recreation areas by initiating a planning effort within the year. With improvements in snowmobile technology, snowmobiles can now access many more areas within the Forest - places that were too remote or inaccessible previously. Skiers have been pushed further into the backcountry to seek solitude. Areas that were traditionally backcountry ski areas are being overrun by snowmobiles. From 1999 to present, a local task force has worked on "suggested" snowmobile restrictions in these popular backcountry ski locations, but, being only voluntary, they were not effective. We need enforceable separations for winter recreation that will provide a quiet experience to backcountry skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders.
Take Action!
Because of such user-conflicts between skiers and snowmobilers, and potential damage to natural resources on the Routt National Forest, the Forest Service has decided to implement winter travel management planning as soon as possible. This would start the process for "enforceable " boundaries, rather than "suggested" boundaries. While we see this decision as timely and responsible, the Forest Service is hearing much opposition from the snowmobile/motorized community.
Please take a moment to write the Forest Service in support of their recent decision to initiate planning for winter travel management and to separate motorized and non-motorized recreation.
PLEASE WRITE OR EMAIL YOUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO:
Kim Vogel, District Ranger
Hahn's Peak-Bear's Ears Ranger District
925 Weiss Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
kvogel@fs.fed.us
Sample Letter:
Dear District Ranger Vogel,
I am writing in support of your recent decision to implement a planning process that will create enforceable boundaries for winter travel management on the Routt National Forest, especially in popular areas such as Rabbit Ears Pass, Buffalo Pass, and the area surrounding the Ski Area. Travel management decisions that separate motorized and non-motorized users are desperately needed on the Routt NF. Thanks for putting a new boundary around the Toutes area as well. This provides a quiet area for human-powered recreationists surrounded by topographic boundaries, not just a line on the map.
It is a shame that both voluntary and suggested designations have failed after five years of effort from both sides. It is clear that the only solution is strong regulation of winter travel management. We need enforceable boundaries to protect quality recreational opportunities for all recreationists.
[Please include your own thoughts, and describe any incidents of user conflict that you may have experienced.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Address]
Please send copies to the BSA:
bsa@backcountryalliance.org
BSA
PO Box 3067
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025