Travel Management Overview

Why was the Travel Management Rule needed?

In 2004, former Forest Service Cheif Dale Bosworth identified unmanaged outdoor recreation as one of the four major threats to national forest lands. There has been a dramatic increase and technological advances in off-highway vehicles (OHV’s) over the last 30 years, and to maintain a quality experience for all users, the Forest Service must carefully manage this use.

Across the United States, OHV users account for 11 to 12 million visits to national forests and grasslands. Proper management of motorized travel is necessary to prevent damage to resources and minimize conflicts between different types of recreational use.

The Travel Management Rule provides the framework for each national forest or grassland to designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use.

A Three Step Process

The Willamette National Forest seeks to involve the public throughout all three phases of Travel Management planning.

Phase I – Inventory & Strategy Development

In 2007, the Forest undertook an extensive public involvement effort to identify trails, roads, areas, and rustic recreation spots most frequently accessed by motor vehicles.

Taking this input combined with forest information, the Willamette National Forest compiled an inventory of popular motor vehicle routes and dispersed campsites. Using this as a tool, planners developed a proposed strategy.

Phase II – Decision Documentation (NEPA)

In 2008 during Phase II, the Forest will continue public scoping and environmental analysis for which motorized routes, areas and camps will be included on the Motor Vehicle Use Map which will go into effect during Phase III in 2009.

Phase III – Travel Management Rule Implementation

Under the Travel Management Rule, only those routes and areas displayed on the Motor Vehicle Use Map will remain open for motorized use. The Willamette National Forest will continue to seek public input to inform yearly revisions of the designated system.