Flathead National Forest

Motorized Travel Management

BACKGROUND
The Forest Service released the final rule for managing recreational Off Highway Vehicle use on the National Forests in November 2005. The Rule provides a framework for each National Forest to identify and designate roads, trails, and areas suitable for motorized use, and prohibits use of motor vehicles off the designated system.

The outcome of this planning effort will be to publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for each District that shows a designated system for motorized use. Once the Motor Vehicle Use Map is published, motor vehicle use on the Flathead National Forest will be allowed only on designated routes or areas displayed on the map.

IMPLEMENTING THE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT RULE
Implementing the Travel Management rule on the Spotted Bear Ranger District will be initiated in 2007 with a review of the existing motorized roads and trails on the district.

The Flathead National Forest will begin with the Spotted Bear Ranger District initiating actions to designate a system of roads, trails and areas for motorized vehicle use to secure a wide range of recreation opportunities while ensuring the best possible care of the land.

THE SCHEDULE FOR TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLANNING FOR THE FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST:

• 10/2006 - 9/2007 Spotted Bear Ranger District
  
• 10/2007 - 9/2008 Hungry Horse Ranger District
  
• 10/2007 - 9/2008 Glacier View Ranger District
  
• 10/2008 - 9/2009 Swan Lake Ranger District
  
• 10/2008 - 9/2009 Tally Lake Ranger District
  

Hungry Horse / Glacier View District Travel

03/04/2008 - The Hungry Horse and Glacier View Ranger Districts are seeking public input on the C.H.R. Motorized Route & Area Designation Project. Scoping letter and maps.

01/10/2008 - Invitation to the 01/24 Open House, Motorized Travel Management Planning on Hungry Horse / Glacier View Ranger District.

Hungry Horse/Glacier View Motorized Travel Planning

Spotted Bear District Motorized Travel

Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)

10/1/2007 - Transmittal letter for Spotted Bear Ranger District Final Motor Vehicle Use Map effective 10/1/2007

• FINAL Spotted Bear Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), showing designated motorized roads & trails - October 2007.

4/4/2008 - Environmental Assessment available for Bruce Creek to Alpine 7 to Napa Point Motorized Trails Project. Comments due 5/8/2008. Environmental Assessment

4/10/2007 - Scoping letter for Bruce Creek to Alpine 7 to Napa Point Motorized Trails Project.
Comments due 5/4/2007. Map

2/22/2007 - Information available at the Open House

• Motorized Travel Planning and the 2005 Travel Management Rule, Spotted Bear Ranger District, Background & Frequently Asked Questions.
• Process, schedule & sideboards.
• Implementation of the 2005 Travel Management Rule in 2007 on Spotted Bear Ranger District.
• DRAFT Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), showing current motorized roads & trails - February 2007.
  

2/7/2007 - Invitation to the 2/22 Open House, Motorized Travel Management Planning on Spotted Bear Ranger District, comments due 3/23/2007.

Travel Links

National Travel Management Policy and Implementation

Travel Management Rule, November 2005

Travel Management and Off-Highway Vehicle Program