December 2004
The New Routt Winter Travel Plan--January 2005
The Routt Winter Travel Plan decision is expected in January 2005; unfortunately, it will not be implemented until November 2005, so we expect to be in the same situation as we have been for the past few year: a suggested use designation using the same maps that were posted last year. Here is some history on the project and the hard work being done by dedicated volunteers in the Steamboat area. The Friends of the Routt Backcountry (FORB) formed in September 1997 in response to growing user conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users.
We received help and support from the Backcountry Skiers Alliance (now Backcountry Snowsports Alliance) which was formed for similar purposes to deal with escalating problems on Vail Pass. We became a chapter of the BSA in 1998. From 1998-2002 representatives from FORB sat in the Routt Winter Task Force along with motorized representatives, Snowcat operators and USFS personnel.
During this period we discussed, explored with field trips, monitored, and educated users on three different, yet, interlinked areas. The first was Rabbit Ears Pass which had a suggested use boundary in place since 1983. The second was Buffalo Pass, and the third was the ski area buffer zone commonly called the Toutes. The theory was that if we could collaboratively agree to certain areas and boundaries, then we could go back to our respective groups and ask them to respect these collective decisions.
The Task Force fell apart in 2002 when the group could not reach concensus over the Toutes area, so the district ranger, Kim Vogel, was forced to make a decision for us. It also became apparent the "suggested use" designation was not working. By the end of 2003 the USFS began the process for developing a new Routt Winter Travel Management Plan. Because Kim Vogel was seeking more clarity in this process, she instigated a second comment period based on the latest set of alternatives, which lasted for 60 days (completed on Aug. 30th).
Since we are one of the few areas in the country pioneering this movement to create and protect non-motorized winter areas on USFS lands, our plan should be well thought out, scientifically based and thoughtfully commented on. The next stage comes when we hear of the USFS decision in mid-January. There will be a 45 day appeal period after that. The new Plan will come into effect for 2005.