[Bikies] BFW Action Alert: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Plan

[Marjorie Ward]

BFW Action Alert: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Plan

The comment period for the revision of the Forest Plan that will govern the management of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years has been extended to August 11. The CNNF is the largest single public landmass in Wisconsin and comprises an area of approximately 1.3 million acres in northwest and northeast Wisconsin. Several public open house meetings have been held throughout the state and this final round of public comment is the last phase of the revision process before a decision memo is issued.

Key topics of potential interest include: expanded opportunities for non-motorized recreation, expanded ATV trails, proposed additions to existing wilderness areas, and timber harvest projections.

It is important that the silent sport community speak up and voice their opinions about these issues. The motorized sport proponents are particularly well organized and vocal. While the preferred alternative (5) does provide for additional ATV trails and connectors, it eliminating cross country use and use of all forest roads and trails unless they are specifically posted as open. The Forest Service is quite responsive to public comment and it is possible that they may modify their stance regarding ATV use based on input received from ATV clubs, manufacturers, the Tavern League and other lobby organizations.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement and management plan is available for review at Forest Service offices in Eagle River, Florence, Glidden, Hayward, Lakewood, Laona, Medford, Park Falls, Rhinelander and Washburn as well as University of Wisconsin and other college libraries and many public libraries. Written comments may be submitted to: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Plan Revision DEIS, P.O. Box 221090, Salt Lake City, UT 84122-1090; or by fax - (801(517-1014; or by email � [EMAIL PROTECTED].