Kisatchie National Forest

PINEVILLE— The Kisatchie National Forest will implement the new travel management rules on August 1, 2008. The U.S. Forest Service conducted an environmental assessment with public participation concerning ATV and passenger vehicle travel within Kisatchie National Forest lands. As a result of the National Travel Management Rule and the Kisatchie National Forest Travel Management Environmental Assessment, Gretta Boley, Forest Supervisor, signed the decision to eliminate cross-country motorized travel. All motorized traffic will be confined to existing designated roads and trails. On July 18, 2008 all Kisatchie National Forest Offices will provide Motor Vehicle-Use Maps (MVUM) showing all designated routes. A very limited amount of cross-country travel for game retrieval will be provided during deer hunting season for the National Red Dirt and National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserves. This decision essentially eliminates large game retrieval and cross-country travel by motorized vehicles.

The National Travel Management Rule was put into place to reduce impacts to soil, water, and vegetation resources. “The Kisatchie National Forest is a wonderful place to visit. However, I have seen tremendous soil damage, erosion of creek banks, reduction in water quality and destruction of forest vegetation” said Gretta Boley, Forest Supervisor. “This unsightly damage was caused by misuse of off-road vehicles.” Regulations protecting forest resources will now be easier to enforce because if a four-wheeler, motorcycle or passenger vehicle leaves a designated route, the operator is now in violation. This decision comes about after regional and local public meetings and public comment periods. The Forest Service has attempted to provide ample designated roads and trails for forest visitors. Visitors can pick up the new Motor Vehicle-Use Maps (MVUM) at all U.S. Forest Service offices or request the maps by calling 318-473-7160. Additional information can be reviewed on the Kisatchie National Forest website at: www.kisatchie.us .

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USDA Forest Service - Kisatchie National Forest
Last Modified: October 28, 2008