Road Riporter 13.4 Winter Solstice 2008
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Winter Solstice 2008. Volume 13 No. 4
The Paiute All-Terrain Vehicle Trail "Y ,AUREL (AGEN h(AVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL NEAR 2ICHl ELD v THE STAFFER ASKED LEANING OVER THE POLISHED CONFERENCE TABLE h4HEYVE REALLY SOLVED A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS YOURE TALKING ABOUT -AYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO MAKING SOMETHING LIKE THATv
h9OU MEAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE WE SHOULD MARK OUT A HUGE !46 TRAIL SYSTEM AND INVITE TOURISTS TO COME TO IT v ) ASKED h(AVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL v
h.O v HE ADMITTED h) JUST HEARD ABOUT IT FROM THE &OREST 3ERVICE AND SOME OF THE FOLKS DOWN THERE 3OUNDS LIKE THEYVE GOT SOMETHING PRETTY GOOD GOING ONv
) RESISTED KICKING HIM UNDER THE TABLE AS ) WAS WEARING OPEN TOED SHOES !ND SO IT GOES
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Threats and Opportunities in Transportation Funding
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VERY SIX YEARS OR SO THE #ONGRESS REAUTHORIZES FUNDING FOR &EDERAL (IGHWAYS !DMINISTRATION &(7! SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS )N HIGHWAYS FUND ING CHANGED SOMEWHAT DRAMATICALLY WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE )NTERMODAL 3URFACE 4RANSPORTATION %Fl CIENCY !CT COMMONLY KNOWN AS )34%! AND YES PRONOUNCED ICE TEA #ONGRESS LIKES A CATCHY MONIKER SO THE NEXT BILL APPROXIMATELY YEARS LATER WAS CALLED 4%! WHILE THE CURRENT AUTHORIZATION NOW IN ITS LAST YEAR IS KNOWN AS 3!&%4%! ,5 )34%! WAS REMARKABLE BECAUSE OF THE FUNDING IT PROVIDING FOR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTA TION INCLUDING MASS TRANSIT TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS AND OTHER MORE PROGRESSIVE POLICIES )T WAS ALSO THE l RST TIME THE 2ECREATIONAL 4RAILS 0ROGRAM WAS FUNDED PROVIDING MILLIONS FOR MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED TRAIL DEVELOPMENT "UT WELL SAVE THAT TOPIC FOR ANOTHER TIME 3!&%4%! ,5 IS SET TO EXPIRE IN AND #ONGRESS HAS BEGUN HEARINGS ON THE NEXT ROUND !PPARENTLY THERE IS SOME INTEREST IN MOVING BEYOND THE 4%! ACRONYMS AND COM PLETELY RESTRUCTURING THE ENTIRE HIGHWAYS FUNDING PROCESS 3OME ARE SAYING THE NEWEST BILL WILL BE CALLED 'REEN (IGHWAYS OR IF THEY ARENT READY TO MOVE ON '2%%. 4%! 2EGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY CALL THE NEW BILL THE &(7! IS BROKE &EDERAL GAS TAXES APPAR ENTLY HAVENT BEEN RAISED IN DECADES AND TAX REVENUES HAVE DROPPED EVEN FURTHER AS PEO PLE DRIVE LESS AND RELY MORE ON MASS TRANSIT AND MORE EFl CIENT CARS .O LONGER DO THESE TAXES PROVIDE ENOUGH FUNDING TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP OUR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE %VEN BEFORE THE &(7! WENT BROKE ADVOCATES OF hSMALL GOVERNMENTv WERE SALIVATING AT THE IDEA OF PRIVATIZING MANY OF OUR PUBLIC HIGHWAYS 7HILE THIS PROVIDES FUNDING UP FRONT TO FEDERAL OR STATE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THAT IS EXCHANGED FOR CONTROL OF ROADS AND THE TOLLS CHARGED TO USE THEM )N ADDITION PRIVATE COMPANIES HAVE ONE PRIORITY IN MANAGING THESE ROADS SECURING A PROl T FOR THEIR INVESTORS POTENTIALLY LEADING THEM TO ABANDON ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION 4ERMS FOR MANY EXPERIMENTAL PRIVATE HIGHWAYS IN THE 53 RANGE FROM YEARS -ANY STATE $EPARTMENTS OF 4RANSPORTATION ARE CONSIDERING INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MITIGATION AND OTHER EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF HIGHWAYS ON THE ENVIRON MENT AND RESTORE HABITAT CONNECTIVITY FOR AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL SPECIES 3UCH FORWARD THINKING l TS IN WELL WITH A hGREEN HIGHWAYSv BILL BUT NOT SO WELL IN A SYSTEM OF LARGELY PRIVATIZED HIGHWAYS )TS NOT THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COULDNT REQUIRE ENVIRONMEN TAL ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION FOR PRIVATE HIGHWAYS BUT WHO WOULD PAY )F !MERICANS WANT TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE LESS ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGING THEN WE MUST BE WILL ING TO PAY FOR IT MOST LIKELY THROUGH INCREASED GAS TAXES 7HEN FUEL PRICES APPROACHED OR EXCEEDED GALLON THIS SUMMER PEOPLE GOT SERI OUS ABOUT CONSERVING FUEL AND l NDING MORE EFl CIENT TRANSPORTATION .OW THE PRICE HAS DROPPED BY HALF IN PART BECAUSE OIL COMPANIES DO NOT WANT CONSERVATION AND ALTERNA TIVE FUELS TO REDUCE THEIR PROl TS AND THEY KNOW THAT HIGH PRICES WILL STIMULATE CONSERVA TION AND HIGHER EFl CIENCY VEHICLES 4HATS PRECISELY WHY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD INCREASE GAS TAXES AND DEDICATE A SIGNIl CANT PORTION OF THAT INCREASED REVENUE TO ENVIRON MENTAL MITIGATION AND RESTORING TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS 0RIVATIZING PUBLIC ROADS WILL NOT ENABLE THE &(7! TO IMPLEMENT REAL GREEN IMPROVEMENTS IN HIGHWAYS EVEN IF THEY INTEND TO DO SO AND REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY END UP NAMING THEIR NEXT HIGHWAYS BILL
2
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
The Paiute All-Terrain Vehicle Trail "Y ,AUREL (AGEN
L
OCATED IN CENTRAL 5TAH 4HE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL 04 IS A LARGE NETWORK OF ROADS AND hMOTORIZED TRAILSv THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED AND PROMOTED FOR OFF ROAD VEHICLE RECREATION 04 ROUTES RANGE FROM CUSTOM DE SIGNED !46 ONLY TRACKS TO PAVED ROADS THROUGH SMALL TOWNS THE MAJORITY OF THE 04 USES ORDINARY DIRT ROADS ON FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS SHARING THEM WITH GENERAL TRAFl C -OST OF THE 04 IS LOCATED ON LANDS WITHIN THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST AND PARTS OF NEARBY "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT ",- LANDS 4HE ROUTE ALSO CROSSES STATE PRIVATE AND TOWN LANDS )TS HARD TO GET AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF THE 04S SIZE OFl CIALS ESTIMATES RANGE BETWEEN AND TOTAL MILES !S ONE OFF ROADING WEBSITE ATVUTAHCOM SAYS THE 04 IS hA TRAIL SYSTEM WITH NO BEGINNING AND NO ENDv 4HIS ENDLESS SYSTEM IS NOT UNIQUE BUT ITS OLDER THAN MOST )N THE LATE S THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST AND NEARBY ",- OFl CES BEGAN MAPPING OUT A NETWORK OF !46 TRAILS )N THE &ISHLAKE ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF THE 04 PUBLISHING MAPS SIGNS AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AND MAKING PLANS TO EXPAND THE SYSTEM 4HE AGENCIES INITIALLY BUILT NO NEW ROADS AND SO DID NOT CONDUCT A FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OR PUBLIC REVIEW -ANY !46 FACILITIES NEW MOTORIZED TRAILS AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE 04 SINCE THEN (OWEVER ASIDE FROM A FEW SMALL PROJECT ASSESSMENTS THE 04 AS A WHOLE DID NOT UNDERGO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNTIL WHEN THE &ISHLAKE REVIEWED THEIR ENTIRE ROAD SYSTEM AS PART OF FORESTWIDE TRAVEL PLANNING 4HE MAJOR FORCE BEHIND THE 04 IS THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE LOCAL 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL #OMMITTEE )N MANY ARENAS SUCH AS GRANT APPLICATIONS THE &ISHLAKE AND THE #OMMITTEE ACT AS ONE IN ITS EARLY DAYS THE CONTACT AD DRESS FOR THE #OMMITTEE WAS CO THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE 2ICHl ELD ",- l ELD OFl CE WITH FEWER 04 MILES UNDER ITS JURISDICTION IS A LESSER BUT STILL ACTIVE PARTNER &UNDING FOR THE 04 INCLUD ING FUNDS FOR ROUTE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EDUCATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COMES FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES 4HE &OR EST 3ERVICE ITSELF CONTRIBUTES SIGNIl CANT STAFF TIME AND FUNDS OUT OF ITS GENERAL BUDGET 4HE 5TAH 3TATE 0ARKS $EPARTMENT CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN A YEAR WITH A MATCHING GRANT FOR !46 RANGERS AND ROUTE MAINTE NANCE .EARBY TOWNS AND COUN TIES PAY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVERTISING ROAD MAINTENANCE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE
The Idea Spreads !46 ADVOCATES ACROSS 5TAH AND BEYOND BOAST OF THE 04S ECONOMIC AND GENERAL SUCCESS 4HE HEAD OF THE .ATIONAL /FF (IGHWAY 6EHICLE #ONSERVATION #OUNCIL USED IT AS AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD hACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF /(6 RECREATIONv IN CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY ON OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE IN *UNE /NE 3IERRA #LUB BRIEF NOTES h0ROPONENTS OF THE 3HOSHONE !46 4RAIL HAVE REPEATEDLY TOUTED SOUTHERN 5TAHS 0AIUTE 4RAIL AS A SUCCESSFUL !46 TRAIL SYSTEM ON WHICH THE 3HOSHONE 4RAIL WOULD BE MODELEDv 4HE SOURCE OF THESE GLOWING REPORTS IS NOT HARD TO PINPOINT ITS PRIMARILY THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST -AX 2EID .ATURAL 2ESOURCES 3PECIALIST FOR THE &ISHLAKE PUT IT THIS WAY IN A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL 2ANGERS 0ROGRAM IN h7E GET CALLSxWANTING TO KNOW HOW WE DID IT 7E HAVE PARTICIPATED IN /(6 WORKSHOPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TELLING THE 0AIUTE STORYv 4HE &ISHLAKE ALSO DISTRIBUTES AN INFORMAL ANALYSIS OF THE 04S IMPACTS TO LOCAL ECONOMIES CLAIMING THAT THE 04 BRINGS OVER MILLION A YEAR TO SMALL TOWNS IN THE AREA 'IVEN THE 04S REPUTATION ITS WORTH A CLOSER LOOK TO l ND OUT WHETHER THESE CLAIMS ARE TRUE $OES THE 04 REALLY HAVE ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC BENEl TS (AVE LAND MANAGERS FULl LLED THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND MAKE DECISIONS IN A BALANCED AND WELL INFORMED MANNER
Costs and BeneÞts 7HEN OFF ROAD VEHICLE ADVOCATES TALK ABOUT THE BENEl TS OF !46 TRAILS THEY FREQUENTLY CITE TOURISM DOLLARS -OST OF THESE CLAIMS CAN BE TRACED BACK TO AN INFORMAL hECONOMIC WHITE PAPERv WRITTEN BY -AX 2EID
4HE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR CLEARLY MARKING CLOSED TRAILS 0HOTO BY $AN 3CHRODER
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
(OWEVER THE PAPERS CONCLUSIONS WHILE APPEARING REASONABLE DONT STAND UP TO ANALY SIS 4HE STUDY USED UNRELIABLE METHODS AND PRODUCED CONm ICTING DATA WHICH WAS THEN INTERPRETED SUBJECTIVELY %STIMATES OF 04 VISITORS ARE OVERSTATED TOURISM SPENDING LEVELS ARE AT TRIBUTED TO MANY LOCAL USERS AND THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS METHOD IS UNORTHODOX ;SEE SIDEBAR ON PAGE FOR MORE DETAIL=
3
The Motivation Behind the Curtain
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Protecting the Environment with ATV Trails .OW WE RETURN TO THE STAFFERS SUGGESTION THAT WE SHOULD CREATE OFF ROAD VEHICLE PLAY AREAS IN ORDER TO CORRAL DAMAGE 5SERS DRIVE OFF ROAD AND CREATE NEW ROUTES SO THIS REASONING GOES BECAUSE EXISTING ROUTES DO NOT PROVIDE SATISFACTORY RIDING OPPORTUNITIES 4HEREFORE IF WE CREATE A LARGE ENOUGH ROUTE SYSTEM OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE WILL BE NEGLIGIBLE
(ERES SOMETHING CURIOUS THE OSTENSIBLE REASONS FOR CREATING THE 04 WERE CURBING OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE AND BRINGING MONEY TO LOCAL ECONOMIES "UT IN !46S WERE A BLIP ON THE RADAR AS AN ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL FACTOR
$OES THIS HOLD UP /NE OF THE FEW OBJECTIVE WAYS TO MEASURE OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE IS TO LOOK AT THE &OREST 3ERVICES OWN INVENTORY OF USER CREATED ROUTES ! INVENTORY FOUND MILES OF UNAUTHORIZED ROADS OVER THE &ISHLAKES MILLION ACRES )N COMPARISON THE NEIGHBOR ING $IXIE .ATIONAL &OREST FOUND MILES OF UNAUTHORIZED ROUTE OVER AL MOST MILLION ACRES A SLIGHTLY LOWER 4HE 0AIUTE 4RAIL CLIMBS TO OFFER BROAD SWEEPING VIEWS 0HOTO BY 4IM 0ETERSON DENSITY 4HESE RESULTS PUT TOGETHER WITH SIMILAR COUNTS FROM OTHER 7ESTERN FORESTS IN DICATE THAT THE 04 HAS NOT STOPPED PEOPLE FROM DRIVING OFF ROAD )N FACT THE &ISHLAKE HAS A HIGHER DENSITY OF USER CREATED ROUTES THAN DO MANY FORESTS WITHOUT AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM &URTHER THIS INVENTORY OF UNAUTHORIZED ROUTES DOES NOT COUNT MORE GENERALIZED DAMAGE SUCH AS AREAS DENUDED BY /26 CAMPING MUD BOGGING DRIVING IN CREEKS AND WASHES OR ANY OF THE HABITAT IMPACTS MADE BY THE NOISE AND GENERAL DISTURBANCE OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES )T ALSO APPEARS THAT THE &OREST 3ERVICE DOESNT REALLY KNOW WHAT THE STATE OF THE &ISHLAKES ECOSYSTEMS ARE 3CIENTIl C STUDIES TEND TO BE EITHER CURSORY OR TOO SPE CIl C TO A CERTAIN AREA OR POPULATION 4HIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE FAULT OF &ISHLAKE SCIENTISTS BUT IS INSTEAD A RESULT OF NATIONAL &OREST 3ERVICE POLICIES 7ITH BUDGETS STRAPPED THE AVAILABLE MONEY GETS POINTED TOWARDS THE &ORESTS HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THIS CASE THAT IS THE PROMOTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL AND THE ROAD SYSTEM WITH A SIDE OF LOGGING AND GRAZING 4HE NEED FOR REAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE 04 SHOULD HAVE BEEN SATIS l ED BY THE &ISHLAKES %NVIRONMENTAL )MPACT 3TATEMENT %)3 FOR THE NEW 4RAVEL 0LAN (OWEVER THE SCIENTIl C ANALYSIS IN THE %)3 IS SHALLOW AND LIMITED 7HILE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE ROAD SYSTEM HAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS THE %)3 EXCUSES THE &OREST 3ERVICE FROM FURTHER ANALYSIS BY SAYING THAT THE ROUTE SYSTEM IS BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS STATUS WHERE MUCH OF THE FOREST WAS OPEN TO CROSS COUNTRY DRIVING 4HE REAL ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE 04 HAS SIGNIl CANT ECOLOGI CAL IMPACTS IS THIS NOBODY KNOWS 4HAT IS A PROBLEM 4HE &OREST 3ERVICE SHOULD KNOW OR SHOULD BE ACTIVELY TRYING TO l ND OUT ESPECIALLY SINCE THE &ISHLAKE HAS BEEN TOUTING THE 04 AS A MODEL OF GOOD MANAGEMENT 5SER CREATED ROUTES STILL PROLIFERATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
4
0OWERFUL VEHICLES WERE CONl NED TO .!3#!2 THE AUTOBAHN OR SAND DUNES 0LODDING UNGLAMOROUS !46S WERE MOSTLY USED FOR FARM AND RANCH WORK )T DOESNT FOLLOW THAT THE &ISHLAKE WOULD GO TO SO MUCH TROUBLE TO CREATE AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM ANTICIPATING A BIG CASH MACHINE OR TO CORRAL OUT OF CONTROL OFF ROAD VEHICLES 4HERE SIMPLY WERENT ENOUGH !46S AROUND TO PUSH THE ISSUE 3O WHAT MOTIVATED THE &ISH LAKE AND NEARBY RESIDENTS TO CREATE THE 04 IN THE l RST PLACE ) DIDNT REALIZE THIS WAS THE QUES TION ) NEEDED TO ASK UNTIL ) GOT THE AN SWER ! 0IUTE #OUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TOLD ME SHE DIDNT KNOW OF MUCH ECONOMIC IMPACT DUE TO THE 04 BUT REMEMBERED THAT hTHEY MADE THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL BE CAUSE EVERYONE WAS AFRAID THE &OREST 3ERVICE WAS GOING TO CLOSE A BUNCH OF ROADSv 7HILE !46S WERENT A BIG ISSUE IN 5TAH IN WILDERNESS DESIGNATION WAS 4HE ",- HAD PERFORMED A WILDER NESS INVENTORY THAT WAS BEING CHAL LENGED BY THE UP AND COMING 3OUTHERN 5TAH 7ILDERNESS !LLIANCE 0REVENTING WILDERNESS DESIGNATION WAS THE GOAL OF MOTORIZED USERS AND THEIR AGENCY ALLIES AND ROADS WERE THE WAY TO DO IT 4HEY STILL ARE AND THAT IS THE REASON MORE THAN DUBIOUS TOURISM MONEY OR A SUDDEN DESIRE TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRON MENT THAT MANY ARE SO PROTECTIVE OF THE 04 AND SO EAGER TO SEE THE IDEA SPREAD
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
Conclusions %XPLORING THE 04 SYSTEM ) SAW THAT THE ROUTE SYSTEM ITSELF IS EXTREMELY WELL CARED FOR IN STARK CONTRAST TO MOST PUBLIC LANDS ROADS IN 5TAH 4HE &ISHLAKE DE SERVES A LOT OF CREDIT FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS AND ENSURE THAT ROUTES ARE WELL MARKED 4HEYVE BUILT HEAVY FENCES AND DIRT BERMS AROUND DAMAGED AREAS COMPLETE WITH SIGNS TELLING OFF ROADERS WHICH ROUTES ARE OPEN AND WHICH CLOSED 4HEY PUT !MERICAN m AG STICKERS ON ROUTE SIGNS TO CUT DOWN ON VANDALISM AND BUILT FENCE OPENINGS THE MAXIMUM WIDTH OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH THEM 4HE &ISHLAKES PHYSICAL WORK ON THEIR ROUTE SYSTEM SHOULD SERVE AS A MODEL FOR IMPLEMENTING OTHER &3 AND ",- TRAVEL PLANS (OWEVER THE &ISHLAKE COULD HAVE DONE ALL OF THAT WITHOUT EVER DESIGNATING AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM 7HILE OFF ROAD VEHICLE ADVOCATES MAY CONSIDER THE 04 A MODEL TO FOLLOW CONSERVATIONISTS SHOULD CONSIDER IT AS ONE TO CHALLENGE AGGRESSIVELY 4HE 04 HAS NOT REDUCED OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE HAS PUSHED OTHER RESOURCE MANAGE MENT CONCERNS ASIDE HAS ENCOURAGED MORE PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN MOTORIZED RECRE ATION AND HAS NOT BROUGHT DEMONSTRABLY SIGNIl CANT ECONOMIC BENEl TS TO ITS HOST COUNTIES &URTHERMORE THE 04 MAKES IT MORE DIFl CULT TO PROTECT THE NATURAL LAND SCAPE FROM OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE )N THE END THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL ACCOMPLISHES JUST WHAT ITS CREATORS INTENDED IT ENSURES THAT THE FOREST WILL HAVE MORE ROADS 0ARTICULARLY IN THE 7EST WE HAVE A GROWING POPULATION A THREATENED CLIMATE AND A CHANGING ECONOMY 4HE WORLD IS MAKING ITSELF ANEW BEFORE OUR EYES AND THE SHAPE OF THE NEW WORLD DEPENDS ON THE DECISIONS WE MAKE NOW 7E MUST MAKE THEM CAREFULLY
4HE &OREST 3ERVICE LACKS A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE 4RAILS ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
Debunking the Paiute Trail Economic Analysis PT visitation numbers are speculative, and probably inflated • The Fishlake’s mechanical trail counter system has a significant “fudge factor,” and the data generated from them must go through a long process that is subject to high levels of sampling error and subjective interpretation. • Since the PT is mostly on ordinary Forest roads, PT counters are “triggered” by people who are using those roads for purposes other than off-road vehicle recreation. However, those numbers are still counted as visitors to the PT. • One informal survey, conducted by PT “ATV trail rangers,” found that 93% of PT users were using off-road vehicles. This number contradicts the standardized National Visitor Use Management survey conducted on the Fishlake in 2004. It found that only 11.3% of visitors to the Fishlake were there to ride off-road vehicles. This discrepancy is too large to be ignored. The Fishlake, however, does not factor its own official numbers into any analysis of the PT’s impact.
PT user spending estimates are vastly inflated • The report estimates that a third of the users of the PT system come from local areas, a third from in-state metropolitan areas, and a third from out of state. But this estimate comes primarily from surveys conducted during the ATV Jamboree, which likely attracts a higher proportion of out-of-area riders than the PT attracts overall. • The report’s figure of $110 per visitor per day is also derived from Jamboree surveys (which do generally jibe with state tourism figures). However, this figure should not be assigned to all PT visitors, as discussed above. Local riders bring little or no extra money to the economy, and should not be counted. • The report uses an inflated spending “multiplier.” They do not cite their estimate that each tourism dollar “turns over” 4.5 times. A more typical multiplier for recreation dollars is 2, not 4.5.
Conclusion Without extensive assistance from economic experts, it is difficult for anyone to prove any assertion about the PT’s economic impact. However, a critical look at the Fishlake’s numbers shows that their economic claims are speculative and highly inflated.
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
5
ONDA Sets Precedent for Wilderness and ORVs "Y -AC ,ACY /REGON .ATURAL $ESERT !SSOCIATION AND 3ARAH 0ETERS 7ILDLANDS #02
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HE /REGON .ATURAL $ESERT !SSOCIATION /.$! WON A BIG VICTORY FOR US ALL IN *ULY FORCING THE "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT ",- TO EVALUATE WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS IN ITS REVISION OF RESOURCE MAN AGEMENT PLANS 4HE DECISION ALSO EXPANDED .ATIONAL %NVIRONMENTAL 0OLICY !CT .%0! CASE LAW ON THE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES THAT SHOULD BE EVALUATED IN AGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANS
4HE #OURTS 2ULING
!CCORDING TO THE .INTH #IRCUIT #OURT OF !PPEALS DECISION /.$! V ",- &D TH #IR THE ",- HAD WRONGLY REFUSED TO EVALU ATE IMPACTS TO WILDERNESS VALUES ON PUBLIC LANDS AND HAD FAILED TO CONSID ER REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES WITH RESPECT TO AREAS CLOSED TO OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE 4HE CONTESTED PLAN THE 3OUTHEASTERN /REGON 2ESOURCE -ANAGEMENT 0LAN 3%/2-0 GOVERNS ",-S MANAGEMENT OF ABOUT MILLION ACRES OF PUBLIC LAND AND INCLUDES SOME OF THE MOST TREASURED LANDSCAPES IN /REGON INCLUDING THE /WYHEE #ANYONLANDS 4HE BULK OF THE LANDS ARE COMPRISED OF FRAGILE HIGH DESERT AND SAGEBRUSH STEPPE 4HE RULING WILL HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT NOT ONLY IN SOUTHEAST /REGON BUT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL ",- LANDS %VEN BETTER BECAUSE THE DECI SION CLARIl ED .%0! REQUIREMENTS IT WILL ALSO IMPACT OTHER LAND MANAGE MENT AGENCIES MOST NOTABLY THE 53 &OREST 3ERVICE AND ITS ONGOING TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS )T COULD ALSO PUT THE BRAKES ON ANY PROGRAMMATIC %)3S THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN RUSHED TO COMPLETION IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS IF THE AGENCIES FAIL TO CONSIDER WILDERNESS VALUES )N ITS PLAN THE ",- REFUSED TO INVENTORY MILLIONS OF ACRES OF PUBLIC LANDS TO ASSESS THEIR WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS )NSTEAD THE AGENCY RELIED ON THE 73! INVENTORY COMPLETED IN UNDER &,0-! 3ECTION 53# e A 3ECTION REQUIRED THE ",- TO CONDUCT A WILDERNESS INVENTORY FOR ALL LANDS UNDER ITS MANAGEMENT AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AS TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY
4HE 2ULING ON 7ILDERNESS #HARACTERISTICS
4HE .INTH #IRCUIT REJECTED ",-S ARGUMENT THAT THIS 3ECTION INVEN TORY CONDUCTED LARGELY IN THE S ALLOWED ",- TO IGNORE WILDERNESS IN SUBSEQUENTLY DEVELOPED LAND USE PLANS 4HE COURT STATED h;R=EAD CAREFUL LY AND IN CONTEXT THE &,0-! MAKES CLEAR THAT WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS ARE AMONG THE VALUES WHICH THE ",- CAN ADDRESS IN ITS LAND USE PLANS AND HENCE NEEDS TO ADDRESS IN THE .%0! ANALYSIS FOR A LAND USE PLAN GOVERNING AREAS WHICH MAY HAVE WILDERNESS VALUESv &D AT
6ICTORY FOR 7ILDERNESS IT DESERVES CONSIDERATION 0HOTO COURTESY OF /.$!
4HE COURT ALSO CONl RMED THAT hWILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS THEMSELVES MUST ALSO REQUIRE .%0! CONSIDERATION WHEN THEY ARE IMPLICATED BY LAND USE PLANNING EFFORTSv &D AT 4HIS BROAD STATEMENT POTENTIALLY REACHES INTO &OREST 3ERVICE TRAVEL PLANNING AND WILL HELP WILDERNESS ADVOCATES ARGUE FOR PROTECTION OF OR AT LEAST CONSIDERATION OF IMPACTS TO POTENTIAL WILDERNESS 4HE COURT CITED ROADLESS AREA CASE LAW TO SUPPORT ITS CONCLUSION REGARDING WILDERNESS REAFl RMING THE NEED TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF LAND USE DECISIONS ON ROADLESS AREAS BEYOND IMPLICATIONS FOR WILDERNESS SUITABILITY hROAD LESSNESS HAS ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIl CANCE APART FROM PERMANENT WILDERNESS PRESERVATIONv &D AT %VEN IF #ONGRESS HAS ACTED THE AGENCY IS NOT EXCUSED hFROM COMPLYING WITH ITS .%0! OBLIGATIONS WHEN IMPLEMENTING A LAND USE PROGRAMv &D AT
h)N SUM THE ",- MISUNDERSTOOD THE ROLE OF WILDERNESS CHARACTERIS TICS IN ITS LAND USE PLANNING DECISIONS WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS ARE A VALUE WHICH UNDER THE &,0-! THE "UREAU HAS THE CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO MANAGE EVEN AFTER IT HAS FULl LLED ITS 53# e DUTIES TO RECOMMEND SOME LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS FOR PERMANENT CONGRESSIONAL PROTECTIONv &D AT
&INDING THAT THE LAW INCLUDING ",-S OWN GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS UNMISTAKABLY REQUIRES ",- TO ANALYZE IMPACTS TO A LANDSCAPES WILDER NESS CHARACTERISTICS THE COURT VACATED THE PLAN AND ORDERED ",- TO PREPARE A NEW PLAN )N AD DITION THE COURT DISMISSED THE ",-S ASSERTION THAT BY CONSIDERING hOTHER RESOURCESv THEY HAD SUFl CIENTLY ANALYZED THE IMPACTS OF THE DECISION ON WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS
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4HE ",- ISSUED ITS DECISION ADOPTING THE 3%/2-0 IN "ECAUSE THE PLAN CONTAINED NO UPDATED WILDERNESS INVENTORY /.$! CONDUCTED THEIR OWN INVENTORY USING THE ",-S PROCESS WHICH THE "USH !DMINISTRA TION HAS SINCE REVOKED /.$!S INVENTORY FOUND THAT MILLION ACRES NOT INCLUDING EXISTING ",- 7ILDERNESS 3TUDY !REAS POSSESS STATUTORILY DE l NED WILDERNESS CHARACTER 4HOUGH /.$!S INVENTORY REVEALED THE m AWS OF THE ",-S PLAN CITIZENS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO DO SUCH A SURVEY )N A PREVIOUS /.$! CASE A DISTRICT COURT CONl RMED THAT IT IS THE AGENCYS OBLIGATION NOT THE PUBLICS TO GATHER KEY BASELINE INFORMATION AND THEN PRESENT IT IN ITS .%0! DOCUMENTATION h/.$! DID NOT HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION REGARDING ANY CHANGES TO THE WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ;AREA= BEFORE THE %! WAS ISSUED ",- DIDv /.$! V 2ASMUSSEN &3UPPD n $ /R
",- ALSO ARGUED THAT IF RESOURCE DAMAGE OCCURRED THE AGENCY COULD ISSUE EMERGENCY CLOSURES 2EJECTING THIS ARGUMENT TOO THE COURT OBSERVED THAT h;L=IMITED /26 USE IS SIMPLY NOT IDENTICAL TO NO /26 USE ! LIMITED DESIGNA TION EVEN WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF CLOSURE DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION EQUIVALENT TO A STRAIGHT FORWARD CLOSURE !S THEY PASS THROUGH hLIMITEDv AREAS BOTH ON EXISTING ROUTES AND EN ROUTE TO CAMPING SITES /26S WILL STILL CHURN UP MUD TRANSPORT MUD AND SEEDS INTO THE REGIONS THROUGH WHICH THEY PASS AND WILL STILL SIGNIl CANTLY AFFECT THE OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCE
.%0! 2EQUIRES !LTERNATIVES TO /26 5SE
)N ADDITION TO ITS WILDERNESS RULING THE COURT AGREED WITH /.$! THAT THE ",- HAD NOT CONSID hROADLESSNESS HAS ENVIRONMENTAL ERED A REASONABLE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES FOR OFF SIGNIl CANCE APART FROM PERMANENT ROAD VEHICLE /26 USE )N ",-S l NAL DECISION ABOUT OR ACRES WOULD HAVE BEEN WILDERNESS PRESERVATIONv .INTH #IRCUIT CLOSED TO /26 USE WITH MILLION ACRES LIMITED TO DESIGNATED ROUTES AND MILLION ACRES OPEN TO #OURT OF !PPEALS &D AT UNLIMITED TRAVEL )N ITS ANALYSIS THE ",- NEVER CONSIDERED CLOSING MORE THAN A SMALL FRACTION OF THE PLANNING AREA TO /26S )N FACT EVERY ALTERNATIVE ",- CONSIDERED WOULD ACTUALLY HAVE INCREASED THE AREA OPEN TO /26S WHEN COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS 4HAT THE ",- MIGHT THEN ONCE THE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT DIRECTION 4HE COURT OBSERVED THAT h;I=T IS PRECISELY THIS SORT HAS BEEN DONE IMPLEMENT AN EMERGENCY CLO OF UNCRITICAL PRIVILEGING OF ONE FORM OF USE OVER ANOTHER THAT WE HAVE HELD SURE DOES NOT RENDER THIS FORM OF MANAGEMENT VIOLATES .%0! #LOSURES NOT JUST hLIMITEDv DESIGNATIONS MUST BE CONSID SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL TO AN INITIAL CLOSURE )N ERED TO COMPLY WITH .%0!v &D AT SUM THE ",- MUST CONSIDER CLOSURES OF SIGNIl ",- ARGUED THAT THE hLIMITEDv DESIGNATION PROVIDED hA COMPARABLE DEGREE OF PROTECTIONv AS DID THE hCLOSEDv DESIGNATION (OWEVER THE COURT TOOK SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FACT THAT EVEN IN AREAS WHERE TRAVEL WAS LIMITED TO DESIGNATED ROUTES CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL WAS STILL ALLOWED FOR MOTORIZED DIS PERSED CAMPING )N THOSE hLIMITEDv AREAS VEHICLES WERE ALLOWED TO DRIVE UP TO FEET OFF OF AN EXISTING ROAD
CANT PORTIONS OF THE LAND IT MANAGESv &D AT EMPHASIS ADDED !N ANALOGOUS ARGUMENT COULD BE MADE FOR THE &OREST 3ERVICE TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS AND THOSE FORESTS THAT REFUSE TO RE EVALUATE THEIR EXISTING SYSTEM ROUTES
7HATS .EXT 2OADLESS VALUES HAVE EVERYTHING TO DO WITH IT 0HOTOS COURTESY OF /.$!
/.$! JOINED BY THE #OMMITTEE FOR THE (IGH $ESERT AND 7ESTERN 7ATERSHEDS 0ROJECT l LED THE SUIT IN *ULY 4HE .INTH #IRCUITS RULING SET ASIDE THE 3%/2-0 AND SENT THE MATTER BACK TO ",- TO PREPARE A REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND A NEW PLAN THAT CONSIDERS MAN AGEMENT DECISIONS IN LIGHT OF ITS OBLIGATION TO PROTECT WILDERNESS VALUES 4HIS RULING PUT THE ",- IN AN AWKWARD SITUATION SINCE ITS OLD 2-0 WAS DRASTICALLY OUT OF DATE AND THE NEW ONE WAS INVALID ",- THEREFORE PETITIONED THE .INTH #IR CUIT ASKING THE COURT TO REVISE ITS RULING TO ALLOW ",- TO CONTINUE OPERATING UNDER THE 2-0 UNTIL A NEW PLAN CAN BE PREPARED /.$! AND ",- ARE CURRENTLY IN NEGOTIATIONS TO DETERMINE AN OPTION ACCEPTABLE TO EVERYONE -AC ,ACY IS SENIOR ATTORNEY AT /.$! FOCUSING ON WILDERNESS GRAZING AND /(6 ISSUES ON EASTERN /REGONS PUBLIC LANDS
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"IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES SUMMARIZES AND HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF THE SCIENTIl C LITERATURE IN OUR CITATION BIBLIOGRAPHY ON THE PHYSICAL AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ROADS AND OFF ROAD VEHICLES 7E OFFER BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHES TO HELP ACTIVISTS ACCESS IMPORTANT BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH RELEVANT TO ROADS 7E KEEP COPIES OF MOST ARTICLES CITED IN "IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES IN OUR OFl CE LIBRARY
Economic BeneÞts Arising from Watershed Restoration "Y *OSH (URD
W
ATERSHED RESTORATION OFTEN REQUIRES ECONOMIC IN ADDITION TO SCIENTIl C JUSTIl CATION IN ORDER TO GAIN POLITICAL SUPPORT .ORGAARD ET AL 2UBIN )N THESE CASES RESTORA TION INCLUDES SOCIO ECONOMIC ARGUMENTS IN WHICH THE ECONOMIC BENEl TS ACCRUING FROM RESTORATION ARE ENUMERATED $AVIS #OWLING (OLL AND (OWARTH (OWEVER MANY OF THE BENEl TS OF PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WATERSHEDS ARE NEITHER FULLY KNOWN NOR TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN TRADITIONAL MARKET SYSTEMS (OLL AND (OWARTH #OSTANZA ET AL 4HIS PAPER REVIEWS THE EXISTING LITERATURE ON THE NON JOB CREATION ECONOMIC BENEl TS ARISING FROM WATERSHED RESTORATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN THREE AREAS RETURN ON INVESTMENT FROM RESTORATION PROJECTS TAXPAYER WILLING NESS TO PAY FOR RESTORED WATERSHEDS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CREATED FROM RESTORED NATURAL AMENITIES !S A NOTE RELATIVELY FEW STUDIES IN THESE AREAS DIRECTLY ADDRESS RESTORATION ACTIVITIES THUS THIS ARTICLE UTILIZES MANY TANGENTIALLY RELATED STUDIES TO DRAW CONCLUSIONS !LSO ALL MONETARY VALUES HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED FOR INm ATION TO 53 $OLLARS
2ETURN ON )NVESTMENT FROM 2ESTORATION 0ROJECTS
-ANY STUDIES DIRECTLY EXAMINE HOW ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION GENERATES MONETARY RETURNS PRIMARILY THROUGH GOVERNMENTS AVOIDING THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SERVICES CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY ECOSYSTEMS INCREASING THE PRO DUCTIVITY OF EXISTING INDUSTRIES ANDOR EXPANDING THE PROPERTY TAX BASE OF COMMUNITIES THROUGH INCREASED HOME VALUES ,ARGE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT FROM RESTORATION IN THESE AREAS DO EXIST BUT THE BENEl TS DO NOT ALWAYS OUTWEIGH THE COSTS 2ESEARCHERS HAVE UNDERTAKEN MANY STUDIES ON THIS TYPE OF ECONOMIC BENEl T %ROSION COSTS THE 53 ECONOMY BILLION PER YEAR AND THE RESTORATION OF CROPLAND AND RANGELAND TO PREVENT THIS EROSION WOULD IM MEDIATELY YIELD A POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT WITH AN ESTIMATED IN COSTS AVERTED FOR EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED IN EROSION PREVENTION 0IMENTEL ET AL 3IMILARLY THE LOSS OF WETLANDS IN THE FARM BELT HAS DETRIMEN TALLY AFFECTED A VARIETY OF SPECIES IN ADDITION TO CAUSING DECREASED WATER QUALITY *OHNSTON ET AL 3CHWEIGER ET AL $E,AUNE ET AL ! RESTORED HECTARE WETLAND ALONG THE )LLINOIS 2IVER COULD YIELD A NET BENEl T OF MILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL COSTS AND BENEl TS 0RATO AND $ONALD 3IMILARLY RESTORATION OF #OHO SALMON HABITAT ON THE WEST COAST OF #ANADA WOULD BE WORTH TO MILLION LARGELY DUE TO INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY WITHIN THE l SHING INDUSTRY +NOWLER ET AL 7ATER QUALITY HAS ALSO BEEN CORRELATED WITH HOUSING PRICES (OME VALUES INCREASED IN THE #HESAPEAKE "AY PERCENT FOR EVERY FECAL COLIFORM COUNTS REMOVED PER M, OF WATER ,EGGET AND "OCKSTAEL AND IN THE 3T -ARYS WATERSHED IN -ARYLAND HOME
8
%CONOMISTS HAVE DEVISED A VARIETY OF WAYS TO QUANTIFY VALUES LIKE CLEAN WATER AND WILDLIFE 0HOTO BY $AN &UNSCH
VALUES DECREASED FOR EVERY MILLIGRAM PER LITER INCREASE IN TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FOR EVERY MILLIGRAM PER LITER INCREASE IN DISSOLVED INORGANIC NITROGEN 0OOR ET AL .OT ALL STUDIES SHOW SUCH STRIKINGLY POSI TIVE RESULTS 4HE FULL RESTORATION OF #HESAPEAKE "AY SEAGRASS WOULD YIELD ANNUAL RETURNS OF MILLION TO HARD SHELL BLUE CRAB l SHERMEN AND CONSUMERS !NDERSON BUT AN AVERAGE OF MILLION PER YEAR SO FAR HAS BEEN SPENT ON WATER QUALITY AND RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT WITH THE FULL RESTORATION OF THE SEAGRASS NOT YET ACHIEVED (ASSET ET AL 2ESTORATION EFFORTS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO ELIMINATE THE TAMARISK A WATER INTENSE WOODY SHRUB FROM THE !MERICAN SOUTHWEST 4HE TAMARISK COSTS THE 53 BETWEEN AND PER HECTARE PER YEAR BUT THE COST
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
OF ELIMINATING THE TAMARISK IS APPROXIMATELY PER HECTARE 4HUS YEARS WOULD ELAPSE BEFORE THESE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES WOULD PAY FOR THEMSELVES :AVELETA 3IMILARLY ECOLOGISTS HAVE ENCOURAGED THE RESTORATION OF LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN 53 PRIVATE TIMBER LANDS 4HE BENEl TS AS MEASURED BY CARBON SEQUESTRATION ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION AND AMENITY BENEl TS STILL COME TO PER HECTARE SHORT OF COMPENSATING THE LANDOWNERS FOR DECREASED PRODUCTIVITY !LAVALAPATI ET AL
7ILLINGNESS 4O 0AY FOR 2ESTORATION
0OPULAR SUPPORT FOR RESTORATION ACTIVITIES IS OFTEN MEASURED BY WILLINGNESS TO PAY 740 STUDIES WHICH USE SURVEYS TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH HOUSEHOLDS ARE WILLING TO PAY IN ORDER TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION PROGRAMS IN THEIR LOCAL ITY 4HESE STUDIES WHILE YIELDING A HYPOTHETICAL NUMBER ARE USED FREQUENTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES ARE WORTH THEIR EXPENSE &ARLEY AND 'ADDIS 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR STREAM RESTORATION IS SIMILAR ACROSS STUDIES WITH RESEARCHERS l NDING A 740 OF TO PER MONTH FOR RESTORATION OF $ECKERS #REEK IN 7EST 6IRGINIA #OLLINS ET AL TO PER MONTH FOR THE RESTORATION OF TWO CREEKS IN 7ESTERN 0ENNSYLVANIA &ARBER AND 'RINER PER MONTH FOR THE RESTORATION OF A MILE SECTION OF THE 0LATTE 2IVER IN #OLO RADO ,OOMIS ET AL AND PER MONTH TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN 'RAND 2IVER 7ATERSHED IN /NTARIO "ROX ET AL &OR THOSE STUDIES THAT MEASURED IT THE COSTS INCURRED IN RESTORA TION WERE LESS THAN THE BENEl TS OBSERVED IN 740 SURVEYS 4HIS ECHOES OTHER ANOTHER STUDY IN WHICH WETLAND RESTORATION IN .ORTH #AROLINA YIELDED AN AVERAGE OF IN 740 BENEl TS FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON RESTORATION (OLMES ET AL 3OCIAL SCIENTISTS HAVE ALSO UNDERTAKEN 740 STUDIES ON ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTEC TION !S THE RECOVERY OF CERTAIN ENDANGERED SPECIES HINGES ON INCREASED HABITAT QUALITY ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION CAN BE TIED TO WATERSHED RESTORATION 4HESE STUDIES SHOW THAT BENEl TS PERCEIVED BY THE PUBLIC ARE GREATER THAN THE COSTS OF RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ,OOMIS AND 7HITE !VERAGE ANNUAL 740 FOR THE PROTECTION OF PACIl C SALMON AND STEELHEAD IS "ELL ET AL /LSON ET AL GRIZZLY BEARS IS "ROOKSHIRE ET AL .ORTHERN SPOTTED OWL IS (AGEN ET AL 2UBIN ET AL AND ARCTIC GRAYLING AND CUTTHROAT TROUT IS $UFl ELD AND 0ATTERSON
7ILDLAND RESTORATION PUTS PEOPLE TO WORK 0HOTO BY !DAM 3WITALSKI
-UNICIPAL 'ROWTH AND "USINESS /PPORTUNITIES
7ATERSHED RESTORATION CAN HAVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON CITIES AND COUN TIES -UCH LIKE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WHICH CONSISTENTLY YIELDS POSI TIVE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE WATERSHED RESTORATION MAY CREATE LONG TERM BENEl TS TO COMMUNITIES LIKE POPULATION GROWTH AND BUSINESS CREATION BECAUSE OF INCREASED NATURAL AMENITIES .ATURAL 2ESOURCE #OUNCIL 4HIS SECTION INVESTIGATES WHETHER THESE LONG TERM AFFECTS OF WATERSHED RESTORATION ARE COMMON 0OPULATION GROWTH RATES IN THE "ITTERROOT 6ALLEY OF -ONTANA ARE HIGH EST IN HIGH AMENITY AREAS SUCH AS THOSE AREAS NEAREST TO MOUNTAINS PARKS AND NATIONAL FORESTS 3WANSON 3IMILARLY NEW BUSINESS GROWTH WITHIN THE 'REATER 9ELLOWSTONE AREA IS CORRELATED WITH NATURAL AMENITIES 2ASKER AND (ANSEN 0UBLIC LANDS USED FOR CONSERVATION INSTEAD OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES ARE CORRELATED WITH LONGER TERM AND MORE SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH 2ASKER AND HIGH AMENITY COUN TIES HAVE THREE TIMES THE RATE OF JOB GROWTH THAN LOW AMENITY COUNTIES -C'ANAHAN "USINESSES FREQUENTLY MOVE TO THESE HIGH AMENITY AREAS BECAUSE OF THEIR SCENIC BEAUTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY *OHNSON !PPLYING THESE RESULTS TO WATERSHED RESTORATION ASSUMES THAT RESTO RATION CAN HAVE A LARGE INCREMENTAL BENEl T TO THE OVERALL NATURAL AME NITY VALUE !LSO WHILE THESE RESULTS SHOW HOW ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IS IMPORTANT TO TOWN AND COUNTY GROWTH MORE IMPORTANT ARE CERTAIN PREREQ UISITES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH 2ASKER ET AL "USINESSES NEED BOTH AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE TO EMPLOY AND ACCESS TO LARGE POPULATION CENTERS VIA AN AIRPORT WITH REGULAR m IGHTS OR AN )NTERSTATE (IGHWAY 2ASKER ET AL 2ASKER -C'ANAHAN 4HEREFORE WHILE NATURAL AMENITIES ARE IMPORTANT THE INCREMENTAL CONTRIBUTION OF WATERSHED RESTORATION TO THEM IS UNKNOWN AND OTHER FACTORS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BECOMES SIGNIl CANT IN FACILITATING ECONOMIC GROWTH
#ONCLUSION
7ATERSHED RESTORATION CAN BE ECONOMICALLY JUSTIl ED IN A VARIETY OF DIF FERENT WAYS WITH POSITIVE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF THE COSTS AND FACILITATION OF LONG TERM BUSINESS CREATION (OWEVER THE LONG TIME SCALE REQUIRED FOR ACHIEVING A POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN CERTAIN RESTORATION PROJECTS AND THE UNKNOWN INCREMENTAL BENEl T OF WATERSHED RESTORATION IN INCREASING THE NATURAL AMENITY QUALITIES OF COMMUNITIES ARE HURDLES FACING PRACTITIONERS IN JUSTIFYING RESTORATION ON ECONOMIC GROUNDS *OSH IS 7ILDLANDS #02S 2ESTORATION 2ESEARCH !SSOCIATE
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References !LAVALAPATI * 2 '! 3TAINBACK $2 #ARTER 2ESTORATION OF THE LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEM ON PRIVATE LANDS IN THE 53 SOUTH AN ECOLOGICAL ECONOMIC ENALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS !NDERSON % % %CONOMIC BENEl TS OF HABITAT RESTORATION SEAGRASS AND THE 6IRGINIA HARD SHELL BLUE CRAB l SHERY .ORTH !MERICAN *OURNAL OF &ISHERIES -ANAGEMENT "ELL + $ (UPPERT 2 *OHNSON 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR LOCAL COHO SALMON ENHANCEMENT IN COSTAL COMMUNITIES -ARINE 2ESOURCE %CONOMICS "ROOKSHIRE $ - 4HAYER 7 3CHULZE 2 D!RGE 6ALUING PUBLIC GOODS A COMPARISON OF SURVEY AND HEDONIC APPROACHES !MERICAN %CONOMIC 2EVIEW "ROX * 2 +UMAR + 3TOLLERY 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY ENHANCEMENTS IN THE 'RAND 2IVER WATERSHED #ANADIAN 7ATER 2ESOURCES *OURNAL #OLLINS ! 2 2OSENBERGER * &LETCHER 4HE ECONOMIC VALUE OF STREAM RESTORATION 7ATER 2ESOURCES 2ESEARCH #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE )SSUES AND /PTIONS IN )NFRASTRUCTURE )NVESTMENT 7ASHINGTON $# #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE #OSTANZA 2 2 D!RGE 2 DE 'ROOT 3 &ARBERK - 'RASSO " (ANNON ET AL 4HE VALUE OF THE WORLDS ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND NATURAL CAPITAL .ATURE #OWLING 2 - 3- 0IERCE !- 3IGWELA -AINSTREAMING THE RESTORATION OF NATURAL CAPITAL A CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS $AVIS - ! ," 3LOBODKIN 4HE SCIENCE AND VALUES OF RESTORATION ECOLOGY 2ESTORATION %COLOGY $E,AUNE 2 ! *UGSUJINDA * 7EST # *OHNSON - +ONGCHUM ! SCREENING OF THE CAPACITY OF ,OUISIANA FRESHWATER WETLANDS TO PROCESS NITRATE IN DIVERTED -ISSISSIPPI 2IVER WATER %COLOGICAL %NGINEERING $UFl ELD * $ 0ATTERSON &IELD TESTING EXISTENCE VALUES COMPARISON OF HYPOTHETICAL AND CASH TRANSACTION VALUES )N " 2ETTIG %D "ENEl TS AND #OSTS IN .ATURAL 2ESOURCE 0LANNING TH 2EPORT ED #ORVALLIS /2 $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURAL AND 2ESOURCE %CONOMICS /REGON 3TATE 5NIVERSITY &ARBER 3 " 'RINER 6ALUING WATERSHED QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS USING CONJOINT ANALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS &ARLEY * %* 'ADDIS 2ESTORING NATURAL CAPITAL AN ECOLOGICALECONOMICS ASSESSMENT )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS
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(AGEN $ * 6INCENT 0 7ELLE "ENEl TS OF PRESERVING OLD GROWTH FORESTS AND THE SPOTTED OWL #ONTEMPORARY 0OLICY )SSUES (ASSETT " - 0ALMER % "ERNHARDT 3 3MITH * #ARR $ (ART 2ESTORING WATERSHEDS PROJECT BY PROJECT TRENDS IN #HESAPEAKE "AY TRIBUTARY RESTORATION &RONTIERS IN %COLOGY AND THE %NVIRONMENT (OLL + 2 (OWARTH 0AYING FOR RESTORATION 2ESTORATION %COLOGY (OLMES 4 0 *# "ERGSTROM % (USZAR 3" +ASK &/ )LL #ONTINGENT VALUATION NET MARGINAL BENEl TS AND THE SCALE OF RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS *OHNSON *! 4HE ROLE OF ECONOMIC AND QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES IN RURAL BUSINESS LOCATION *OURNAL OF 2URAL 3TUDIES *OHNSTON # ! .% $ETENBECK '* .IEMI 4HE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF WETLANDS ON STREAM WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY "IOGEOCHEMISTRY +NOWLER $ * " -AC'REGOR - "RADFORD 2 0ETERMAN 6ALUING FRESHWATER SALMON HABITAT ON THE WEST COAST OF #ANADA *OURNAL OF %NVIRONMENTAL -ANAGEMENT ,EGGETT # ' .% "OCKSTAEL %VIDENCE OF THE %FFECTS OF 7ATER 15ALITY ON 2ESIDENTIAL ,AND 0RICES *OURNAL OF %NVIRONMENTAL %CONOMICS AND -ANAGEMENT ,OOMIS * " $3 7HITE %CONOMIC BENEl TS OF RARE AND ENDAGNERED SPECIES SUMMARY AND META ANALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS ,OOMIS * 0 +ENT , 3TRANGE + &AUSCH ! #OVICH -EASURING THE TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUE OF RESTORING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN AN IMPAIRED RIVER BASIN RESULTS FROM A CONTINGENT VALUATION SURVEY %COLOGICAL ECONOMICS -C'ANAHAN $ ! .ATURAL !MENITIES $RIVE 2URAL 0OPULATION #HANGE !GRICULTURAL %CONOMIC 2EPORT .O &OOD AND 2URAL %CONOMICS $IVISION $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURE 7ASHINGTON $# .ATURAL 2ESOURCE #OUNCIL 2ESTORATION OF !QUATIC %COSYSTEMS 7ASHINGTON $# .ATIONAL !CADEMY 0RESS .ORGAARD 2 " 0 "ARNARD 0 ,AVELLE !SSESSING AND RESTORING NATURAL CAPITAL ACROSS SCALES LESSONS FROM THE MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS /LSON $ * 2ICHARDS $ 3COTT %XISTENCE AND SPORT VALUES FOR DOUBLING THE SIZE OF #OLUMBIA 2IVER BASIN SALMON AND STEELHEAD RUNS 2IVERS
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New Report on Forests and Climate Change 4HE )MPLICATIONS OF #LIMATE #HANGE FOR #ONSERVATION 2ESTORATION AND -ANAGEMENT OF .ATIONAL &OREST ,ANDS 2EPORT !UTHOR 2ICK "ROWN $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE
T
HIS PAPER SUMMARIZES KEY SCIENTIl C LITERATURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND FORESTS FOCUSING ON POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE )T WAS PUBLISHED BY $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE AND THE .ATIONAL &OREST 2ESTORATION #OLLABORATIVE
#LIMATE CHANGE IS COMING TO A NATIONAL FOREST NEAR YOU (OW MUCH FORESTS WILL BE ALTERED AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE LARGELY DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH HUMANS REDUCE THEIR EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES AND HOW QUICKLY 4HE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NATIONAL FOREST LANDS WILL ALSO DEPEND IN PART ON HOW FOREST MANAGEMENT RESPONDS TO THESE THREATS 4OPICS EXPLORED BEGIN WITH AN ECOSYSTEM PERSPECTIVE FORESTS AND CARBON CLIMATE CHANGE DROUGHT INSECTS AND l RE AND SOIL AND WATER AND CONTINUE WITH A MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE WOOD PRODUCTS THINNING FUELS REDUCTION AND l RE RESTO RATION 4HE PAPER ALSO ADDRESSES STRATEGIES FOR CONSERVING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY &ORESTS INm UENCE THE RATE AND EXTENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE BY ABSORBING #/ FROM THE ATMOSPHERE AND STORING IT IN WOOD AND SOILS OR BY RELEASING #/ TO THE ATMO SPHERE WHENEVER LAND IS CONVERTED TO NONFOREST USES OR DISTURBED BY LOGGING BURN ING OR OUTBREAKS OF INSECTS AND DISEASE 2OAD REMOVAL AND WATERSHED RESTORATION MAY ALSO PLAY A SIGNIl CANT ROLE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS PART OF THE .ATIONAL &OREST 2ESTORATION #OLLABORATIVE WHICH HELPED FUND THIS PROJECT
0IMENTEL $ # (ARVEY 2ESOSUDARMO + 3INCLAIR $ +URZ - -C.AIR ET AL %NVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC COSTS OF SOIL EROSION AND CONSERVATION BENEl TS 3CIENCE 0OOR 0 * + 0ESSAGNO 2 0AUL %XPLORING THE HEDONIC VALUE OF AMBIENT WATER QUALITY ! LOCAL WATERSHED BASED STUDY %COLOGICAL %CONOMIC 0RATO 4 $ (EY &EBRUARY %CONOMIC ANALYSIS OF WETLAND RESTORATION ALONG THE )LLINOIS 2IVER *OURNAL OF THE !MERICAN 7ATER 2ESOURCES !SSOCIATION 2ASKER 2 !N EXPLORATION INTO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT VERSUS CONSERVATION ON WESTERN PUBLIC LANDS 3OCIETY AND .ATURAL 2ESOURCES 2ASKER 2 ! (ANSEN .ATURAL AMENITIES AND POPULATION GROWTH IN THE 'REATER 9ELLOWSTONE 2EGION (UMAN %COLOGY 2EVIEW
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
&OREST ECOSYSTEMS ARE AT GROUND ZERO IN ISSUES OF CLIMATE CHANGE 0HOTO BY $AN &UNSCH
2ASKER 2 - (AGGERTY * (AGGERTY * VAN DEN .OORT 4HE %CONOMY OF THE 'ILA 2EGION "OZEMAN -4 (EADWATERS %CONOMICS 2UBIN ) 3 4HE 0OLITICS OF 0UBLIC "UDGETING 'ETTING AND 3PENDING "ORROWING AND "ALANCING 7ASHINGTON $# #1 0RESS 2UBIN * ' (ELFAND * ,OOMIS ! BENEl T COST ANALYSIS OF THE NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL *OURNAL OF &ORESTRY 3CHWEIGER %7 3' ,EIBOWITZ *" (YMAN 7% &OSTER -# $OWNING 3YNOPTIC ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND FUNCTION "IODIVERSITY AND #ONSERVATION 3WANSON , 'ROWTH AND #HANGE IN THE "ITTERROOT 6ALLEY AND )MPLICATIONS FOR !REA !GRICULTURE AND !G ,ANDS -ISSOULA -4 /#ONNER #ENTER FOR THE 2OCKY -OUNTAIN 7EST :AVALETA % 4HE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CONTROLLING AN INVASIVE SHRUB !MBIO
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Undemocratic Din "Y 4ED 7ILLIAMS
Editor’s Note: This essay appeared in Forest Magazine in summer 2008. We’re presenting it in The Road RIPorter as a two-part series, with part one in this issue and part two to follow in our upcoming 2009 Spring Equinox issue (14.1). Since the article was first written in the late 1990s, snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park have been subject to increasing restrictions. For example, only four-stroke motors are now allowed in the park. Unfortunately, recent decisions on snowmobile use have been guided by conflicting court decisions and provide little certainty from year to year.
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AM AT THE hSPRING HOLEv IN MY TWELVE FOOT l SHING SCOW IN THE WARM MISTY l NISH OF A .EW (AMPSHIRE SQUALL ) HAVE COME HERE WITH BROTHERS IN LAW 7IZ AND "ARRY TO ESCAPE SUNDRY IRRITATIONS INCLUDING A l FTH MEAL OF 4HANKSGIV ING TURKEY 0ROPELLED BY OUR BOWED RODS FAT GAUDY YELLOW PERCH SHOOT OVER THE LOW GUNWALES 'EAR DOWN AND WINGS SET #ANADA GEESE SAIL ACROSS THE NORTH END OF OUR ISLAND AND SPIRAL INTO 3CHNEIDERS #OVE .OW LAKE AND FOREST ARE STILL SAVE FOR THE SPLASHING OF HOOKED l SH THE MUTTERINGS OF MERGANSERS AND THE DISTANT WHISTLE OF GOLDENEYE WINGS 3UD DENLY HALF A DOZEN ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES !46S APPEAR ON THE MAINLAND SHORE ROARING AND RACING ROUSTING THE WATERFOWL 4HEY SASHAY THROUGH THE SWAMP AND HURL MUD AND VEGETATION THIRTY FEET INTO THE AIR &INALLY ONE GETS STUCK
hMAINLY /26S ARE USED TO PROVIDE THRILLS NOT TRANSPORTATIONv 0HOTO ABOVE BY ,AUREL (AGEN AT RIGHT COURTESY OF ",-
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)N WINTER WHEN ) DO MY SERIOUS PERCH l SHING SNOWMO BILES RACE OVER THE FROZEN LAKE AND ACROSS THE SPRING HOLE WHICH NEVER FREEZES BECAUSE THEY LIKE TO SEE HOW FAR THEIR CRAFTS CAN CARRY THEM ON OPEN WATER .O LONGER DO ) ATTEMPT TO KICK THEM OFF OUR ISLAND A POSTED ACRE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 7HILE THEY STRESS THE WILDLIFE AND MAKE IT UNSAFE FOR US TO SKI OR HIKE ON THE NARROW TRAILS THEY ARE QUIETER THAN THEY WERE TWENTY YEARS AGO AND EASIER ON GROUND COVER THAN THE !46S ) AM NOT ANTI INTERNAL COMBUSTION -OUNTED ON MY l SHING SCOW IS A SIX HORSE TWO STROKE OUTBOARD BECAUSE A FOUR STROKE THOUGH FAR QUIETER AND CLEANER WOULD SINK IT 4WO STROKE ENGINES WHICH POWER MOST OUTBOARD BOATS AND OFF ROAD VEHICLES /26S A CLASS WHICH INCLUDES SNOWMOBILES ARE CRUDE l LTHY DEVICES !S MUCH AS A QUARTER OF THE FUEL THEY hCONSUMEv ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT UNBURNED VIA THE EXHAUST "UT THERES A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUTBOARDS AND /26S -Y MOTOR GETS ME TO THE SPRING HOLE THEN ) SHUT IT OFF 2IDING /26S ON THE OTHER HAND HAS BECOME RECREATION UNTO ITSELF MAINLY THEY ARE USED TO PROVIDE THRILLS NOT TRANSPORTATION 7HAT MOVES AND INSPIRES MOST /26 OPERATORS IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT MOVES AND INSPIRES MOST OTHER PEOPLE WHO GRAVI TATE TOWARD WILD LAND &OR EXAMPLE MY OUTBOARD WHICH BEARS NO MODEL NAME OTHER THAN h-3(9v IS MANUFACTURED BY 9AMAHA A COMPANY THAT ALSO OFFERS A LINE OF !46S NAMED IT WOULD SEEM FOR THE NOISE THEY MAKE "ANSHEE AND "LASTER OR THE PREDATORS THEY DISPLACE 'RIZZLY +ODIAK 7OLVERINE 4IMBERWOLF "IG "EAR AND "ADGER
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
) CAN AND DO LIVE WITH /26S "UT WHERE SHOULD ) GO FOR QUIETUDE AND WILDNESS TO HEAR THE SIGH OF WIND THROUGH CANYONS AND FOREST CANOPIES THE MUSIC OF m OWING WATER THE HUM AND CLATTER OF INSECTS THE SONGS OF BIRDS THE SILENCE OF WINTER ! NATIONAL PARK ",- LAND 0ERHAPS "UT IN AN AVERAGE WINTER NEARLY SNOWMOBILES ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER NATIONAL PARK UNITS AND ABOUT PERCENT OF "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT LANDS HAVE AREAS OPEN TO SNOWMOBILES DIRT BIKES AND !46S 4HEY REGULARLY TRESPASS ON WILDERNESS AND THE ",- EVEN ALLOWED THEM IN WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS BEFORE )NTERIOR 3ECRETARY 'ALE .ORTON DID AWAY WITH WILDER NESS STUDY AREAS "UT AFTER PROMOTING /26S FOR THIRTY YEARS THE AGENCIES THAT ADMINISTER PUBLIC LAND ARE SUDDENLY WISHING THAT THEY HADNT )N THE S SNOWMOBILES WERE BASICALLY RESTRICTED BY THEIR OWN DESIGN TO GROOMED TRAILS AND UNTIL WHEN THE /26 LOBBY GOT THE &OREST 3ERVICE TO CANCEL ITS BAN ON OFF ROAD VEHICLES WIDER THAN INCHES !46S WERE EFFECTIVELY PROHIBITED FROM NATIONAL FORESTS .OW WITH WIDER BASES AND MORE POWERFUL ENGINES /26S OF ALL SORTS ENGAGE IN hHIGH POINTINGv CONTESTS IN WHICH THE OBJECT IS TO SEE HOW STEEP A SLOPE YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITHOUT TIPPING OVER 4HE NEW SNOW MOBILES CAN EXCEED MILES PER HOUR !RE THEY APPROPRIATE IN OUR WILDEST AND BEST PUBLIC LAND 9ELLOWSTONE .ATIONAL 0ARK FOR INSTANCE
3OME OF TODAYS SNOW MACHINES CAN EXCEED MILES PER HOUR !RE THEY APPROPRIATE FOR OUR NATIONAL PARKS 0HOTO COURTESY OF ",-
OR RIDDEN AROUND 7E REHAB AREAS AND THEY ARE VIOLATED AGAIN AND AGAIN 7E PROVIDE VIRTUALLY NO LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE ON THE &OREST WHEN USE IS HIGHEST 7HETHER IT IS THE 7AYNE OR ANY OTHER &OREST THE CONCEPT OF @OFF ROAD VEHICLE IS CONTRARY TO THE MISSION OF THE .ATIONAL &ORESTS 7E CANNOT REGARDLESS OF DOLLARS MAINTAIN TRAILS ) AM NOT ANTI INTERNAL COMBUSTION THAT WILL NOT ERODE INTO OUR STREAMS !ND WE -OUNTED ON MY l SHING SCOW IS A SIX HORSE CANNOT CONTROL USERS EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLES TWO STROKE OUTBOARD DESIGNED TO GO ON ALL TYPES OF TERRAINv
&ROM MID $ECEMBER TO MID -ARCH 9ELLOW STONE BANS CARS FROM MOST OF THE PARK BUT IT WELCOMES SNOWMOBILES ON MILES OF SNOW COVERED ROADS /NE OF THESE MACHINES CAN EMIT AS MANY HYDROCARBONS AS CARS AND AS MUCH CARBON MONOXIDE AS CARS AND THERE ARE ABOUT SNOWMOBILES IN THE PARK EACH SEASON 0ARK EMPLOYEES COMPLAIN OF HEADACHES NAUSEA AND THROAT IRRITATION FROM THE POLLUTION AND FRESH AIR HAS TO BE PUMPED INTO THE ENTRANCE BOOTHS 4HE "LUEWATER .ETWORK LEADER OF THE NATIONAL CAM PAIGN TO KEEP SNOWMOBILES OUT OF THE PARK CALCULATES THAT IN ADDITION TO BEFOULING THE AIR TWO STROKE SNOWMOBILE ENGINES DUMP TO GALLONS OF UNBURNED GASOLINE AND MOTOR OIL ON 9ELLOWSTONES ECOSYSTEMS EACH SEASON
/N THE REST OF OUR PUBLIC LAND BASICALLY THAT TENDED BY THE ",- AND THE &OREST 3ERVICE THE SITUATION IS EVEN WORSE !ND ANY MANAGER WHO TRIES TO CONTROL /26S GETS TO EAT THEIR DUST 7HEN THE -ONTANA 7ILDLIFE &EDERATION HELPED THE &OREST 3ERVICE GATE AND POST CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT IN THE (ELENA .ATIONAL &OREST /26 USERS WERE GRANTED NEW ACCESS TO A DIFFERENT AREA 4HE DEAL WAS A MODEL OF MULTIPLE USE IN ACTION BUT MALCONTENTS TORE DOWN THE SIGNS SAWED OFF THE POSTS AND PULLED UP THE GATES !N INTERNAL MONITORING REPORT FROM THE 7AYNE .ATIONAL &OREST IN /HIO READS AS FOLLOWS h7HETHER WE LOOK AT THE DES IGNATED TRAIL SYSTEM OR THE NON /26 MANAGEMENT AREAS WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE 7E INSTALL SIGNS AND THEY ARE RIPPED OUT 7E ERECT BARRIERS AND THEY ARE REMOVED
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
4HE ",- AND THE &OREST 3ERVICE HAVE A JOINT ENVIRONMEN TAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR -ONTANA .ORTH $AKOTA AND PARTS OF 3OUTH $AKOTA IN WHICH ASSESSING GHOST ROADS FOR /26 USE IS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE h4HE %)3 IS HORRIBLE v SAYS -ONTANA &ISH 7ILDLIFE AND 0ARKS BIOLOGIST 'AYLE *OSLIN WHO LED A DRIVE IN WHICH THE -ONTANA 7ILDLIFE 3OCIETY RAISED TO PREPARE A REPORT ON THE WAYS /26S HURT WILDLIFE h4HE AGEN CIES PUT TOGETHER A COMMITTEE TO DEl NE TRAILS IT TOOK THEM EIGHTEEN MONTHS 4HE DEl NITION OF AN /26 TRAIL THEY CAME UP WITH AND ) KID YOU NOT IS ONE THAT HAS BEEN USED BY A MOTORIZED VEHICLE 4HIS EVEN INCLUDES GAME TRAILSv 'REG -UNTHER WHO RETIRED AS THE ,OLO .ATIONAL &ORESTS .INE -ILE DISTRICT RANGER AFTER THIRTY ONE YEARS WITH THE &OR EST 3ERVICE SAYS h4HE &OREST 3ERVICE AND ",- CHOSE OUT OF POLITICAL CONVENIENCE NOT TO TAKE ON THESE ILLEGAL ROADS 4HEY TOLD US PROFESSIONALS FOR YEARS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A LE GITIMATE ROAD WAS TO PROPERLY DESIGN IT WITH RESPECT TO GRADE AND DRAINAGE .OW THEYVE ACCEPTED THESE GHOST ROADS FOR YEARS WHILE THEY GO THROUGH THIS ENDLESS ANALYSISv
To be continued. . . look for part two of this article in the Spring 2009 issue of The Road RIPorter.
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Program Updates, Autumn 2008 Restoration Program
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HE RESULTS OF THE .OVEMBER ELECTIONS APPEAR TO HAVE GIVEN THE ENTIRE WORLD A NEW SENSE OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT IS NO EXCEPTION 4HE INCOMING /BAMA ADMINISTRATION AND THE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TH #ONGRESS PRESENT A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR INCREASING EFFORTS TO RE VIVE AND PROTECT WILD PLACES ON OUR PUBLIC LANDS !CCORDINGLY 7ILDLANDS #02 HAS BEEN INTI MATELY INVOLVED WITH NUMEROUS PARTNER ORGA NIZATIONS IN DRAFTING POLICY DOCUMENTS FOR THE /BAMA 4RANSITION 4EAM THAT CALL FOR INCREASED SUPPORT FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION CLIMATE CHANGE PROTECTIONS AND GREEN JOBS PROGRAMS AS WELL AS BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE AND FOREST ROAD SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND PLAN NING 7ITH THE COLLAPSE OF l NANCIAL MARKETS AND THE ONSET OF ECONOMIC RECESSION THE NOTION OF A 'REEN #OLLAR *OBS 0ROGRAM HAS PICKED UP MOMENTUM 3UE 'UNN 7ILDLANDS #02S REPRE SENTATIVE IN 7ASHINGTON 3TATE HAS BEEN BUSY DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL FOR A &OREST 7ATERSHED 2ESTORATION #ORPS THAT COULD BE INCORPORATED INTO LONG TERM ECONOMIC STIMULUS LEGISLATION 3HE AND 7ILDLANDS #02 %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR "ETHANIE 7ALDER ARE ALSO IDENTIFYING OTHER FUND ING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION AND ROAD REMOVAL EG REAUTHORIZATION OF THE &EDERAL (IGHWAYS BILL CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION AND WORKING TO EDUCATE DECISION MAKERS ABOUT THESE OPTIONS 7E ARE CONTINUING OUR EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR LAST YEARS ,EGACY 2OADS AND 4RAILS 2EMEDIATION )NITIATIVE ,22) WHICH RECEIVED MILLION SEE 4HE 2OAD 2)0ORTER 2)0ORTER FOR MORE INFORMATION 3UE AND 7ILDLANDS #02 #OMMUNICATION #O ORDINATOR &RANKLIN 3EAL HELPED ORGANIZE A 7ASH INGTON 7ATERSHED 2ESTORATION )NITIATIVE 772) MEDIA TOUR OF ONGOING ROAD REMOVAL WORK IN THE
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7ILDLANDS #02 3CIENCE #OORDINATOR !DAM 3WITALSKI SPEAKS TO A GROUP OF 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA STUDENTS ABOUT ROAD RESTORATION 0HOTO BY ,AURIE !SHLEY
-OUNT "AKER 3NOQUALMIE .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE DAY LONG l ELD TRIP RESULTED IN EXCELLENT 46 COVERAGE IN 3EATTLE 7! THAT HIGHLIGHTED HOW FOREST RESTORA TION GIVES A BOOST TO LOCAL ECONOMIES 4HE h$EMAND FOR 'REEN #OLLAR *OBS 'ROWINGv 46 NEWS STORY CAN BE VIEWED IN OUR NEW ONLINE 6IDEO !RCHIVE HTTPWWWWILDLANDSCPRORGVIDEOS 7ITH THE RAPID INCREASE IN l RE SUPPRESSION COSTS THIS SUMMER AND FALL THE &OREST 3ERVICE TRANSFERRED SOME OF THE MILLION IN BUDGETED ,22) FUNDS AWAY FROM SCHEDULED ROAD REMOVAL PROJECTS SEE 4HE 2OAD 2)0ORTER FOR MORE INFORMATION BUT DUE TO DILIGENT WATCH DOGGING EFFORTS BY 3UE OUR PARTNERS IN 772) AS WELL AS EFFORTS BY ,22) CHAMPION 2EP .ORM $ICKS 7! NO PROJECTS IN 7ASHINGTON 3TATE WERE DE FUNDED -EANWHILE SINCE THE l RE SEASON ENDED MANY OF THE FUNDS BORROWED FROM RESTORATION PROJECTS IN OTHER WESTERN STATES HAVE BEEN RESTORED WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT SOME PROJECTS WERE SIMPLY DELAYED )N KEEPING WITH THE NEW INTEREST IN 'REEN #OLLAR JOBS 7ILDLANDS #02 2ESEARCH !SSOCIATE *OSH (URD HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THE ECONOMICS OF ROAD REMOVAL BEGINNING WITH A LITERATURE REVIEW OF ARTICLES ADDRESSING
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
THE MARKET AND NON MARKET BENEl TS ACCRUING FROM WATERSHED RESTORATION SEE "IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES ON PAGES *OSH HAS ALSO BEEN DOING A STUDY OF PUBLIC OPINION AND PERCEPTION RELEVANT TO WATERSHED RESTORATION AND ROAD REMOVAL AS WELL AS WORKING WITH THE -ONTANA $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR AND )NDUSTRY TO DRAFT AN OFl CIAL PROPOSAL TO THE .ORTH !MERICAN )NDUSTRIAL #LASSIl CATION 3YSTEM WHICH TRACKS ALL SECTORS OF THE 53 ECONOMY 4HE PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE THEM BEGIN TO TRACK DATA ON COMPANIES PROVIDING RESTORATION SERVICES SOMETHING IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT DO
-ARNIE ALSO GAVE A PRESENTATION AT THE 'ROWING -ONTANAS 2ESTORATION 7ORKFORCE WORK SHOP IN "UTTE -4 ON /CTOBER 3HE NOTED THAT THERE SEEMED TO BE STRONG INTEREST FROM BOTH THE /PERATING %NGINEERS 5NION AND THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA #OLLEGE OF 4ECHNOLOGY TO ORGANIZE A ROAD DECOMMISSIONING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
/N A SIMILAR TACK 7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA 2ESTORATION #OORDINATOR -ARNIE #RILEY HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE 2EGIONAL )NNOVATION 'RANT PRO CESS FOR 7ESTERN -ONTANA 7ESTERN -ONTANA RECEIVED A 2EGIONAL )NNOVATION 'RANT FROM THE $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR TO COME UP WITH AN ECO NOMIC STRATEGY FOR THE SEVEN COUNTIES OF WESTERN -ONTANA 4HE AIM OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ESTABLISH AN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT A REGIONAL APPROACH TO WORKFORCE ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL SUSTAIN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE AND CREATE DIVERSE ECONOMIES THROUGHOUT THE REGION -ARNIE IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT IT INCLUDES A STRONG EMPHASIS ON THE RESTORATION ECONOMY
7ILDLANDS #02 3CIENCE #OORDINATOR !DAM 3WITALSKI HAS CONTINUED HIS WORK WITH INTERN 'REG 0ETERS CONTRACTORS AND VOLUNTEERS ON A GROUNDBREAKING STUDY TO MONITOR THE LONG TERM EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE OF ROAD REMOVAL IN THE #LEAR WATER .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE TEAM HAS BEEN TAKING DOWN l ELD SITES FOR THE WINTER UPLOADING AND ORGANIZING PHOTOS AND ANALYZING DATA 3OON THE TEAM WILL HAVE AMASSED THREE YEARS OF INFORMA TION
Transportation Program
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ILDLANDS #02 %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR "ETHANIE 7ALDER SPENT THREE DAYS IN THE l ELD WITH HIGH LEVEL &OREST 3ERVICE STAFF AND LEAD ERS FROM A VARIETY OF RECREATION GROUPS DISCUSSING HOW THE &OR EST 3ERVICE CLASSIl ES TRAILS KEY TO MANY ASPECTS OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE AND ROADS MANAGEMENT INCLUDING FUNDING ENFORCEMENT AND CLOSURES /THER PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED THE "ACK #OUNTRY (ORSEMEN OF !MERICA )NTERNA TIONAL -OUNTAIN "IKING !SSOCIATION "LUE 2IBBON #OALITION !MERICAN (IK ING 3OCIETY 1UIET 5SE #OALITION AND THE 'REAT /LD "ROADS FOR 7ILDERNESS 4HE EVENT PROVIDED US AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT SOME OF OUR MOST PRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT PROBLEMS WITHIN THE TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE AGENCYS PROPOSED TRAILS CLASSIl CATIONS )T ALSO GAVE US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH KEY ALLIES !DAM 2ISSIEN 7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OORDINATOR HAS COMPLETED WORK ON AN INNOVATIVE USE OF THE $ MAPPING ENVIRONMENT 'OOGLE %ARTH TO DEMONSTRATE THE EXTENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE INTRUSIONS INTO THE EXISTING 3APPHIRE -OUNTAIN 7ILDERNESS 3TUDY !REA IN THE "ITTERROOT .ATIONAL &OREST ! VIDEO m Y OVER OF THE AREA SHOWING USER CREATED TRAILS CONTRASTED WITH PROPOSED SYSTEM ROUTES IS AVAILABLE ONLINE IN OUR VIDEO ARCHIVE HTTPWWWWILDLANDSCPRORGVIDEOS !DAM HAS ALSO SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME PREPARING FOR THE SESSION OF THE -ONTANA ,EGISLATURE BY WORKING WITH MULTIPLE INTER EST GROUPS TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE STATE LEVEL MANAGEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ENFORCEMENT !DAM HAS ALSO BEEN DEVELOPING COMMENTS OR ORGANIZING OTHER GROUPS TO COMMENT ON SEVERAL UPCOMING DRAFT 4RAVEL 0LANS INCLUDING PLANS FOR THE "EAVERHEAD $EERLODGE .ATIONAL &OREST "ITTERROOT .ATIONAL &OREST AND THE !SHLAND $ISTRICT OF THE #USTER .ATIONAL &OREST
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OORDINATOR !DAM 2ISSIEN SETS OUT ON THE "EARTOOTH "ACK #OUNTRY (ORSEMEN RIDE AND TRAIL REPAIR EVENT 0HOTO BY "ONNIE #HEPULIS
7ILDLANDS #02 5TAH /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OOR DINATOR ,AUREL (AGEN COMPLETED WORK ON A STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE EXTENSIVE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL SEE HER ARTICLE ON PAGES 3HE ALSO ASSISTED A LOCAL ORGANIZATION 4HE 5INTAH -OUN TAIN #LUB IN l LING A FORMAL PROTEST OF THE "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENTS 2ESOURCE -ANAGEMENT 0LAN FOR THE 6ERNAL &IELD /Fl CE DUE TO POOR MAN AGEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE )N ADDITION ,AUREL HAS BEEN DRAFTING A STUDY OF USER CONm ICTS BETWEEN OFF ROAD VEHICLES AND QUIET RECREATION USERS IN THE -OAB &IELD /Fl CE 4HE STUDY WILL HIGHLIGHT THE LOW ECONOMIC INPUTS FROM OFF ROAD VEHICLE TOURISM AND THE LOW NUMBER OF INDI VIDUAL OFF ROAD VEHICLE TOURISTS COMPARED TO THE MASSIVE SCALE OF AREA RESOURCES BEING DEDICATED TO OFF ROAD VEHICLE USERS IN THE RECENTLY l NALIZED -OAB 4RAVEL 0LAN
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4HE /RGANIZATION 3POTLIGHT SHARES THE STORIES OF SOME OF THE AWESOME CITIZENS AND ORGANIZATIONS WE WORK WITH BOTH AS A TRIBUTE TO THEM AND AS A WAY OF HIGHLIGHTING SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES AND LESSONS LEARNED 0LEASE E MAIL YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE #ITIZEN 3POTLIGHT TO CATHY WILDLANDSCPRORG
Spotlight on Mattole Restoration Council 7ITH *EREMY 7HEELER %$ "Y #ATHRINE , 7ALTERS
In
A GROUP OF CITIZENS GATHERED UNDER THE LARGEST MADRONE TREE IN THE WORLD SYMBOLICALLY LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REMOTE -ATTOLE WATERSHED ALONG #ALIFORNIAS NORTHERN COAST 4HE -ATTOLES SQUARE MILES ARE REMARKABLY WILD WITH A SPARSELY POPULATED LANDSCAPE OF TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS NATIVE PRAIRIES AND OAK WOODLANDS "UT THE WATERSHED SUFFERED SEVERELY FROM DECADES OF SEDIMENTATION CHOK ING THE VEGETATION AND DEPLETING NATIVE SALMON 4HE CITIZENS UNDER THAT MADRONE TREE WANTED TO SAVE THE AREA AND STARTED A MOVEMENT TO RESTORE THE WATERSHEDS NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROTECT IT 4HUS THE -ATTOLE 2ESTORA TION #OUNCIL -2# WAS BORN ,OCATED IN #ALIFORNIAS h,OST #OASTv REGION APPROXIMATELY MILES NORTH OF 3AN &RANCISCO THE -ATTOLE VALLEY WAS SPARED FROM DEVELOPMENT WHEN THE RUGGED TERRAIN OF THE +ING 2ANGE FORCED BUILDERS OF THE #OASTAL (IGHWAY TO TURN INLAND 4HIS LEFT THE AREA RELATIVELY UNTOUCHED WITH BOUN TIFUL NATIVE SALMON RUNS AND CLEAR RUNNING STREAMS UP UNTIL THE POST 7ORLD 7AR )) TIMBER BOOM
4HE -ATTOLE 2IVER EMPTIES INTO THE 0ACIl C 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
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4HIS USED TO BE A ROAD NOW A TRAIL 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
"EGINNING IN $OUGLAS l R WERE STRIPPED FROM THE -ATTOLES FORESTLANDS AND BY ONLY OF THE ORIGINAL OLD GROWTH FOREST RE MAINED STANDING )N THIS ERA HARVEST OPERATIONS PAID LITTLE ATTENTION TO WATER QUALITY OR HABITAT CONSIDERATIONS 4HOUSANDS OF MILES OF ROADS AND SKID TRAILS DISSECTED THE LANDSCAPE AND HARVESTS OFTEN REMOVED ALL VEGETATION FROM RIPARIAN FOR ESTLANDS )N AND TWO LARGE m OODS HIT THE -ATTOLE AND SENT AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF SEDIMENT INTO THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES 4HE m OODS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED IN STREAM HABITATS THROUGHOUT THE BASIN AND SENT SALMON POPULATIONS PLUMMETING 3TEELHEAD AND SALMON POPULATIONS HAVE DECLINED BY OVER SINCE AND -ATTOLE 2IVER #OHO AND #HINOOK SALMON POPULATIONS ARE NOW FEDERALLY LISTED AS THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION ! ONCE THRIVING l SH ING INDUSTRY HAS ENTIRELY COLLAPSED )N THE EARLY S A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT BEGAN IN THE -ATTOLE 2ESIDENTS WANTED TO SEE THEIR HOME WATERSHED HEAL AFTER REALIZING THAT LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES HAD CAUSED UN INTENDED DECLINES IN NATIVE SALMON RUNS 4HE -ATTOLE 7ATERSHED 3ALMON 3UPPORT 'ROUP NOW
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TIONS AND -2#S SHOWCASE PROGRAM 'OOD 2OADS #LEAR #REEKS '2## TO STORMPROOF ROADS AND STABILIZE STREAM BANKS TO REDUCE SEDIMENT LOADS INTO STREAMS *EREMY SAYS WITH '2## THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED OVER INDIVIDUAL EROSION CONTROL PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED SINCE 4HESE INCLUDE STORMPROOl NG UNPAVED PRIVATE ACCESS ROADS AS WELL AS DECOMMIS SIONING ABANDONED ROADS IMPROVING STREAM CROSS INGS AND STABILIZING LANDSLIDES /NE OF THEIR CURRENT PROJECTS INVOLVES IMPROVING DRAINAGES AND ROADS ON TRIBUTARIES TO THE -ATTOLE 2IVER 3EVERAL MILES OF ROAD HAVE BEEN RESHAPED BY CROWNING AND OUTSLOPING ROAD SEGMENTS .EARLY l FTY CULVERTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ALL DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND YEAR m OOD EVENTS 3OME OF THE MOST EXCITING AND LARGE SCALE '2## PROJECTS WERE REPLACING OLD CULVERTS THAT WERE IMPEDING l SH ACCESS %XCAVATOR WORKING TO RESTORE A ROAD 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2# AND INSTALLING BRIDGES OR BOTTOMLESS PIPE ARCHES 4HESE STRUCTURES ALLOW SALMON AND STEELHEAD TROUT TO FREELY MIGRATE UNDER THE ROAD EXPANDING THEIR SPAWN ING AND REARING HABITAT 4HE '2## PROGRAM CONTINUES TO RUN STRONG TODAY STABILIZING MANY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CUBIC FEET OF THE -ATTOLE 3ALMON 'ROUP FORMED IN TO SEDIMENT EACH YEAR CUBIC YARDS IN PREVENT THE EXTINCTION OF NATIVE SALMON 3OON AFTER THE COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR AN OTHER NON PROl T TO SERVE AS AN UMBRELLA FOR THIS AND OTHER CITIZENS GROUPS THAT WERE ADDRESSING SALMON AND OTHER WATERSHED ISSUES 4HE -AT TOLE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL WAS BORN AND HAVING CELEBRATED THEIR TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR CONTINUES TO WORK FOR THE HEALTH AND RECOVERY OF THE WATERSHED WITH THE VITAL PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND OTHER NON PROl TS &OR MANY YEARS THE -ATTOLE HAS BEEN IDENTI l ED AS A PRIORITY CONSERVATION TARGET DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GENETIC HERITAGE OF THE NATIVE SALMON TRENDS IN WATERSHED RECOVERY AND THE STRONG PRESENCE OF COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVA TION 4HESE SENTIMENTS ARE ENDORSED BY #ALIFOR NIA STATE RESOURCE MANAGERS WHO HAVE TAGGED -ATTOLE SALMON WITH THE HIGHEST RISK OF EXTINC TION BUT ALSO THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY 4HE -ATTOLE 2IVER IS ONE OF ONLY TWO FREE m OWING RIVERS ON THE .ORTH #OAST AND HAS SELF SUSTAIN ING POPULATIONS OF THREE SALMONID SPECIES #HI NOOK SALMON #OHO SALMON AND STEELHEAD TROUT 4HESE POPULATIONS DO NOT HAVE ANY HATCHERY INPUTS AND REMAIN GENETICALLY WILD A RARITY IN #ALIFORNIA AND INCREASINGLY THE WORLD *EREMY 7HEELER -2#S %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR SINCE MOVED TO THE RURAL WATERSHED ELEVEN YEARS AGO h) WAS INTERESTED IN LIVING A MORE RURAL LIFESTYLE AND IN PURSUING WORK THAT INCLUDED A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAND ) BEGAN ATTENDING MEETINGS AND DOING ODD JOBS FOR THE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL IMMEDIATELYv 4O FULl LL THEIR MISSION -2# HAS l VE MAIN PROGRAMS A RESOURCE CENTER EDUCATION PRO GRAMS FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ')3 MAP PING SERVICES IMPROVING FOREST AND RANGE CONDI
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7HEN ASKED HOW THEY FUND ALL THIS GREAT WORK *EREMY REPLIES h!N EX TREMELY IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR OUR WORK HAS BEEN A SERIES OF BOND MEASURES PASSED BY #ALIFORNIA VOTERS TO SUPPORT CLEAN AND AMPLE WATERS IN THE STATEv 4HESE INCLUDE 0ROPOSITIONS AND MOST RECENT LY (E ADDS HOWEVER h7E ARE CONCERNED THAT THE CURRENT STATE BUDGET ISSUES COULD JEOPARDIZE FUTURE STATE FUNDING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATIONv /NE PROPOSED SOLUTION IN THE WORKS IS DEVELOPING A PERMANENT STATE WATERSHED PROTECTION FUND POSSIBLY THROUGH A TAX ON BOTTLED WATER OR OTHER WATER USERS 7HILE l NANCIAL SUPPORT CAN BE CHALLENGING *EREMY BOASTS THAT -ATTOLES DIVERSE COMMUNITY HAS PROVIDED PLENTY OF PUBLIC SUPPORT TO RESTORE THE AREA h4HE RANCHERS RESTORATIONISTS RETIREES FAMILIES TEACHERS WRITERS ARTISTS AGRICULTURALISTS AND THE UNCATEGORIZABLE ALL AGREE THAT THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN NEED OF GOOD CAREFUL STEWARDSHIPv *EREMY CONTINUES TO ENJOY THE RURAL LIFESTYLE AND BUILD HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAND h-Y FAMILY AND ) ENJOY WORKING ON OUR SMALL ORGANIC RANCH WHERE WE RAISE A FEW HEAD OF CATTLE A SMALL ORCHARD AND VEGETA BLE GARDEN 7E LOVE SWIMMING IN THE RIVER AND EXPLORING THE CREEKSv !ND HE ADDS HE PARTICULARLY LOVES INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY MADE UP OF SOME OF THE MOST CAR ING INTERESTING PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT THE -ATTOLE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL AND SUPPORT THEIR WORK PLEASE VISIT WWWMAT TOLEORG
*EREMY 7HEELER 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
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Immigration, Wildlife and the Wall "Y "ETHANIE 7ALDER
In
) SPENT A DELIGHTFUL FEW DAYS BACKPACKING NEAR THE -EXICO5NITED 3TATES BORDER IN /RGAN 0IPE #ACTUS .ATIONAL -ONUMENT 4HERE ARE THREE THINGS )LL NEVER FORGET ABOUT THAT TRIP HAVING OUR LUNCH INTERRUPTED BY THE SONIC BOOM FROM A l GHTER JET m YING VERY NEARBY l NDING WHAT WE THOUGHT WERE JAGUAR TRACKS IN THE SAND AND BEING AWAKENED IN THE NIGHT BY A GROUP OF PEOPLE MOST LIKELY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WALKING NOT FAR FROM OUR TENT WELL OFF THE TRAIL 4HE MIXTURE OF WILDLIFE IMMIGRATION AND MILITARIZATION HAS GOTTEN PROFOUNDLY MORE COMPLEX IN /RGAN 0IPE AND NEARLY A DOZEN OTHER NATIONAL PARKS FORESTS MONUMENTS OR OTHER FEDERAL LANDS EVER SINCE #ONGRESS PASSED THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT IN /CTOBER 4HIS ACT CALLED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BORDER FENCE ON APPROXIMATELY MILES OF ,OOKING ALONG THE WALL 0HOTO BY *AY * *OHNSON #ASTRO 3R THE MILE -EXICO53 BORDER 4HE hFENCEv WOULD BE THE LARGEST SUCH BARRIER IN THE WORLD NOT COUNTING THE 'REAT 7ALL OF #HINA IN ITS WILDLIFE MOVEMENT FOR NUMEROUS THREAT HEYDAY #ONGRESS WAS PURPOSEFUL IN NAMING THIS ENORMOUS BARRIER A hFENCE v TRY ENED OR IMPERILED SPECIES THAT DEPEND ING TO MAKE IT SOUND BENIGN AND SIMPLE "UT IN MANY PLACES ITS NOT A FENCE AT ALL UPON ACCESS TO HABITAT ON BOTH SIDES )TS A WALL NOT UNLIKE THE 'REAT 7ALL OF #HINA THE "ERLIN 7ALL OR MORE RECENTLY THE OF THE BORDER ,OOKING AT PHOTOS OF *ERUSALEM FENCEWALL 4HE 53-EXICO BORDER WALL IS LIKELY THE MOST SIGNIl CANT LIN EAR BARRIER TO PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE TO BE BUILT IN MODERN TIMES )TS NOT SOMETHING WE THE WIDE SWATH OF WALLS FENCES ROADS CAMERAS AND LIGHTING THAT MAKE UP THE SHOULD BE PROUD OF 4HE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT ESPECIALLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2EAL BORDER ) CANNOT IMAGINE HOW A PERSON )$ !CT OF HAS SIGNIl CANTLY EXACERBATED BOTH THE HUMANITARIAN AND ENVIRON LET ALONE A WILD ANIMAL COULD EVER GET MENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF 53 IMMIGRATION POLICY ACROSS THESE BARRIERS AND THE DENUDED LANDS THAT SURROUND THEM )N ADDITION 4HE WALL IS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO KEEP OUT PEOPLE NOT ANIMALS "UT WHILE THE A .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE STUDY WALL APPEARS TO CREATE AN IMPERMEABLE BARRIER TO WILDLIFE MANY STUDIES HAVE FOUND DOCUMENTED EXTRAORDINARY HYDROLOGIC THAT IT DOES NOT DO THE SAME FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS )NSTEAD IT SHIFTS MIGRANTS TO PROBLEMS AND m OODING CAUSED BY THE LESS FORTIl ED AREAS OR ENCOURAGES THEM TO CIRCUMVENT IT FOR EXAMPLE BY BUILDING TUNNELS )N ADDITION BY FORCING MIGRANTS TO MORE REMOTE AREAS THE WALL HAS LED TO A WALLFENCE AT /RGAN 0IPE EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ACCOMODATE SIGNIl CANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF -EXICANS WHO DIE SEEKING A BETTER LIFE BY TRY DESERT HYDROLOGIC SYSTEMS ING TO ENTER THE 5NITED 3TATES 4HE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF CURRENT 53 BORDER POLICY ARE ALSO SEVERE 4HE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AND PROPOSED SECTIONS OF THE WALL ARE CREATING BARRIERS TO
,EFT EROSION OF THE FOUNDATION WALL AND PATROL ROAD CAUSED BY m OODING !BOVE )MPOUNDED BY THE PEDESTRIAN FENCE m OODWATERS FROM (EADQUARTERS 7ASH WHICH NORMALLY m OWS FROM NORTH TO SOUTH m OWED TO THE EAST ALONG THE FENCE AND INTO THE -EXICAN 0ORT OF %NTRY IN 3ONOYTA 3ONORA .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE PHOTOS
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4HE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT DIRECTED THE $EPARTMENT OF (OMELAND 3ECURITY $(3 TO hPROVIDE FOR AT LEAST LAYERS OF REIN FORCED FENCING THE INSTALLATION OF ADDI TIONAL PHYSICAL BARRIERS ROADS LIGHTING CAMERAS AND SENSORSv )N MANY PLACES THE AGENCY HAS CLEARED ALL VEGETATION UP TO FEET ON EITHER SIDE OF THE WALL 4HESE AREAS ARE SO HEAVILY FORTIl ED AND MILITARIZED IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE FOR WILDLIFE TO SURVIVE )N ADDITION THE 2EAL )$ !CT PASSED BEFORE THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT GAVE THE $(3 THE AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ALL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS THAT MIGHT IMPEDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SECURITY BARRIERS !CCORDING TO A #ONGRESSIONAL 2ESEARCH 3ERVICE 2EPORT THE INITIAL LAN GUAGE OF THE ACT ACTUALLY hREQUIREDv THE 3ECRETARY OF THE $(3 TO WAIVE ALL LAWS BUT WAS MODIl ED TO hALLOWv IT
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CONSERVATIONISTS SHOULD HAVE ENGAGED EARLIER AND THEY ARE RIGHT 4HAT SAID THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERS TO THE PROBLEMS ALONG THE BORDER )N !RIZONA #ONGRESS MAN 2AUL 'RIJALVA INTRODUCED THE "ORDERLANDS #ONSERVATION AND 3ECURITY !CT WHICH WOULD REINSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND PROTECT TRIBAL AND CULTURAL RESOURC ES )F IT PASSES IT WILL BE A CRITICAL STEP FORWARD
4RACK OF A *AGUAR 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
!S A RESULT OF BOTH THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT AND THE 2EAL )$ !CT THE $(3 3ECRETARY HAS BEEN GRANTED AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF AUTONOMY FROM ENVIRONMEN TAL LAWS THAT COULD PROTECT WILDLIFE FROM THE IMPACTS OF THIS CONSTRUCTION 7HY THE EXEMPTION "ECAUSE THERE IS ABSO LUTELY NO WAY TO BUILD THIS GRAND MILI TARIZED BORDER ZONE WITHOUT BREAKING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS n THE IMPACTS ARE JUST TOO GREAT 4HE LAWS THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED TO BUILD THE BORDER WALL INCLUDE THE .ATIONAL %NVIRONMENTAL 0OLICY !CT %NDANGERED 3PECIES !CT -IGRATORY "IRD 4REATY !CT #LEAN 7ATER !CT 7ILDERNESS !CT .ATIONAL (ISTORIC 0RESERVATION !CT AND MANY MANY OTHERS 7AIVING ALL OF THESE ENVIRONMEN TAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS IS PUTTING DOZENS OF SPECIES AT RISK OF EXTINCTION OR EXTIRPATION FROM THE 5NITED 3TATES INCLUDING JAGUARS -EXICAN GRAY WOLVES OCELOTS m AT TAILED HORNED LIZARDS 3ONORAN PRONGHORN #HIRICAHUA LEOPARD FROGS AND MORE /CELOTS FOR EXAMPLE APPARENTLY NUMBER LESS THAN ALONG THE 2IO 'RANDE AND MUST HAVE ACCESS TO THE LARGER POPULATION IN -EXICO TO PREVENT INBREEDING THE BORDER WALL WILL SEVER WHATEVER HABITAT CONNECTIVITY CURRENTLY EXISTS 3IMILARLY ONLY ABOUT 3ONORAN PRONGHORN STILL EXIST ON THE 53 SIDE OF /RGAN 0IPE !ND WHAT ABOUT THOSE POSSIBLE JAGUAR TRACKS THAT MY FRIEND AND ) SAW BACK IN )TS MOST LIKELY THAT THE ANIMAL HAD COME FROM -EXICO SINCE JAGUAR WERE EXTIRPATED FROM THE DESERT SOUTHWEST IN THE LATE S THOUGH OCCASIONAL SIGHTINGS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN FROM LONE -EXICAN DISPERSERS EXPLORING NEW TERRITORY )MMIGRATION REFORM IS A DAUNTING ISSUE FACING THE #ONGRESS AS WELL AS IM MIGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS )N THE LAST FEW YEARS CONSERVATIONISTS HAVE ALSO ENGAGED IN THIS COMPLEX DEBATE BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE IMPACTS CURRENT IMMIGRATION POLICIES HAVE ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND WATER %NVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES ARGUE THAT TRADITIONAL
5NTIL MORE COMPREHENSIVE HUMANITARIAN AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS IMMI GRATION REFORM IS ADOPTED AND LETS HOPE IT IS ADOPTED SOON WE MUST REQUEST AT THE LEAST IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS ALONG THE BORDER 4OO MUCH IS AT RISK FOR BOTH NATURAL AREAS AND IMMIGRANTS ALIKE TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT INEFFECTIVE DAMAGING POLICY $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE #ENTER FOR "IOLOGICAL $IVERSITY 3IERRA #LUB "ORDER !MBASSADORS .O "ORDER 7ALL AND MANY OTHER ADVO CACY GROUPS ARE WORKING TO STOP THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND TO ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESS THIS CHALLENGE )LL GO HIKING IN THE AMAZINGLY RICH AND COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS ALONG THE BORDER AGAIN BUT ) UNDERSTAND THAT SOME DONT LOOK LIKE THEY DID WHEN ) WAS LAST THERE )N ADDITION TO THE WALLS THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIl CANT DAMAGE FROM BOTH MIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DRIVING VEHICLES OFF ROAD ) HOPE THAT THE NEXT TIME )M THERE )LL HAVE A CHANCE TO HAPPEN ACROSS JAGUAR TRACKS OR AN OCELOT OR A m AT TAILED LIZARD BECAUSE WE NO LONGER HAVE A FORTIl ED WALL DIVIDING TWO COUNTRIES TWO PEOPLES AND ONE ECOSYSTEM
/RGAN 0IPE .ATIONAL -ONUMENT 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
References and Resources "ORDER !MBASSADORS PROVIDES INFORMATION MEETINGS BORDER WALKS AND DISCUSSIONS FOR PEOPLE WORKING TO CHALLENGE THE BORDER WALL HTTP WWWBORDERAMBASSADORSCOM #ENTER FOR "IOLOGICAL $IVERSITY 4HE #ENTER HAS INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIES THAT ARE THREATENED BY EXISTING AND PROPOSED SECTIONS OF THE BORDER WALL IN ADDITION TO POLICY INFORMATION $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE HAS A PROGRAM DEDICATED TO REFORMING BORDER LEGISLATION THEIR WEBSITE INCLUDES FACT SHEETS AND ECOLOGICAL POLICY RESOURCES HTTPWWWBIOLOGICALDIVERSITYORGPROGRAMS INTERNATIONALMEXICOHTML .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE %FFECTS OF THE )NTERNATIONAL "OUNDARY 0EDESTRIAN &ENCE IN THE 6ICINITY OF ,UKEVILLE !RIZONA ON $RAINAGE 3YSTEMS AND )NFRASTRUCTURE /RGAN 0IPE #ACTUS .ATIONAL -ONUMENT !RIZONA /0#.- !JO !: !UGUST .O 4EXAS "ORDER 7ALL 4HIS WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION EXPLAINING WHAT THE ECOLOGICAL AND HUMANITARIAN IMPACTS OF THE BORDER WALL AND PROVIDING KEY LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES HTTPWWWNOTEXASBORDERWALL COM .U×EZ .ETO "LAS AND -ICHAEL *OHN 'ARCIA "ORDER 3ECURITY "ARRIERS ALONG THE 53 )NTERNATIONAL "ORDER #ONGRESSIONAL 2ESEARCH 3ERVICE 2EPORT FOR #ONGRESS #ODE 2, 7ASHINGTON $# 3EGEE "RIAN AND *ENNY .EELEY /N THE ,INE 4HE IMPACTS OF IMMIGRATION POLICY ON WILDLIFE AND HABITAT IN THE !RIZONA BORDERLANDS $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE 7ASHINGTON $#
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GAO Blasts Plum Creek - Forest Service Backroom Deal /N /CTOBER THE 'OVERNMENT !CCOUNTABILITY /Fl CE '!/ RELEASED A DETAILED LETTER TAKING THE &OREST 3ERVICE AND 0LUM #REEK TO TASK FOR THEIR BACKROOM DEALINGS TO RENEGOTIATE THOUSANDS OF MILES OF ROAD RIGHTS OF WAY TO ALLOW FOR RESIDEN TIAL DEVELOPMENT ON 0LUM #REEK ,ANDS 4HE RIGHTS OF WAY WERE ORIGINALLY GRANTED IN THE S FOR TIMBER HARVEST PURPOSES "UT 0LUM #REEK 4IMBER #OMPANY THE NATIONS LARGEST PRIVATE TIMBERLAND HOLDER WITH MORE THAN MILLION ACRES BECAME A 2EAL %STATE )NVESTMENT 4RUST 2%)4 IN AND DECIDED THEY COULD MAKE MORE MONEY SELLING LAND THAN SELLING LOGS 7HILE THE REAL ESTATE MARKET MAY NOT BE PARTICULARLY HOT RIGHT NOW THE LACK OF CLEAR ROAD EASE MENTS FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT WAS DEl NITELY PUTTING A KINK IN 0LUM #REEKS LONG TERM PLANS 0LUM #REEK FOUND A FRIENDLY EAR IN -ARK 2EY 5NDERSEC RETARY OF !GRICULTURE IN CHARGE OF THE &OREST 3ERVICE 4HUS BEGAN THE SECRET NEGOTIATIONS WHICH WERE EVENTUALLY MADE PUBLIC IN !PRIL "ECAUSE OF THE PROFOUND IMPACT THIS EASEMENT RENEGOTIATION WOULD HAVE ON CHECKERBOARD LANDS IN THE WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE IN -ONTANA 53 3ENATOR *OHN 4ESTER REQUESTED THAT THE '!/ CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE LEGALITY OF THE RENEGOTIATION 4HE LETTER PROVIDES AN INITIAL RESPONSE TO THAT REQUEST BUT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGAL l ND ING 4HE LETTER PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT HISTORY OF THE SITUATION AND THE FOOTNOTES PROVIDE STRONG LEGAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE RENEGOTIATION (ERES THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH WHICH DEl NITELY MAKES THE TONE OF THE LETTER CLEAR &24! &OREST 2OADS AND 4RAILS !CT OF h4HE DRAFT EASEMENT AMENDMENT WOULD ESTABLISH 53$!S POSITION THAT ALL &24! EASEMENTS ACROSS THE WEST MEETING THE TEMPLATE LANGUAGE PROVIDE FOR ACCESS AS STATED IN THE AMEND MENT 53$! HAS THUS FAR FOREGONE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE ALTERNATIVES FOR ADDRESSING THIS HIGHLY COMPLICATED MATTER IN A SYSTEMATIC PUBLIC WAY WHETHER BY CARRYING OUT AN ANALY SIS UNDER .%0! OR DOING SO IN SOME OTHER FASHION 53$!S APPROACH HAS ALSO DEPRIVED IT OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE PUBLICS VIEWS ON A MATTER OF INTENSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN A MANNER THAT MIGHT MEANINGFULLY INFORM THE AGENCYS DECISION AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLAY PUBLIC CONFUSION OVER THE AGENCYS CURRENT &24! EASEMENT MANAGEMENT POLICIESv 3TAY TUNED TO 7ILDLANDS #02S WEBSITE TO STAY INFORMED ON THIS STORY WHICH DEl NITELY AFFECTS RIGHTS OF WAY ISSUES NATIONALLY NOT JUST IN -ONTANA
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#ONGRESSIONAL SCRUTINY OF 0LUM #REEKS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE &OREST 3ERVICE MAY HELP LEAD TO RENEGOTIATION OF THEIR ROAD EASEMENTS WITH A POTENTIAL FOR NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
UtahÕs Republican Governor Calls ORV Abuse Òan AbominationÓ 5TAHS GOVERNOR 2EPUBLICAN *OHN (UNTSMAN TOLD THE 3ALT ,AKE 4RIBUNE IN A RECENT INTERVIEW THAT HE HAD WITNESSED EX TENSIVE /26 ABUSE IN 5TAH AND THAT hA CRACKDOWN IS COMINGv !S REPORTED BY 2OBERT 'EHRKE OF THE 4RIBUNE 'OVERNOR (UNTSMAN VISITED PUBLIC LANDS AROUND -OAB WITH A REPRESEN TATIVE OF THE 3OUTHERN 5TAH 7ILDERNESS !LLIANCE 2EFERRING TO THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY ILLEGAL OFF TRAIL RIDING THE 'OVERNOR SAID h)TS AN ABOMINATION ITS AN EMBARRASSMENTv (E SAID THAT HES DIRECTED STATE OFl CIALS TO ENFORCE RESTRICTIONS ON OFF ROAD TRAVEL ! 3ALT ,AKE 4RIBUNE EDITORIAL CALLED THE MOVE A GOOD BEGINNING BUT SAID IT NEEDED TO GO FURTHER AND IN ITS OWN EDI TORIAL THE 0ROVO $AILY (ERALD CONGRATULATED THE 'OVERNOR
ORV Groups Withdraw Lawsuit Over Upper Tellico OHV Area *UST IN TIME TO SAVE FACE THE "LUE 2IBBON #OALITION "2# AND OTHER MOTORIZED ADVOCACY GROUPS WITHDREW A LAWSUIT THEY HAD l LED CHALLENGING A &OREST 3ERVICE DECISION TO CLOSE DAMAGED AREAS WITHIN THE 5PPER 4ELLICO /(6 AREA 4HE AGEN CY HAD ALREADY ASKED THE COURT TO DISMISS THE CASE AS GROUND LESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS WERE SEEKING TO INTERVENE IN THE CASE TO ADD THEIR SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT 4HE &OREST 3ERVICE SAID IT WOULD CONTINUE ITS ONGOING .%0! EVALUATION OF THE FUTURE OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE IN THE 4ELLICO AREA 7ILD 3OUTH HAS BEEN WORKING ON THE ISSUE WITH 3OUTHERN %NVIRONMENTAL ,AW #ENTER 4ROUT 5NLIMITED AND 0%%2 &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWWWILDSOUTHORG
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University Profs Recommend Broader View of Restoration /N 3EPTEMBER THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA &ORESTRY 3CHOOL RELEASED A REPORT TO 3ENATOR *OHN 4ESTER $ -4 REGARDING THE STATE OF &OREST 3ERVICE MANAGEMENT 4HE REPORT WAS PRESENTED AS PART OF THE ND ANNUAL 0UBLIC ,AND ,AW #ONFERENCE IN -ISSOULA 4ITLED h4HE .ATIONAL &ORESTS 0OLICY !SSESSMENT v IT INCLUDES SEVEN KEY l NDINGS s ,AWMAKERS SHOULD REINVEST IN THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FORESTS AND FUND THE 53&3 AT LEVELS COMMENSURATE WITH ITS RESPONSIBILITIES s 4HERE IS BROAD BASED NATIONAL AND STATE LEVEL SUPPORT FOR ADMINISTRATIVELY PROTECTING INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREAS AND THESE LANDS SHOULD BE PROTECTED ACCORDINGLY s 4HE FOREST PLANNING REGULATIONS FAIL TO l ND AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE BETWEEN ADAPTABILITY AND ENFORCEABLE STANDARDS AND SHOULD BE REWRITTEN s 0RIVATE LAND DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO NATIONAL FORESTS IS AN INCREASING PROBLEM THAT MUST BE SYSTEMATICALLY CON FRONTED VIA AN ASSORTMENT OF POLICY APPROACHES AND TOOLS FROM FULLY FUNDED LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAMS TO LANDSCAPE LEVEL PLANNING INITIATIVES s &OREST RESTORATION BEGINS WITH COMPREHENSIVE TRANS PORTATION PLANNING THAT IDENTIl ES AND FUNDS UPGRADING MAIN TENANCE OR DECOMMISSIONING FOREST ROADS s ,EGAL STANDARDS MUST PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT )NCREASING CONm ICT AND UNCERTAINTY HAS LED TO ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF CONm ICT RESOLUTION INCLUDING PLACE BASED FOREST SPECIl C LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS 3EVERAL QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED BEFORE THESE APPROACHES ARE REPLICATED ELSEWHERE 4HEIR FORMATION SHOULD BE AS TRANS PARENT AND INCLUSIVE AS FOUND IN EXISTING DECISION MAKING PROCESSES s ! COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST POLICY AND MANAGEMENT BY AN INCLUSIVE SET OF INTERESTS AND PERSPEC TIVES SHOULD BE INITIATED IN !CCORDING TO THE AUTHORS 3ENATOR 4ESTER REQUESTED THE REPORT IN *ANUARY AS AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED ISSUES FACING THE &OREST 3ERVICE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS DELIGHTED THAT THE ASSESSMENT ADDRESSES BOTH OF OUR KEY ISSUES n RESTO RATION AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE )N ADDITION WEVE LONG ARGUED THAT THE DEBATE OVER FOR EST RESTORATION HAS GOTTEN UNNECESSARILY STUCK ON QUESTIONS REGARDING TIMBER MANAGEMENT INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING LARGER WATERSHED ISSUES 4HE AUTHORS ECHO THIS CONCERN IN THE RESTO RATION SECTION WHERE THEY STATE THAT hEVEN THOUGH THE GOALS OF FOREST RESTORATION ACTIVITIES CAN BE QUITE BROAD THE FOCUS OF FOREST RESTORATION PROJECTS FREQUENTLY RETURNS TO A RELATIVELY NARROW OBJECTIVE OF TREATING FOREST FUELSv 4HE AUTHORS ALSO ADDRESS SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITH OFF ROAD VEHICLE RECREATION ARGUING THAT OFF ROAD VEHICLE MANAGE MENT IS THE MOST hVIRULENT CONTROVERSYv FACING &OREST 3ERVICE RECREATION MANAGERS AND THAT THE AGENCY DOES NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ENFORCE INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES
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!S FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS BEGIN TO EMBRACE THE NOTION OF RESTORATION 7ILDLANDS #02 WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR INCORPORATING ROAD REMOVAL AS A KEY ELEMENT (ERE -ONTANA #ONSERVATION #ORPS REVEGETATES A REMOVED ROAD AND LANDING 0HOTO BY !DAM 3WITALSKI
Forest Service Issues Interim Directive on Ecological Restoration /N 3EPTEMBER &OREST 3ERVICE #HIEF 'AIL +IMBALL IS SUED AN INTERIM DIRECTIVE ON ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION )NTERIM $IRECTIVE )$ &3- %COLOGICAL 2ESTORATION AND 2ESIL IENCE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS PLEASED TO SEE THIS DIRECTIVE FROM THE AGENCY ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE AN hOVERARCHING AND UNIFYING POLICY AND DEl NITION OF RESTORATION FOR AGENCY EMPLOYEES AND PARTNERSv 4HE DIRECTIVE WILL BE VALID FOR MONTHS AS THE AGENCY TESTS IT ON THE GROUND AND A l NAL DIRECTIVE WILL THEN BE DEVELOPED AFTER TRIBAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT 7E ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED BY THE AGENCYS DEl NITION OF RESTORATION 4HE PROCESS OF ASSISTING THE RECOVERY OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF ECOSYSTEMS THAT HAVE BEEN DEGRADED DAMAGED OR DESTROYED 2ESTORATION FOCUSES ON ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION STRUCTURE PATTERN AND ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES NECESSARY TO MAKE TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT AND HEALTHY UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE CONDITIONS 4HIS DEl NITION COVERS THE BROAD RANGE OF RESTORATION NEEDS THAT MANY OF US FEEL MUST BE ADDRESSED ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE &INALLY MUCH OF WHAT IS IN THE DIRECTIVE l TS NICELY WITH THE EFFORTS OF THE -ONTANA &OREST 2ESTORATION #OMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS 7ILDLANDS #02 LOOKS FOR WARD TO ENGAGING WITH THE &OREST 3ERVICE AS THEY IMPLEMENT AND l NE TUNE THIS DIRECTIVE OVER THE NEXT MONTHS
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HE SEASONS ARE CHANGING ONCE AGAIN AND WERE ALL TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LAST FEW WARM AND SUNNY DAYS THAT HAVE BEEN SPRINKLED INTO THE TYPICAL .OVEMBER CLOUDS AND COLDx "UT WITH SO MUCH GOING ON IN THE OFl CE AND THE DAYLIGHT HOURS SHRINKING INTO WINTER ITS HARD TO GET OUTSIDE TO SEE THE SUN 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT PROGRAMS WEVE BEEN SPENDING ALL THOSE OFl CE HOURS ON CHECK OUT 'ET 7ITH THE 0ROGRAM ON PAGES
7ELCOME
4HIS FALL WEVE GOT A NEW INTERN WORKING ON A PROJECT FOR US "ETH 'IBSON IS WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW ABOUT THE ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES ON COASTAL AND DUNE ECOSYSTEMS "ETH IS WORKING ON HER -ASTERS IN %NVIRONMENTAL 3TUDIES AT THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA 7ELCOME AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS OF YOUR WORK
(ATE TO SEE YOU GO
'REG &ISHBEIN HAS BEEN A STELLAR BOARD MEMBER FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS (ES A BRILLIANT STRATEGIST EXPERT THINKER AND ALL AROUND AMAZING PERSON TO HAVE ON OUR BOARD /FTEN AS WE SAT IN BOARD MEETINGS DISCUSSING STRATEGIC PLANNING OR SPECIl C PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 'REG WOULD BE QUIETLY SCRIBBLING AWAY ON HIS NOTEPAD DISTILL ING THE CONVERSATION INTO hPOWERPOINTv TYPE OUTLINES THAT HELPED US CRYSTALLIZE WHAT DIRECTION WE WANTED TO GO !ND IN BETWEEN THOSE SESSIONS HE WAS ALWAYS THE l RST ONE OUT OF HIS CHAIR DURING OUR LENGTHIER BREAKS USUALLY ALONG WITH FORMER BOARD MEMBER $AVE (AVLICK TO SEE IF THEY COULD BAG THE TALLEST NEARBY PEAK AND STILL GET BACK IN TIME FOR DINNER 4HEY ALMOST ALWAYS BAGGED THE PEAK THOUGH THEY WERE RARELY BACK IN TIME FOR DINNER 'REG IS THE $IRECTOR OF #ONSERVATION &INANCE AND 0LANNING FOR 4HE .ATURE #ONSERVANCY WHERE HE WORKS ON MANY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 7ERE LOOKING FORWARD TO KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH HIM EVEN THOUGH HES TERM LIMITED OUT FROM OUR BOARD 4HANKS FOR EVERYTHING 'REG IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE AND HONOR TO HAVE YOU ON THE BOARD 7E EXPECT TO ANNOUNCE SEVERAL NEW ADDITIONS TO THE BOARD IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF OUR NEWSLETTER
2AFm E
)N .OVEMBER WE HELD OUR l RST EVER RAFm E FOR A COMPLETE SET OF THE COLLEC TORS EDITION OF OUR BOOK ! 2OAD 2UNS 4HROUGH )T )N CONJUNCTION WITH THE RAFm E WE HELD A PARTYDRAWING ON .O VEMBER HERE IN -ISSOULA WHICH WAS A FANTASTIC EVENT (UNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAME TO THE PARTY MANY PEOPLE BOUGHT RAFm E TICKETS AND THE GRAND PRIZE WAS WON BY A LOCAL -ISSOULIAN WHO BOUGHT HIS TICKET THAT NIGHT 4HANKS SO MUCH TO 'EOFF 3UTTON #LAIRE %MERY :OOTOWN "REW AND EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT RAFm E TICKETS FOR THE BOOK 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLECTORS EDITION #LAIRES MATCHING WOODCUT ENGRAVINGS OR THE BOOK ITSELF VISIT OUR WEBSITE
4HANKS
! BIG THANK YOU TO THE .EW ,AND .ATIONAL &OREST AND 0AGE &OUNDATIONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS GIFTS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK )N ADDITION WED LIKE TO THANK EV ERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO 7ILDLANDS #02S ANNUAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN 7E KNOW l NANCIAL TIMES ARE TOUGH RIGHT NOW BUT 7ILDLANDS #02 REMAINS AN EX CELLENT INVESTMENT 9OUR DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO OUR WORK TO BUILD A RESTORA TION ECONOMY RESTORE DEGRADED WATER SHEDS STOP OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE AND OTHERWISE ENSURE THAT TRANSPORTATION IN WILDLAND ECOSYSTEMS IS AS BENIGN AS POSSIBLE /UR EFFORTS ESPECIALLY TO BUILD A RESTORATION ECONOMY ARE EXTREMELY RELEVANT IN THIS UNSTABLE l NANCIAL PERIOD AND WE HOPE THAT DECISION MAK ERS AND CITIZENS ALIKE CONTINUE TO BE INTERESTED IN THIS INNOVATIVE EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE GOOD JOBS AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AT THE SAME TIME
)TS TIME TO CONTEMPLATE WINTERS STILLNESS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
22
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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4HANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 23
/RGAN 0IPE .ATIONAL -UNUMENT 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
Non-profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID MISSOULA MT, 59801 PERMIT NO. 569
/NLY TRAILS BELONG TO THE DEEP FORESTS A ROAD INTO A WILD REGION IS THE PRELUDE TO ITS DESTRUCTION ITS FORESTS ITS SCENERY AND ITS WILDLIFE 2OSALIE %DGE
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The Paiute All-Terrain Vehicle Trail "Y ,AUREL (AGEN h(AVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL NEAR 2ICHl ELD v THE STAFFER ASKED LEANING OVER THE POLISHED CONFERENCE TABLE h4HEYVE REALLY SOLVED A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS YOURE TALKING ABOUT -AYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO MAKING SOMETHING LIKE THATv
h9OU MEAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE WE SHOULD MARK OUT A HUGE !46 TRAIL SYSTEM AND INVITE TOURISTS TO COME TO IT v ) ASKED h(AVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL v
h.O v HE ADMITTED h) JUST HEARD ABOUT IT FROM THE &OREST 3ERVICE AND SOME OF THE FOLKS DOWN THERE 3OUNDS LIKE THEYVE GOT SOMETHING PRETTY GOOD GOING ONv
) RESISTED KICKING HIM UNDER THE TABLE AS ) WAS WEARING OPEN TOED SHOES !ND SO IT GOES
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Threats and Opportunities in Transportation Funding
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VERY SIX YEARS OR SO THE #ONGRESS REAUTHORIZES FUNDING FOR &EDERAL (IGHWAYS !DMINISTRATION &(7! SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS )N HIGHWAYS FUND ING CHANGED SOMEWHAT DRAMATICALLY WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE )NTERMODAL 3URFACE 4RANSPORTATION %Fl CIENCY !CT COMMONLY KNOWN AS )34%! AND YES PRONOUNCED ICE TEA #ONGRESS LIKES A CATCHY MONIKER SO THE NEXT BILL APPROXIMATELY YEARS LATER WAS CALLED 4%! WHILE THE CURRENT AUTHORIZATION NOW IN ITS LAST YEAR IS KNOWN AS 3!&%4%! ,5 )34%! WAS REMARKABLE BECAUSE OF THE FUNDING IT PROVIDING FOR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTA TION INCLUDING MASS TRANSIT TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS AND OTHER MORE PROGRESSIVE POLICIES )T WAS ALSO THE l RST TIME THE 2ECREATIONAL 4RAILS 0ROGRAM WAS FUNDED PROVIDING MILLIONS FOR MOTORIZED AND NONMOTORIZED TRAIL DEVELOPMENT "UT WELL SAVE THAT TOPIC FOR ANOTHER TIME 3!&%4%! ,5 IS SET TO EXPIRE IN AND #ONGRESS HAS BEGUN HEARINGS ON THE NEXT ROUND !PPARENTLY THERE IS SOME INTEREST IN MOVING BEYOND THE 4%! ACRONYMS AND COM PLETELY RESTRUCTURING THE ENTIRE HIGHWAYS FUNDING PROCESS 3OME ARE SAYING THE NEWEST BILL WILL BE CALLED 'REEN (IGHWAYS OR IF THEY ARENT READY TO MOVE ON '2%%. 4%! 2EGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY CALL THE NEW BILL THE &(7! IS BROKE &EDERAL GAS TAXES APPAR ENTLY HAVENT BEEN RAISED IN DECADES AND TAX REVENUES HAVE DROPPED EVEN FURTHER AS PEO PLE DRIVE LESS AND RELY MORE ON MASS TRANSIT AND MORE EFl CIENT CARS .O LONGER DO THESE TAXES PROVIDE ENOUGH FUNDING TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP OUR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE %VEN BEFORE THE &(7! WENT BROKE ADVOCATES OF hSMALL GOVERNMENTv WERE SALIVATING AT THE IDEA OF PRIVATIZING MANY OF OUR PUBLIC HIGHWAYS 7HILE THIS PROVIDES FUNDING UP FRONT TO FEDERAL OR STATE TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS THAT IS EXCHANGED FOR CONTROL OF ROADS AND THE TOLLS CHARGED TO USE THEM )N ADDITION PRIVATE COMPANIES HAVE ONE PRIORITY IN MANAGING THESE ROADS SECURING A PROl T FOR THEIR INVESTORS POTENTIALLY LEADING THEM TO ABANDON ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION 4ERMS FOR MANY EXPERIMENTAL PRIVATE HIGHWAYS IN THE 53 RANGE FROM YEARS -ANY STATE $EPARTMENTS OF 4RANSPORTATION ARE CONSIDERING INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MITIGATION AND OTHER EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF HIGHWAYS ON THE ENVIRON MENT AND RESTORE HABITAT CONNECTIVITY FOR AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL SPECIES 3UCH FORWARD THINKING l TS IN WELL WITH A hGREEN HIGHWAYSv BILL BUT NOT SO WELL IN A SYSTEM OF LARGELY PRIVATIZED HIGHWAYS )TS NOT THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COULDNT REQUIRE ENVIRONMEN TAL ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION FOR PRIVATE HIGHWAYS BUT WHO WOULD PAY )F !MERICANS WANT TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO BE LESS ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGING THEN WE MUST BE WILL ING TO PAY FOR IT MOST LIKELY THROUGH INCREASED GAS TAXES 7HEN FUEL PRICES APPROACHED OR EXCEEDED GALLON THIS SUMMER PEOPLE GOT SERI OUS ABOUT CONSERVING FUEL AND l NDING MORE EFl CIENT TRANSPORTATION .OW THE PRICE HAS DROPPED BY HALF IN PART BECAUSE OIL COMPANIES DO NOT WANT CONSERVATION AND ALTERNA TIVE FUELS TO REDUCE THEIR PROl TS AND THEY KNOW THAT HIGH PRICES WILL STIMULATE CONSERVA TION AND HIGHER EFl CIENCY VEHICLES 4HATS PRECISELY WHY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD INCREASE GAS TAXES AND DEDICATE A SIGNIl CANT PORTION OF THAT INCREASED REVENUE TO ENVIRON MENTAL MITIGATION AND RESTORING TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS 0RIVATIZING PUBLIC ROADS WILL NOT ENABLE THE &(7! TO IMPLEMENT REAL GREEN IMPROVEMENTS IN HIGHWAYS EVEN IF THEY INTEND TO DO SO AND REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY END UP NAMING THEIR NEXT HIGHWAYS BILL
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
The Paiute All-Terrain Vehicle Trail "Y ,AUREL (AGEN
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OCATED IN CENTRAL 5TAH 4HE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL 04 IS A LARGE NETWORK OF ROADS AND hMOTORIZED TRAILSv THAT HAVE BEEN LINKED AND PROMOTED FOR OFF ROAD VEHICLE RECREATION 04 ROUTES RANGE FROM CUSTOM DE SIGNED !46 ONLY TRACKS TO PAVED ROADS THROUGH SMALL TOWNS THE MAJORITY OF THE 04 USES ORDINARY DIRT ROADS ON FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS SHARING THEM WITH GENERAL TRAFl C -OST OF THE 04 IS LOCATED ON LANDS WITHIN THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST AND PARTS OF NEARBY "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT ",- LANDS 4HE ROUTE ALSO CROSSES STATE PRIVATE AND TOWN LANDS )TS HARD TO GET AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF THE 04S SIZE OFl CIALS ESTIMATES RANGE BETWEEN AND TOTAL MILES !S ONE OFF ROADING WEBSITE ATVUTAHCOM SAYS THE 04 IS hA TRAIL SYSTEM WITH NO BEGINNING AND NO ENDv 4HIS ENDLESS SYSTEM IS NOT UNIQUE BUT ITS OLDER THAN MOST )N THE LATE S THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST AND NEARBY ",- OFl CES BEGAN MAPPING OUT A NETWORK OF !46 TRAILS )N THE &ISHLAKE ANNOUNCED THE CREATION OF THE 04 PUBLISHING MAPS SIGNS AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AND MAKING PLANS TO EXPAND THE SYSTEM 4HE AGENCIES INITIALLY BUILT NO NEW ROADS AND SO DID NOT CONDUCT A FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OR PUBLIC REVIEW -ANY !46 FACILITIES NEW MOTORIZED TRAILS AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE 04 SINCE THEN (OWEVER ASIDE FROM A FEW SMALL PROJECT ASSESSMENTS THE 04 AS A WHOLE DID NOT UNDERGO ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW UNTIL WHEN THE &ISHLAKE REVIEWED THEIR ENTIRE ROAD SYSTEM AS PART OF FORESTWIDE TRAVEL PLANNING 4HE MAJOR FORCE BEHIND THE 04 IS THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE LOCAL 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL #OMMITTEE )N MANY ARENAS SUCH AS GRANT APPLICATIONS THE &ISHLAKE AND THE #OMMITTEE ACT AS ONE IN ITS EARLY DAYS THE CONTACT AD DRESS FOR THE #OMMITTEE WAS CO THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE 2ICHl ELD ",- l ELD OFl CE WITH FEWER 04 MILES UNDER ITS JURISDICTION IS A LESSER BUT STILL ACTIVE PARTNER &UNDING FOR THE 04 INCLUD ING FUNDS FOR ROUTE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EDUCATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COMES FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES 4HE &OR EST 3ERVICE ITSELF CONTRIBUTES SIGNIl CANT STAFF TIME AND FUNDS OUT OF ITS GENERAL BUDGET 4HE 5TAH 3TATE 0ARKS $EPARTMENT CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN A YEAR WITH A MATCHING GRANT FOR !46 RANGERS AND ROUTE MAINTE NANCE .EARBY TOWNS AND COUN TIES PAY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVERTISING ROAD MAINTENANCE AND SEARCH AND RESCUE
The Idea Spreads !46 ADVOCATES ACROSS 5TAH AND BEYOND BOAST OF THE 04S ECONOMIC AND GENERAL SUCCESS 4HE HEAD OF THE .ATIONAL /FF (IGHWAY 6EHICLE #ONSERVATION #OUNCIL USED IT AS AN EXAMPLE OF GOOD hACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF /(6 RECREATIONv IN CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY ON OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE IN *UNE /NE 3IERRA #LUB BRIEF NOTES h0ROPONENTS OF THE 3HOSHONE !46 4RAIL HAVE REPEATEDLY TOUTED SOUTHERN 5TAHS 0AIUTE 4RAIL AS A SUCCESSFUL !46 TRAIL SYSTEM ON WHICH THE 3HOSHONE 4RAIL WOULD BE MODELEDv 4HE SOURCE OF THESE GLOWING REPORTS IS NOT HARD TO PINPOINT ITS PRIMARILY THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF THE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST -AX 2EID .ATURAL 2ESOURCES 3PECIALIST FOR THE &ISHLAKE PUT IT THIS WAY IN A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL 2ANGERS 0ROGRAM IN h7E GET CALLSxWANTING TO KNOW HOW WE DID IT 7E HAVE PARTICIPATED IN /(6 WORKSHOPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TELLING THE 0AIUTE STORYv 4HE &ISHLAKE ALSO DISTRIBUTES AN INFORMAL ANALYSIS OF THE 04S IMPACTS TO LOCAL ECONOMIES CLAIMING THAT THE 04 BRINGS OVER MILLION A YEAR TO SMALL TOWNS IN THE AREA 'IVEN THE 04S REPUTATION ITS WORTH A CLOSER LOOK TO l ND OUT WHETHER THESE CLAIMS ARE TRUE $OES THE 04 REALLY HAVE ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC BENEl TS (AVE LAND MANAGERS FULl LLED THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND MAKE DECISIONS IN A BALANCED AND WELL INFORMED MANNER
Costs and BeneÞts 7HEN OFF ROAD VEHICLE ADVOCATES TALK ABOUT THE BENEl TS OF !46 TRAILS THEY FREQUENTLY CITE TOURISM DOLLARS -OST OF THESE CLAIMS CAN BE TRACED BACK TO AN INFORMAL hECONOMIC WHITE PAPERv WRITTEN BY -AX 2EID
4HE &ISHLAKE .ATIONAL &OREST SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR CLEARLY MARKING CLOSED TRAILS 0HOTO BY $AN 3CHRODER
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
(OWEVER THE PAPERS CONCLUSIONS WHILE APPEARING REASONABLE DONT STAND UP TO ANALY SIS 4HE STUDY USED UNRELIABLE METHODS AND PRODUCED CONm ICTING DATA WHICH WAS THEN INTERPRETED SUBJECTIVELY %STIMATES OF 04 VISITORS ARE OVERSTATED TOURISM SPENDING LEVELS ARE AT TRIBUTED TO MANY LOCAL USERS AND THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS METHOD IS UNORTHODOX ;SEE SIDEBAR ON PAGE FOR MORE DETAIL=
3
The Motivation Behind the Curtain
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Protecting the Environment with ATV Trails .OW WE RETURN TO THE STAFFERS SUGGESTION THAT WE SHOULD CREATE OFF ROAD VEHICLE PLAY AREAS IN ORDER TO CORRAL DAMAGE 5SERS DRIVE OFF ROAD AND CREATE NEW ROUTES SO THIS REASONING GOES BECAUSE EXISTING ROUTES DO NOT PROVIDE SATISFACTORY RIDING OPPORTUNITIES 4HEREFORE IF WE CREATE A LARGE ENOUGH ROUTE SYSTEM OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE WILL BE NEGLIGIBLE
(ERES SOMETHING CURIOUS THE OSTENSIBLE REASONS FOR CREATING THE 04 WERE CURBING OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE AND BRINGING MONEY TO LOCAL ECONOMIES "UT IN !46S WERE A BLIP ON THE RADAR AS AN ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL FACTOR
$OES THIS HOLD UP /NE OF THE FEW OBJECTIVE WAYS TO MEASURE OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE IS TO LOOK AT THE &OREST 3ERVICES OWN INVENTORY OF USER CREATED ROUTES ! INVENTORY FOUND MILES OF UNAUTHORIZED ROADS OVER THE &ISHLAKES MILLION ACRES )N COMPARISON THE NEIGHBOR ING $IXIE .ATIONAL &OREST FOUND MILES OF UNAUTHORIZED ROUTE OVER AL MOST MILLION ACRES A SLIGHTLY LOWER 4HE 0AIUTE 4RAIL CLIMBS TO OFFER BROAD SWEEPING VIEWS 0HOTO BY 4IM 0ETERSON DENSITY 4HESE RESULTS PUT TOGETHER WITH SIMILAR COUNTS FROM OTHER 7ESTERN FORESTS IN DICATE THAT THE 04 HAS NOT STOPPED PEOPLE FROM DRIVING OFF ROAD )N FACT THE &ISHLAKE HAS A HIGHER DENSITY OF USER CREATED ROUTES THAN DO MANY FORESTS WITHOUT AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM &URTHER THIS INVENTORY OF UNAUTHORIZED ROUTES DOES NOT COUNT MORE GENERALIZED DAMAGE SUCH AS AREAS DENUDED BY /26 CAMPING MUD BOGGING DRIVING IN CREEKS AND WASHES OR ANY OF THE HABITAT IMPACTS MADE BY THE NOISE AND GENERAL DISTURBANCE OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES )T ALSO APPEARS THAT THE &OREST 3ERVICE DOESNT REALLY KNOW WHAT THE STATE OF THE &ISHLAKES ECOSYSTEMS ARE 3CIENTIl C STUDIES TEND TO BE EITHER CURSORY OR TOO SPE CIl C TO A CERTAIN AREA OR POPULATION 4HIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE FAULT OF &ISHLAKE SCIENTISTS BUT IS INSTEAD A RESULT OF NATIONAL &OREST 3ERVICE POLICIES 7ITH BUDGETS STRAPPED THE AVAILABLE MONEY GETS POINTED TOWARDS THE &ORESTS HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THIS CASE THAT IS THE PROMOTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL AND THE ROAD SYSTEM WITH A SIDE OF LOGGING AND GRAZING 4HE NEED FOR REAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE 04 SHOULD HAVE BEEN SATIS l ED BY THE &ISHLAKES %NVIRONMENTAL )MPACT 3TATEMENT %)3 FOR THE NEW 4RAVEL 0LAN (OWEVER THE SCIENTIl C ANALYSIS IN THE %)3 IS SHALLOW AND LIMITED 7HILE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE ROAD SYSTEM HAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS THE %)3 EXCUSES THE &OREST 3ERVICE FROM FURTHER ANALYSIS BY SAYING THAT THE ROUTE SYSTEM IS BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS STATUS WHERE MUCH OF THE FOREST WAS OPEN TO CROSS COUNTRY DRIVING 4HE REAL ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE 04 HAS SIGNIl CANT ECOLOGI CAL IMPACTS IS THIS NOBODY KNOWS 4HAT IS A PROBLEM 4HE &OREST 3ERVICE SHOULD KNOW OR SHOULD BE ACTIVELY TRYING TO l ND OUT ESPECIALLY SINCE THE &ISHLAKE HAS BEEN TOUTING THE 04 AS A MODEL OF GOOD MANAGEMENT 5SER CREATED ROUTES STILL PROLIFERATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
4
0OWERFUL VEHICLES WERE CONl NED TO .!3#!2 THE AUTOBAHN OR SAND DUNES 0LODDING UNGLAMOROUS !46S WERE MOSTLY USED FOR FARM AND RANCH WORK )T DOESNT FOLLOW THAT THE &ISHLAKE WOULD GO TO SO MUCH TROUBLE TO CREATE AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM ANTICIPATING A BIG CASH MACHINE OR TO CORRAL OUT OF CONTROL OFF ROAD VEHICLES 4HERE SIMPLY WERENT ENOUGH !46S AROUND TO PUSH THE ISSUE 3O WHAT MOTIVATED THE &ISH LAKE AND NEARBY RESIDENTS TO CREATE THE 04 IN THE l RST PLACE ) DIDNT REALIZE THIS WAS THE QUES TION ) NEEDED TO ASK UNTIL ) GOT THE AN SWER ! 0IUTE #OUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TOLD ME SHE DIDNT KNOW OF MUCH ECONOMIC IMPACT DUE TO THE 04 BUT REMEMBERED THAT hTHEY MADE THE 0AIUTE 4RAIL BE CAUSE EVERYONE WAS AFRAID THE &OREST 3ERVICE WAS GOING TO CLOSE A BUNCH OF ROADSv 7HILE !46S WERENT A BIG ISSUE IN 5TAH IN WILDERNESS DESIGNATION WAS 4HE ",- HAD PERFORMED A WILDER NESS INVENTORY THAT WAS BEING CHAL LENGED BY THE UP AND COMING 3OUTHERN 5TAH 7ILDERNESS !LLIANCE 0REVENTING WILDERNESS DESIGNATION WAS THE GOAL OF MOTORIZED USERS AND THEIR AGENCY ALLIES AND ROADS WERE THE WAY TO DO IT 4HEY STILL ARE AND THAT IS THE REASON MORE THAN DUBIOUS TOURISM MONEY OR A SUDDEN DESIRE TO PRESERVE THE ENVIRON MENT THAT MANY ARE SO PROTECTIVE OF THE 04 AND SO EAGER TO SEE THE IDEA SPREAD
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
Conclusions %XPLORING THE 04 SYSTEM ) SAW THAT THE ROUTE SYSTEM ITSELF IS EXTREMELY WELL CARED FOR IN STARK CONTRAST TO MOST PUBLIC LANDS ROADS IN 5TAH 4HE &ISHLAKE DE SERVES A LOT OF CREDIT FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS AND ENSURE THAT ROUTES ARE WELL MARKED 4HEYVE BUILT HEAVY FENCES AND DIRT BERMS AROUND DAMAGED AREAS COMPLETE WITH SIGNS TELLING OFF ROADERS WHICH ROUTES ARE OPEN AND WHICH CLOSED 4HEY PUT !MERICAN m AG STICKERS ON ROUTE SIGNS TO CUT DOWN ON VANDALISM AND BUILT FENCE OPENINGS THE MAXIMUM WIDTH OF THE VEHICLES THAT ARE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH THEM 4HE &ISHLAKES PHYSICAL WORK ON THEIR ROUTE SYSTEM SHOULD SERVE AS A MODEL FOR IMPLEMENTING OTHER &3 AND ",- TRAVEL PLANS (OWEVER THE &ISHLAKE COULD HAVE DONE ALL OF THAT WITHOUT EVER DESIGNATING AN !46 TRAIL SYSTEM 7HILE OFF ROAD VEHICLE ADVOCATES MAY CONSIDER THE 04 A MODEL TO FOLLOW CONSERVATIONISTS SHOULD CONSIDER IT AS ONE TO CHALLENGE AGGRESSIVELY 4HE 04 HAS NOT REDUCED OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE HAS PUSHED OTHER RESOURCE MANAGE MENT CONCERNS ASIDE HAS ENCOURAGED MORE PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN MOTORIZED RECRE ATION AND HAS NOT BROUGHT DEMONSTRABLY SIGNIl CANT ECONOMIC BENEl TS TO ITS HOST COUNTIES &URTHERMORE THE 04 MAKES IT MORE DIFl CULT TO PROTECT THE NATURAL LAND SCAPE FROM OFF ROAD VEHICLE DAMAGE )N THE END THE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL ACCOMPLISHES JUST WHAT ITS CREATORS INTENDED IT ENSURES THAT THE FOREST WILL HAVE MORE ROADS 0ARTICULARLY IN THE 7EST WE HAVE A GROWING POPULATION A THREATENED CLIMATE AND A CHANGING ECONOMY 4HE WORLD IS MAKING ITSELF ANEW BEFORE OUR EYES AND THE SHAPE OF THE NEW WORLD DEPENDS ON THE DECISIONS WE MAKE NOW 7E MUST MAKE THEM CAREFULLY
4HE &OREST 3ERVICE LACKS A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE 4RAILS ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
Debunking the Paiute Trail Economic Analysis PT visitation numbers are speculative, and probably inflated • The Fishlake’s mechanical trail counter system has a significant “fudge factor,” and the data generated from them must go through a long process that is subject to high levels of sampling error and subjective interpretation. • Since the PT is mostly on ordinary Forest roads, PT counters are “triggered” by people who are using those roads for purposes other than off-road vehicle recreation. However, those numbers are still counted as visitors to the PT. • One informal survey, conducted by PT “ATV trail rangers,” found that 93% of PT users were using off-road vehicles. This number contradicts the standardized National Visitor Use Management survey conducted on the Fishlake in 2004. It found that only 11.3% of visitors to the Fishlake were there to ride off-road vehicles. This discrepancy is too large to be ignored. The Fishlake, however, does not factor its own official numbers into any analysis of the PT’s impact.
PT user spending estimates are vastly inflated • The report estimates that a third of the users of the PT system come from local areas, a third from in-state metropolitan areas, and a third from out of state. But this estimate comes primarily from surveys conducted during the ATV Jamboree, which likely attracts a higher proportion of out-of-area riders than the PT attracts overall. • The report’s figure of $110 per visitor per day is also derived from Jamboree surveys (which do generally jibe with state tourism figures). However, this figure should not be assigned to all PT visitors, as discussed above. Local riders bring little or no extra money to the economy, and should not be counted. • The report uses an inflated spending “multiplier.” They do not cite their estimate that each tourism dollar “turns over” 4.5 times. A more typical multiplier for recreation dollars is 2, not 4.5.
Conclusion Without extensive assistance from economic experts, it is difficult for anyone to prove any assertion about the PT’s economic impact. However, a critical look at the Fishlake’s numbers shows that their economic claims are speculative and highly inflated.
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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ONDA Sets Precedent for Wilderness and ORVs "Y -AC ,ACY /REGON .ATURAL $ESERT !SSOCIATION AND 3ARAH 0ETERS 7ILDLANDS #02
T
HE /REGON .ATURAL $ESERT !SSOCIATION /.$! WON A BIG VICTORY FOR US ALL IN *ULY FORCING THE "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT ",- TO EVALUATE WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS IN ITS REVISION OF RESOURCE MAN AGEMENT PLANS 4HE DECISION ALSO EXPANDED .ATIONAL %NVIRONMENTAL 0OLICY !CT .%0! CASE LAW ON THE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES THAT SHOULD BE EVALUATED IN AGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANS
4HE #OURTS 2ULING
!CCORDING TO THE .INTH #IRCUIT #OURT OF !PPEALS DECISION /.$! V ",- &D TH #IR THE ",- HAD WRONGLY REFUSED TO EVALU ATE IMPACTS TO WILDERNESS VALUES ON PUBLIC LANDS AND HAD FAILED TO CONSID ER REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES WITH RESPECT TO AREAS CLOSED TO OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE 4HE CONTESTED PLAN THE 3OUTHEASTERN /REGON 2ESOURCE -ANAGEMENT 0LAN 3%/2-0 GOVERNS ",-S MANAGEMENT OF ABOUT MILLION ACRES OF PUBLIC LAND AND INCLUDES SOME OF THE MOST TREASURED LANDSCAPES IN /REGON INCLUDING THE /WYHEE #ANYONLANDS 4HE BULK OF THE LANDS ARE COMPRISED OF FRAGILE HIGH DESERT AND SAGEBRUSH STEPPE 4HE RULING WILL HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT NOT ONLY IN SOUTHEAST /REGON BUT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL ",- LANDS %VEN BETTER BECAUSE THE DECI SION CLARIl ED .%0! REQUIREMENTS IT WILL ALSO IMPACT OTHER LAND MANAGE MENT AGENCIES MOST NOTABLY THE 53 &OREST 3ERVICE AND ITS ONGOING TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS )T COULD ALSO PUT THE BRAKES ON ANY PROGRAMMATIC %)3S THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN RUSHED TO COMPLETION IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS IF THE AGENCIES FAIL TO CONSIDER WILDERNESS VALUES )N ITS PLAN THE ",- REFUSED TO INVENTORY MILLIONS OF ACRES OF PUBLIC LANDS TO ASSESS THEIR WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS )NSTEAD THE AGENCY RELIED ON THE 73! INVENTORY COMPLETED IN UNDER &,0-! 3ECTION 53# e A 3ECTION REQUIRED THE ",- TO CONDUCT A WILDERNESS INVENTORY FOR ALL LANDS UNDER ITS MANAGEMENT AND MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AS TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY
4HE 2ULING ON 7ILDERNESS #HARACTERISTICS
4HE .INTH #IRCUIT REJECTED ",-S ARGUMENT THAT THIS 3ECTION INVEN TORY CONDUCTED LARGELY IN THE S ALLOWED ",- TO IGNORE WILDERNESS IN SUBSEQUENTLY DEVELOPED LAND USE PLANS 4HE COURT STATED h;R=EAD CAREFUL LY AND IN CONTEXT THE &,0-! MAKES CLEAR THAT WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS ARE AMONG THE VALUES WHICH THE ",- CAN ADDRESS IN ITS LAND USE PLANS AND HENCE NEEDS TO ADDRESS IN THE .%0! ANALYSIS FOR A LAND USE PLAN GOVERNING AREAS WHICH MAY HAVE WILDERNESS VALUESv &D AT
6ICTORY FOR 7ILDERNESS IT DESERVES CONSIDERATION 0HOTO COURTESY OF /.$!
4HE COURT ALSO CONl RMED THAT hWILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS THEMSELVES MUST ALSO REQUIRE .%0! CONSIDERATION WHEN THEY ARE IMPLICATED BY LAND USE PLANNING EFFORTSv &D AT 4HIS BROAD STATEMENT POTENTIALLY REACHES INTO &OREST 3ERVICE TRAVEL PLANNING AND WILL HELP WILDERNESS ADVOCATES ARGUE FOR PROTECTION OF OR AT LEAST CONSIDERATION OF IMPACTS TO POTENTIAL WILDERNESS 4HE COURT CITED ROADLESS AREA CASE LAW TO SUPPORT ITS CONCLUSION REGARDING WILDERNESS REAFl RMING THE NEED TO EVALUATE THE IMPACTS OF LAND USE DECISIONS ON ROADLESS AREAS BEYOND IMPLICATIONS FOR WILDERNESS SUITABILITY hROAD LESSNESS HAS ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIl CANCE APART FROM PERMANENT WILDERNESS PRESERVATIONv &D AT %VEN IF #ONGRESS HAS ACTED THE AGENCY IS NOT EXCUSED hFROM COMPLYING WITH ITS .%0! OBLIGATIONS WHEN IMPLEMENTING A LAND USE PROGRAMv &D AT
h)N SUM THE ",- MISUNDERSTOOD THE ROLE OF WILDERNESS CHARACTERIS TICS IN ITS LAND USE PLANNING DECISIONS WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS ARE A VALUE WHICH UNDER THE &,0-! THE "UREAU HAS THE CONTINUING AUTHORITY TO MANAGE EVEN AFTER IT HAS FULl LLED ITS 53# e DUTIES TO RECOMMEND SOME LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS FOR PERMANENT CONGRESSIONAL PROTECTIONv &D AT
&INDING THAT THE LAW INCLUDING ",-S OWN GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS UNMISTAKABLY REQUIRES ",- TO ANALYZE IMPACTS TO A LANDSCAPES WILDER NESS CHARACTERISTICS THE COURT VACATED THE PLAN AND ORDERED ",- TO PREPARE A NEW PLAN )N AD DITION THE COURT DISMISSED THE ",-S ASSERTION THAT BY CONSIDERING hOTHER RESOURCESv THEY HAD SUFl CIENTLY ANALYZED THE IMPACTS OF THE DECISION ON WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
4HE ",- ISSUED ITS DECISION ADOPTING THE 3%/2-0 IN "ECAUSE THE PLAN CONTAINED NO UPDATED WILDERNESS INVENTORY /.$! CONDUCTED THEIR OWN INVENTORY USING THE ",-S PROCESS WHICH THE "USH !DMINISTRA TION HAS SINCE REVOKED /.$!S INVENTORY FOUND THAT MILLION ACRES NOT INCLUDING EXISTING ",- 7ILDERNESS 3TUDY !REAS POSSESS STATUTORILY DE l NED WILDERNESS CHARACTER 4HOUGH /.$!S INVENTORY REVEALED THE m AWS OF THE ",-S PLAN CITIZENS DO NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO DO SUCH A SURVEY )N A PREVIOUS /.$! CASE A DISTRICT COURT CONl RMED THAT IT IS THE AGENCYS OBLIGATION NOT THE PUBLICS TO GATHER KEY BASELINE INFORMATION AND THEN PRESENT IT IN ITS .%0! DOCUMENTATION h/.$! DID NOT HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION REGARDING ANY CHANGES TO THE WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS IN THE ;AREA= BEFORE THE %! WAS ISSUED ",- DIDv /.$! V 2ASMUSSEN &3UPPD n $ /R
",- ALSO ARGUED THAT IF RESOURCE DAMAGE OCCURRED THE AGENCY COULD ISSUE EMERGENCY CLOSURES 2EJECTING THIS ARGUMENT TOO THE COURT OBSERVED THAT h;L=IMITED /26 USE IS SIMPLY NOT IDENTICAL TO NO /26 USE ! LIMITED DESIGNA TION EVEN WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF CLOSURE DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION EQUIVALENT TO A STRAIGHT FORWARD CLOSURE !S THEY PASS THROUGH hLIMITEDv AREAS BOTH ON EXISTING ROUTES AND EN ROUTE TO CAMPING SITES /26S WILL STILL CHURN UP MUD TRANSPORT MUD AND SEEDS INTO THE REGIONS THROUGH WHICH THEY PASS AND WILL STILL SIGNIl CANTLY AFFECT THE OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCE
.%0! 2EQUIRES !LTERNATIVES TO /26 5SE
)N ADDITION TO ITS WILDERNESS RULING THE COURT AGREED WITH /.$! THAT THE ",- HAD NOT CONSID hROADLESSNESS HAS ENVIRONMENTAL ERED A REASONABLE RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES FOR OFF SIGNIl CANCE APART FROM PERMANENT ROAD VEHICLE /26 USE )N ",-S l NAL DECISION ABOUT OR ACRES WOULD HAVE BEEN WILDERNESS PRESERVATIONv .INTH #IRCUIT CLOSED TO /26 USE WITH MILLION ACRES LIMITED TO DESIGNATED ROUTES AND MILLION ACRES OPEN TO #OURT OF !PPEALS &D AT UNLIMITED TRAVEL )N ITS ANALYSIS THE ",- NEVER CONSIDERED CLOSING MORE THAN A SMALL FRACTION OF THE PLANNING AREA TO /26S )N FACT EVERY ALTERNATIVE ",- CONSIDERED WOULD ACTUALLY HAVE INCREASED THE AREA OPEN TO /26S WHEN COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS 4HAT THE ",- MIGHT THEN ONCE THE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT DIRECTION 4HE COURT OBSERVED THAT h;I=T IS PRECISELY THIS SORT HAS BEEN DONE IMPLEMENT AN EMERGENCY CLO OF UNCRITICAL PRIVILEGING OF ONE FORM OF USE OVER ANOTHER THAT WE HAVE HELD SURE DOES NOT RENDER THIS FORM OF MANAGEMENT VIOLATES .%0! #LOSURES NOT JUST hLIMITEDv DESIGNATIONS MUST BE CONSID SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL TO AN INITIAL CLOSURE )N ERED TO COMPLY WITH .%0!v &D AT SUM THE ",- MUST CONSIDER CLOSURES OF SIGNIl ",- ARGUED THAT THE hLIMITEDv DESIGNATION PROVIDED hA COMPARABLE DEGREE OF PROTECTIONv AS DID THE hCLOSEDv DESIGNATION (OWEVER THE COURT TOOK SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FACT THAT EVEN IN AREAS WHERE TRAVEL WAS LIMITED TO DESIGNATED ROUTES CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL WAS STILL ALLOWED FOR MOTORIZED DIS PERSED CAMPING )N THOSE hLIMITEDv AREAS VEHICLES WERE ALLOWED TO DRIVE UP TO FEET OFF OF AN EXISTING ROAD
CANT PORTIONS OF THE LAND IT MANAGESv &D AT EMPHASIS ADDED !N ANALOGOUS ARGUMENT COULD BE MADE FOR THE &OREST 3ERVICE TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS AND THOSE FORESTS THAT REFUSE TO RE EVALUATE THEIR EXISTING SYSTEM ROUTES
7HATS .EXT 2OADLESS VALUES HAVE EVERYTHING TO DO WITH IT 0HOTOS COURTESY OF /.$!
/.$! JOINED BY THE #OMMITTEE FOR THE (IGH $ESERT AND 7ESTERN 7ATERSHEDS 0ROJECT l LED THE SUIT IN *ULY 4HE .INTH #IRCUITS RULING SET ASIDE THE 3%/2-0 AND SENT THE MATTER BACK TO ",- TO PREPARE A REVISED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND A NEW PLAN THAT CONSIDERS MAN AGEMENT DECISIONS IN LIGHT OF ITS OBLIGATION TO PROTECT WILDERNESS VALUES 4HIS RULING PUT THE ",- IN AN AWKWARD SITUATION SINCE ITS OLD 2-0 WAS DRASTICALLY OUT OF DATE AND THE NEW ONE WAS INVALID ",- THEREFORE PETITIONED THE .INTH #IR CUIT ASKING THE COURT TO REVISE ITS RULING TO ALLOW ",- TO CONTINUE OPERATING UNDER THE 2-0 UNTIL A NEW PLAN CAN BE PREPARED /.$! AND ",- ARE CURRENTLY IN NEGOTIATIONS TO DETERMINE AN OPTION ACCEPTABLE TO EVERYONE -AC ,ACY IS SENIOR ATTORNEY AT /.$! FOCUSING ON WILDERNESS GRAZING AND /(6 ISSUES ON EASTERN /REGONS PUBLIC LANDS
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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"IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES SUMMARIZES AND HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF THE SCIENTIl C LITERATURE IN OUR CITATION BIBLIOGRAPHY ON THE PHYSICAL AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ROADS AND OFF ROAD VEHICLES 7E OFFER BIBLIOGRAPHIC SEARCHES TO HELP ACTIVISTS ACCESS IMPORTANT BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH RELEVANT TO ROADS 7E KEEP COPIES OF MOST ARTICLES CITED IN "IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES IN OUR OFl CE LIBRARY
Economic BeneÞts Arising from Watershed Restoration "Y *OSH (URD
W
ATERSHED RESTORATION OFTEN REQUIRES ECONOMIC IN ADDITION TO SCIENTIl C JUSTIl CATION IN ORDER TO GAIN POLITICAL SUPPORT .ORGAARD ET AL 2UBIN )N THESE CASES RESTORA TION INCLUDES SOCIO ECONOMIC ARGUMENTS IN WHICH THE ECONOMIC BENEl TS ACCRUING FROM RESTORATION ARE ENUMERATED $AVIS #OWLING (OLL AND (OWARTH (OWEVER MANY OF THE BENEl TS OF PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WATERSHEDS ARE NEITHER FULLY KNOWN NOR TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN TRADITIONAL MARKET SYSTEMS (OLL AND (OWARTH #OSTANZA ET AL 4HIS PAPER REVIEWS THE EXISTING LITERATURE ON THE NON JOB CREATION ECONOMIC BENEl TS ARISING FROM WATERSHED RESTORATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN THREE AREAS RETURN ON INVESTMENT FROM RESTORATION PROJECTS TAXPAYER WILLING NESS TO PAY FOR RESTORED WATERSHEDS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CREATED FROM RESTORED NATURAL AMENITIES !S A NOTE RELATIVELY FEW STUDIES IN THESE AREAS DIRECTLY ADDRESS RESTORATION ACTIVITIES THUS THIS ARTICLE UTILIZES MANY TANGENTIALLY RELATED STUDIES TO DRAW CONCLUSIONS !LSO ALL MONETARY VALUES HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED FOR INm ATION TO 53 $OLLARS
2ETURN ON )NVESTMENT FROM 2ESTORATION 0ROJECTS
-ANY STUDIES DIRECTLY EXAMINE HOW ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION GENERATES MONETARY RETURNS PRIMARILY THROUGH GOVERNMENTS AVOIDING THE COSTS OF PROVIDING SERVICES CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY ECOSYSTEMS INCREASING THE PRO DUCTIVITY OF EXISTING INDUSTRIES ANDOR EXPANDING THE PROPERTY TAX BASE OF COMMUNITIES THROUGH INCREASED HOME VALUES ,ARGE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT FROM RESTORATION IN THESE AREAS DO EXIST BUT THE BENEl TS DO NOT ALWAYS OUTWEIGH THE COSTS 2ESEARCHERS HAVE UNDERTAKEN MANY STUDIES ON THIS TYPE OF ECONOMIC BENEl T %ROSION COSTS THE 53 ECONOMY BILLION PER YEAR AND THE RESTORATION OF CROPLAND AND RANGELAND TO PREVENT THIS EROSION WOULD IM MEDIATELY YIELD A POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT WITH AN ESTIMATED IN COSTS AVERTED FOR EVERY DOLLAR INVESTED IN EROSION PREVENTION 0IMENTEL ET AL 3IMILARLY THE LOSS OF WETLANDS IN THE FARM BELT HAS DETRIMEN TALLY AFFECTED A VARIETY OF SPECIES IN ADDITION TO CAUSING DECREASED WATER QUALITY *OHNSTON ET AL 3CHWEIGER ET AL $E,AUNE ET AL ! RESTORED HECTARE WETLAND ALONG THE )LLINOIS 2IVER COULD YIELD A NET BENEl T OF MILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL COSTS AND BENEl TS 0RATO AND $ONALD 3IMILARLY RESTORATION OF #OHO SALMON HABITAT ON THE WEST COAST OF #ANADA WOULD BE WORTH TO MILLION LARGELY DUE TO INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY WITHIN THE l SHING INDUSTRY +NOWLER ET AL 7ATER QUALITY HAS ALSO BEEN CORRELATED WITH HOUSING PRICES (OME VALUES INCREASED IN THE #HESAPEAKE "AY PERCENT FOR EVERY FECAL COLIFORM COUNTS REMOVED PER M, OF WATER ,EGGET AND "OCKSTAEL AND IN THE 3T -ARYS WATERSHED IN -ARYLAND HOME
8
%CONOMISTS HAVE DEVISED A VARIETY OF WAYS TO QUANTIFY VALUES LIKE CLEAN WATER AND WILDLIFE 0HOTO BY $AN &UNSCH
VALUES DECREASED FOR EVERY MILLIGRAM PER LITER INCREASE IN TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND FOR EVERY MILLIGRAM PER LITER INCREASE IN DISSOLVED INORGANIC NITROGEN 0OOR ET AL .OT ALL STUDIES SHOW SUCH STRIKINGLY POSI TIVE RESULTS 4HE FULL RESTORATION OF #HESAPEAKE "AY SEAGRASS WOULD YIELD ANNUAL RETURNS OF MILLION TO HARD SHELL BLUE CRAB l SHERMEN AND CONSUMERS !NDERSON BUT AN AVERAGE OF MILLION PER YEAR SO FAR HAS BEEN SPENT ON WATER QUALITY AND RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT WITH THE FULL RESTORATION OF THE SEAGRASS NOT YET ACHIEVED (ASSET ET AL 2ESTORATION EFFORTS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO ELIMINATE THE TAMARISK A WATER INTENSE WOODY SHRUB FROM THE !MERICAN SOUTHWEST 4HE TAMARISK COSTS THE 53 BETWEEN AND PER HECTARE PER YEAR BUT THE COST
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
OF ELIMINATING THE TAMARISK IS APPROXIMATELY PER HECTARE 4HUS YEARS WOULD ELAPSE BEFORE THESE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES WOULD PAY FOR THEMSELVES :AVELETA 3IMILARLY ECOLOGISTS HAVE ENCOURAGED THE RESTORATION OF LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEMS IN SOUTHERN 53 PRIVATE TIMBER LANDS 4HE BENEl TS AS MEASURED BY CARBON SEQUESTRATION ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION AND AMENITY BENEl TS STILL COME TO PER HECTARE SHORT OF COMPENSATING THE LANDOWNERS FOR DECREASED PRODUCTIVITY !LAVALAPATI ET AL
7ILLINGNESS 4O 0AY FOR 2ESTORATION
0OPULAR SUPPORT FOR RESTORATION ACTIVITIES IS OFTEN MEASURED BY WILLINGNESS TO PAY 740 STUDIES WHICH USE SURVEYS TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH HOUSEHOLDS ARE WILLING TO PAY IN ORDER TO SUPPORT CONSERVATION PROGRAMS IN THEIR LOCAL ITY 4HESE STUDIES WHILE YIELDING A HYPOTHETICAL NUMBER ARE USED FREQUENTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE WHETHER CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES ARE WORTH THEIR EXPENSE &ARLEY AND 'ADDIS 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR STREAM RESTORATION IS SIMILAR ACROSS STUDIES WITH RESEARCHERS l NDING A 740 OF TO PER MONTH FOR RESTORATION OF $ECKERS #REEK IN 7EST 6IRGINIA #OLLINS ET AL TO PER MONTH FOR THE RESTORATION OF TWO CREEKS IN 7ESTERN 0ENNSYLVANIA &ARBER AND 'RINER PER MONTH FOR THE RESTORATION OF A MILE SECTION OF THE 0LATTE 2IVER IN #OLO RADO ,OOMIS ET AL AND PER MONTH TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN 'RAND 2IVER 7ATERSHED IN /NTARIO "ROX ET AL &OR THOSE STUDIES THAT MEASURED IT THE COSTS INCURRED IN RESTORA TION WERE LESS THAN THE BENEl TS OBSERVED IN 740 SURVEYS 4HIS ECHOES OTHER ANOTHER STUDY IN WHICH WETLAND RESTORATION IN .ORTH #AROLINA YIELDED AN AVERAGE OF IN 740 BENEl TS FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON RESTORATION (OLMES ET AL 3OCIAL SCIENTISTS HAVE ALSO UNDERTAKEN 740 STUDIES ON ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTEC TION !S THE RECOVERY OF CERTAIN ENDANGERED SPECIES HINGES ON INCREASED HABITAT QUALITY ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION CAN BE TIED TO WATERSHED RESTORATION 4HESE STUDIES SHOW THAT BENEl TS PERCEIVED BY THE PUBLIC ARE GREATER THAN THE COSTS OF RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ,OOMIS AND 7HITE !VERAGE ANNUAL 740 FOR THE PROTECTION OF PACIl C SALMON AND STEELHEAD IS "ELL ET AL /LSON ET AL GRIZZLY BEARS IS "ROOKSHIRE ET AL .ORTHERN SPOTTED OWL IS (AGEN ET AL 2UBIN ET AL AND ARCTIC GRAYLING AND CUTTHROAT TROUT IS $UFl ELD AND 0ATTERSON
7ILDLAND RESTORATION PUTS PEOPLE TO WORK 0HOTO BY !DAM 3WITALSKI
-UNICIPAL 'ROWTH AND "USINESS /PPORTUNITIES
7ATERSHED RESTORATION CAN HAVE ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON CITIES AND COUN TIES -UCH LIKE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WHICH CONSISTENTLY YIELDS POSI TIVE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE WATERSHED RESTORATION MAY CREATE LONG TERM BENEl TS TO COMMUNITIES LIKE POPULATION GROWTH AND BUSINESS CREATION BECAUSE OF INCREASED NATURAL AMENITIES .ATURAL 2ESOURCE #OUNCIL 4HIS SECTION INVESTIGATES WHETHER THESE LONG TERM AFFECTS OF WATERSHED RESTORATION ARE COMMON 0OPULATION GROWTH RATES IN THE "ITTERROOT 6ALLEY OF -ONTANA ARE HIGH EST IN HIGH AMENITY AREAS SUCH AS THOSE AREAS NEAREST TO MOUNTAINS PARKS AND NATIONAL FORESTS 3WANSON 3IMILARLY NEW BUSINESS GROWTH WITHIN THE 'REATER 9ELLOWSTONE AREA IS CORRELATED WITH NATURAL AMENITIES 2ASKER AND (ANSEN 0UBLIC LANDS USED FOR CONSERVATION INSTEAD OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES ARE CORRELATED WITH LONGER TERM AND MORE SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH 2ASKER AND HIGH AMENITY COUN TIES HAVE THREE TIMES THE RATE OF JOB GROWTH THAN LOW AMENITY COUNTIES -C'ANAHAN "USINESSES FREQUENTLY MOVE TO THESE HIGH AMENITY AREAS BECAUSE OF THEIR SCENIC BEAUTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY *OHNSON !PPLYING THESE RESULTS TO WATERSHED RESTORATION ASSUMES THAT RESTO RATION CAN HAVE A LARGE INCREMENTAL BENEl T TO THE OVERALL NATURAL AME NITY VALUE !LSO WHILE THESE RESULTS SHOW HOW ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IS IMPORTANT TO TOWN AND COUNTY GROWTH MORE IMPORTANT ARE CERTAIN PREREQ UISITES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH 2ASKER ET AL "USINESSES NEED BOTH AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE TO EMPLOY AND ACCESS TO LARGE POPULATION CENTERS VIA AN AIRPORT WITH REGULAR m IGHTS OR AN )NTERSTATE (IGHWAY 2ASKER ET AL 2ASKER -C'ANAHAN 4HEREFORE WHILE NATURAL AMENITIES ARE IMPORTANT THE INCREMENTAL CONTRIBUTION OF WATERSHED RESTORATION TO THEM IS UNKNOWN AND OTHER FACTORS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BECOMES SIGNIl CANT IN FACILITATING ECONOMIC GROWTH
#ONCLUSION
7ATERSHED RESTORATION CAN BE ECONOMICALLY JUSTIl ED IN A VARIETY OF DIF FERENT WAYS WITH POSITIVE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF THE COSTS AND FACILITATION OF LONG TERM BUSINESS CREATION (OWEVER THE LONG TIME SCALE REQUIRED FOR ACHIEVING A POSITIVE RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN CERTAIN RESTORATION PROJECTS AND THE UNKNOWN INCREMENTAL BENEl T OF WATERSHED RESTORATION IN INCREASING THE NATURAL AMENITY QUALITIES OF COMMUNITIES ARE HURDLES FACING PRACTITIONERS IN JUSTIFYING RESTORATION ON ECONOMIC GROUNDS *OSH IS 7ILDLANDS #02S 2ESTORATION 2ESEARCH !SSOCIATE
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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References !LAVALAPATI * 2 '! 3TAINBACK $2 #ARTER 2ESTORATION OF THE LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEM ON PRIVATE LANDS IN THE 53 SOUTH AN ECOLOGICAL ECONOMIC ENALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS !NDERSON % % %CONOMIC BENEl TS OF HABITAT RESTORATION SEAGRASS AND THE 6IRGINIA HARD SHELL BLUE CRAB l SHERY .ORTH !MERICAN *OURNAL OF &ISHERIES -ANAGEMENT "ELL + $ (UPPERT 2 *OHNSON 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR LOCAL COHO SALMON ENHANCEMENT IN COSTAL COMMUNITIES -ARINE 2ESOURCE %CONOMICS "ROOKSHIRE $ - 4HAYER 7 3CHULZE 2 D!RGE 6ALUING PUBLIC GOODS A COMPARISON OF SURVEY AND HEDONIC APPROACHES !MERICAN %CONOMIC 2EVIEW "ROX * 2 +UMAR + 3TOLLERY 7ILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY ENHANCEMENTS IN THE 'RAND 2IVER WATERSHED #ANADIAN 7ATER 2ESOURCES *OURNAL #OLLINS ! 2 2OSENBERGER * &LETCHER 4HE ECONOMIC VALUE OF STREAM RESTORATION 7ATER 2ESOURCES 2ESEARCH #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE )SSUES AND /PTIONS IN )NFRASTRUCTURE )NVESTMENT 7ASHINGTON $# #ONGRESSIONAL "UDGET /Fl CE #OSTANZA 2 2 D!RGE 2 DE 'ROOT 3 &ARBERK - 'RASSO " (ANNON ET AL 4HE VALUE OF THE WORLDS ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND NATURAL CAPITAL .ATURE #OWLING 2 - 3- 0IERCE !- 3IGWELA -AINSTREAMING THE RESTORATION OF NATURAL CAPITAL A CONCEPTUAL AND OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS $AVIS - ! ," 3LOBODKIN 4HE SCIENCE AND VALUES OF RESTORATION ECOLOGY 2ESTORATION %COLOGY $E,AUNE 2 ! *UGSUJINDA * 7EST # *OHNSON - +ONGCHUM ! SCREENING OF THE CAPACITY OF ,OUISIANA FRESHWATER WETLANDS TO PROCESS NITRATE IN DIVERTED -ISSISSIPPI 2IVER WATER %COLOGICAL %NGINEERING $UFl ELD * $ 0ATTERSON &IELD TESTING EXISTENCE VALUES COMPARISON OF HYPOTHETICAL AND CASH TRANSACTION VALUES )N " 2ETTIG %D "ENEl TS AND #OSTS IN .ATURAL 2ESOURCE 0LANNING TH 2EPORT ED #ORVALLIS /2 $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURAL AND 2ESOURCE %CONOMICS /REGON 3TATE 5NIVERSITY &ARBER 3 " 'RINER 6ALUING WATERSHED QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS USING CONJOINT ANALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS &ARLEY * %* 'ADDIS 2ESTORING NATURAL CAPITAL AN ECOLOGICALECONOMICS ASSESSMENT )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS
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(AGEN $ * 6INCENT 0 7ELLE "ENEl TS OF PRESERVING OLD GROWTH FORESTS AND THE SPOTTED OWL #ONTEMPORARY 0OLICY )SSUES (ASSETT " - 0ALMER % "ERNHARDT 3 3MITH * #ARR $ (ART 2ESTORING WATERSHEDS PROJECT BY PROJECT TRENDS IN #HESAPEAKE "AY TRIBUTARY RESTORATION &RONTIERS IN %COLOGY AND THE %NVIRONMENT (OLL + 2 (OWARTH 0AYING FOR RESTORATION 2ESTORATION %COLOGY (OLMES 4 0 *# "ERGSTROM % (USZAR 3" +ASK &/ )LL #ONTINGENT VALUATION NET MARGINAL BENEl TS AND THE SCALE OF RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS *OHNSON *! 4HE ROLE OF ECONOMIC AND QUALITY OF LIFE VALUES IN RURAL BUSINESS LOCATION *OURNAL OF 2URAL 3TUDIES *OHNSTON # ! .% $ETENBECK '* .IEMI 4HE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF WETLANDS ON STREAM WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY "IOGEOCHEMISTRY +NOWLER $ * " -AC'REGOR - "RADFORD 2 0ETERMAN 6ALUING FRESHWATER SALMON HABITAT ON THE WEST COAST OF #ANADA *OURNAL OF %NVIRONMENTAL -ANAGEMENT ,EGGETT # ' .% "OCKSTAEL %VIDENCE OF THE %FFECTS OF 7ATER 15ALITY ON 2ESIDENTIAL ,AND 0RICES *OURNAL OF %NVIRONMENTAL %CONOMICS AND -ANAGEMENT ,OOMIS * " $3 7HITE %CONOMIC BENEl TS OF RARE AND ENDAGNERED SPECIES SUMMARY AND META ANALYSIS %COLOGICAL %CONOMICS ,OOMIS * 0 +ENT , 3TRANGE + &AUSCH ! #OVICH -EASURING THE TOTAL ECONOMIC VALUE OF RESTORING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN AN IMPAIRED RIVER BASIN RESULTS FROM A CONTINGENT VALUATION SURVEY %COLOGICAL ECONOMICS -C'ANAHAN $ ! .ATURAL !MENITIES $RIVE 2URAL 0OPULATION #HANGE !GRICULTURAL %CONOMIC 2EPORT .O &OOD AND 2URAL %CONOMICS $IVISION $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURE 7ASHINGTON $# .ATURAL 2ESOURCE #OUNCIL 2ESTORATION OF !QUATIC %COSYSTEMS 7ASHINGTON $# .ATIONAL !CADEMY 0RESS .ORGAARD 2 " 0 "ARNARD 0 ,AVELLE !SSESSING AND RESTORING NATURAL CAPITAL ACROSS SCALES LESSONS FROM THE MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT )N * !RONSON 3 * -ILTON * . "LIGNAUT %DS 2ESTORING .ATURAL #APITAL 3CIENCE "USINESS AND 0RACTICE 7ASHINGTON $# )SLAND 0RESS /LSON $ * 2ICHARDS $ 3COTT %XISTENCE AND SPORT VALUES FOR DOUBLING THE SIZE OF #OLUMBIA 2IVER BASIN SALMON AND STEELHEAD RUNS 2IVERS
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
New Report on Forests and Climate Change 4HE )MPLICATIONS OF #LIMATE #HANGE FOR #ONSERVATION 2ESTORATION AND -ANAGEMENT OF .ATIONAL &OREST ,ANDS 2EPORT !UTHOR 2ICK "ROWN $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE
T
HIS PAPER SUMMARIZES KEY SCIENTIl C LITERATURE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND FORESTS FOCUSING ON POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE )T WAS PUBLISHED BY $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE AND THE .ATIONAL &OREST 2ESTORATION #OLLABORATIVE
#LIMATE CHANGE IS COMING TO A NATIONAL FOREST NEAR YOU (OW MUCH FORESTS WILL BE ALTERED AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE LARGELY DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH HUMANS REDUCE THEIR EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GASES AND HOW QUICKLY 4HE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NATIONAL FOREST LANDS WILL ALSO DEPEND IN PART ON HOW FOREST MANAGEMENT RESPONDS TO THESE THREATS 4OPICS EXPLORED BEGIN WITH AN ECOSYSTEM PERSPECTIVE FORESTS AND CARBON CLIMATE CHANGE DROUGHT INSECTS AND l RE AND SOIL AND WATER AND CONTINUE WITH A MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE WOOD PRODUCTS THINNING FUELS REDUCTION AND l RE RESTO RATION 4HE PAPER ALSO ADDRESSES STRATEGIES FOR CONSERVING BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY &ORESTS INm UENCE THE RATE AND EXTENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE BY ABSORBING #/ FROM THE ATMOSPHERE AND STORING IT IN WOOD AND SOILS OR BY RELEASING #/ TO THE ATMO SPHERE WHENEVER LAND IS CONVERTED TO NONFOREST USES OR DISTURBED BY LOGGING BURN ING OR OUTBREAKS OF INSECTS AND DISEASE 2OAD REMOVAL AND WATERSHED RESTORATION MAY ALSO PLAY A SIGNIl CANT ROLE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS PART OF THE .ATIONAL &OREST 2ESTORATION #OLLABORATIVE WHICH HELPED FUND THIS PROJECT
0IMENTEL $ # (ARVEY 2ESOSUDARMO + 3INCLAIR $ +URZ - -C.AIR ET AL %NVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC COSTS OF SOIL EROSION AND CONSERVATION BENEl TS 3CIENCE 0OOR 0 * + 0ESSAGNO 2 0AUL %XPLORING THE HEDONIC VALUE OF AMBIENT WATER QUALITY ! LOCAL WATERSHED BASED STUDY %COLOGICAL %CONOMIC 0RATO 4 $ (EY &EBRUARY %CONOMIC ANALYSIS OF WETLAND RESTORATION ALONG THE )LLINOIS 2IVER *OURNAL OF THE !MERICAN 7ATER 2ESOURCES !SSOCIATION 2ASKER 2 !N EXPLORATION INTO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT VERSUS CONSERVATION ON WESTERN PUBLIC LANDS 3OCIETY AND .ATURAL 2ESOURCES 2ASKER 2 ! (ANSEN .ATURAL AMENITIES AND POPULATION GROWTH IN THE 'REATER 9ELLOWSTONE 2EGION (UMAN %COLOGY 2EVIEW
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
&OREST ECOSYSTEMS ARE AT GROUND ZERO IN ISSUES OF CLIMATE CHANGE 0HOTO BY $AN &UNSCH
2ASKER 2 - (AGGERTY * (AGGERTY * VAN DEN .OORT 4HE %CONOMY OF THE 'ILA 2EGION "OZEMAN -4 (EADWATERS %CONOMICS 2UBIN ) 3 4HE 0OLITICS OF 0UBLIC "UDGETING 'ETTING AND 3PENDING "ORROWING AND "ALANCING 7ASHINGTON $# #1 0RESS 2UBIN * ' (ELFAND * ,OOMIS ! BENEl T COST ANALYSIS OF THE NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL *OURNAL OF &ORESTRY 3CHWEIGER %7 3' ,EIBOWITZ *" (YMAN 7% &OSTER -# $OWNING 3YNOPTIC ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND FUNCTION "IODIVERSITY AND #ONSERVATION 3WANSON , 'ROWTH AND #HANGE IN THE "ITTERROOT 6ALLEY AND )MPLICATIONS FOR !REA !GRICULTURE AND !G ,ANDS -ISSOULA -4 /#ONNER #ENTER FOR THE 2OCKY -OUNTAIN 7EST :AVALETA % 4HE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CONTROLLING AN INVASIVE SHRUB !MBIO
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Undemocratic Din "Y 4ED 7ILLIAMS
Editor’s Note: This essay appeared in Forest Magazine in summer 2008. We’re presenting it in The Road RIPorter as a two-part series, with part one in this issue and part two to follow in our upcoming 2009 Spring Equinox issue (14.1). Since the article was first written in the late 1990s, snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park have been subject to increasing restrictions. For example, only four-stroke motors are now allowed in the park. Unfortunately, recent decisions on snowmobile use have been guided by conflicting court decisions and provide little certainty from year to year.
I
AM AT THE hSPRING HOLEv IN MY TWELVE FOOT l SHING SCOW IN THE WARM MISTY l NISH OF A .EW (AMPSHIRE SQUALL ) HAVE COME HERE WITH BROTHERS IN LAW 7IZ AND "ARRY TO ESCAPE SUNDRY IRRITATIONS INCLUDING A l FTH MEAL OF 4HANKSGIV ING TURKEY 0ROPELLED BY OUR BOWED RODS FAT GAUDY YELLOW PERCH SHOOT OVER THE LOW GUNWALES 'EAR DOWN AND WINGS SET #ANADA GEESE SAIL ACROSS THE NORTH END OF OUR ISLAND AND SPIRAL INTO 3CHNEIDERS #OVE .OW LAKE AND FOREST ARE STILL SAVE FOR THE SPLASHING OF HOOKED l SH THE MUTTERINGS OF MERGANSERS AND THE DISTANT WHISTLE OF GOLDENEYE WINGS 3UD DENLY HALF A DOZEN ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES !46S APPEAR ON THE MAINLAND SHORE ROARING AND RACING ROUSTING THE WATERFOWL 4HEY SASHAY THROUGH THE SWAMP AND HURL MUD AND VEGETATION THIRTY FEET INTO THE AIR &INALLY ONE GETS STUCK
hMAINLY /26S ARE USED TO PROVIDE THRILLS NOT TRANSPORTATIONv 0HOTO ABOVE BY ,AUREL (AGEN AT RIGHT COURTESY OF ",-
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)N WINTER WHEN ) DO MY SERIOUS PERCH l SHING SNOWMO BILES RACE OVER THE FROZEN LAKE AND ACROSS THE SPRING HOLE WHICH NEVER FREEZES BECAUSE THEY LIKE TO SEE HOW FAR THEIR CRAFTS CAN CARRY THEM ON OPEN WATER .O LONGER DO ) ATTEMPT TO KICK THEM OFF OUR ISLAND A POSTED ACRE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 7HILE THEY STRESS THE WILDLIFE AND MAKE IT UNSAFE FOR US TO SKI OR HIKE ON THE NARROW TRAILS THEY ARE QUIETER THAN THEY WERE TWENTY YEARS AGO AND EASIER ON GROUND COVER THAN THE !46S ) AM NOT ANTI INTERNAL COMBUSTION -OUNTED ON MY l SHING SCOW IS A SIX HORSE TWO STROKE OUTBOARD BECAUSE A FOUR STROKE THOUGH FAR QUIETER AND CLEANER WOULD SINK IT 4WO STROKE ENGINES WHICH POWER MOST OUTBOARD BOATS AND OFF ROAD VEHICLES /26S A CLASS WHICH INCLUDES SNOWMOBILES ARE CRUDE l LTHY DEVICES !S MUCH AS A QUARTER OF THE FUEL THEY hCONSUMEv ENTERS THE ENVIRONMENT UNBURNED VIA THE EXHAUST "UT THERES A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUTBOARDS AND /26S -Y MOTOR GETS ME TO THE SPRING HOLE THEN ) SHUT IT OFF 2IDING /26S ON THE OTHER HAND HAS BECOME RECREATION UNTO ITSELF MAINLY THEY ARE USED TO PROVIDE THRILLS NOT TRANSPORTATION 7HAT MOVES AND INSPIRES MOST /26 OPERATORS IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT MOVES AND INSPIRES MOST OTHER PEOPLE WHO GRAVI TATE TOWARD WILD LAND &OR EXAMPLE MY OUTBOARD WHICH BEARS NO MODEL NAME OTHER THAN h-3(9v IS MANUFACTURED BY 9AMAHA A COMPANY THAT ALSO OFFERS A LINE OF !46S NAMED IT WOULD SEEM FOR THE NOISE THEY MAKE "ANSHEE AND "LASTER OR THE PREDATORS THEY DISPLACE 'RIZZLY +ODIAK 7OLVERINE 4IMBERWOLF "IG "EAR AND "ADGER
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
) CAN AND DO LIVE WITH /26S "UT WHERE SHOULD ) GO FOR QUIETUDE AND WILDNESS TO HEAR THE SIGH OF WIND THROUGH CANYONS AND FOREST CANOPIES THE MUSIC OF m OWING WATER THE HUM AND CLATTER OF INSECTS THE SONGS OF BIRDS THE SILENCE OF WINTER ! NATIONAL PARK ",- LAND 0ERHAPS "UT IN AN AVERAGE WINTER NEARLY SNOWMOBILES ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER NATIONAL PARK UNITS AND ABOUT PERCENT OF "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENT LANDS HAVE AREAS OPEN TO SNOWMOBILES DIRT BIKES AND !46S 4HEY REGULARLY TRESPASS ON WILDERNESS AND THE ",- EVEN ALLOWED THEM IN WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS BEFORE )NTERIOR 3ECRETARY 'ALE .ORTON DID AWAY WITH WILDER NESS STUDY AREAS "UT AFTER PROMOTING /26S FOR THIRTY YEARS THE AGENCIES THAT ADMINISTER PUBLIC LAND ARE SUDDENLY WISHING THAT THEY HADNT )N THE S SNOWMOBILES WERE BASICALLY RESTRICTED BY THEIR OWN DESIGN TO GROOMED TRAILS AND UNTIL WHEN THE /26 LOBBY GOT THE &OREST 3ERVICE TO CANCEL ITS BAN ON OFF ROAD VEHICLES WIDER THAN INCHES !46S WERE EFFECTIVELY PROHIBITED FROM NATIONAL FORESTS .OW WITH WIDER BASES AND MORE POWERFUL ENGINES /26S OF ALL SORTS ENGAGE IN hHIGH POINTINGv CONTESTS IN WHICH THE OBJECT IS TO SEE HOW STEEP A SLOPE YOU CAN NEGOTIATE WITHOUT TIPPING OVER 4HE NEW SNOW MOBILES CAN EXCEED MILES PER HOUR !RE THEY APPROPRIATE IN OUR WILDEST AND BEST PUBLIC LAND 9ELLOWSTONE .ATIONAL 0ARK FOR INSTANCE
3OME OF TODAYS SNOW MACHINES CAN EXCEED MILES PER HOUR !RE THEY APPROPRIATE FOR OUR NATIONAL PARKS 0HOTO COURTESY OF ",-
OR RIDDEN AROUND 7E REHAB AREAS AND THEY ARE VIOLATED AGAIN AND AGAIN 7E PROVIDE VIRTUALLY NO LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE ON THE &OREST WHEN USE IS HIGHEST 7HETHER IT IS THE 7AYNE OR ANY OTHER &OREST THE CONCEPT OF @OFF ROAD VEHICLE IS CONTRARY TO THE MISSION OF THE .ATIONAL &ORESTS 7E CANNOT REGARDLESS OF DOLLARS MAINTAIN TRAILS ) AM NOT ANTI INTERNAL COMBUSTION THAT WILL NOT ERODE INTO OUR STREAMS !ND WE -OUNTED ON MY l SHING SCOW IS A SIX HORSE CANNOT CONTROL USERS EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLES TWO STROKE OUTBOARD DESIGNED TO GO ON ALL TYPES OF TERRAINv
&ROM MID $ECEMBER TO MID -ARCH 9ELLOW STONE BANS CARS FROM MOST OF THE PARK BUT IT WELCOMES SNOWMOBILES ON MILES OF SNOW COVERED ROADS /NE OF THESE MACHINES CAN EMIT AS MANY HYDROCARBONS AS CARS AND AS MUCH CARBON MONOXIDE AS CARS AND THERE ARE ABOUT SNOWMOBILES IN THE PARK EACH SEASON 0ARK EMPLOYEES COMPLAIN OF HEADACHES NAUSEA AND THROAT IRRITATION FROM THE POLLUTION AND FRESH AIR HAS TO BE PUMPED INTO THE ENTRANCE BOOTHS 4HE "LUEWATER .ETWORK LEADER OF THE NATIONAL CAM PAIGN TO KEEP SNOWMOBILES OUT OF THE PARK CALCULATES THAT IN ADDITION TO BEFOULING THE AIR TWO STROKE SNOWMOBILE ENGINES DUMP TO GALLONS OF UNBURNED GASOLINE AND MOTOR OIL ON 9ELLOWSTONES ECOSYSTEMS EACH SEASON
/N THE REST OF OUR PUBLIC LAND BASICALLY THAT TENDED BY THE ",- AND THE &OREST 3ERVICE THE SITUATION IS EVEN WORSE !ND ANY MANAGER WHO TRIES TO CONTROL /26S GETS TO EAT THEIR DUST 7HEN THE -ONTANA 7ILDLIFE &EDERATION HELPED THE &OREST 3ERVICE GATE AND POST CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT IN THE (ELENA .ATIONAL &OREST /26 USERS WERE GRANTED NEW ACCESS TO A DIFFERENT AREA 4HE DEAL WAS A MODEL OF MULTIPLE USE IN ACTION BUT MALCONTENTS TORE DOWN THE SIGNS SAWED OFF THE POSTS AND PULLED UP THE GATES !N INTERNAL MONITORING REPORT FROM THE 7AYNE .ATIONAL &OREST IN /HIO READS AS FOLLOWS h7HETHER WE LOOK AT THE DES IGNATED TRAIL SYSTEM OR THE NON /26 MANAGEMENT AREAS WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE 7E INSTALL SIGNS AND THEY ARE RIPPED OUT 7E ERECT BARRIERS AND THEY ARE REMOVED
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
4HE ",- AND THE &OREST 3ERVICE HAVE A JOINT ENVIRONMEN TAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR -ONTANA .ORTH $AKOTA AND PARTS OF 3OUTH $AKOTA IN WHICH ASSESSING GHOST ROADS FOR /26 USE IS THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE h4HE %)3 IS HORRIBLE v SAYS -ONTANA &ISH 7ILDLIFE AND 0ARKS BIOLOGIST 'AYLE *OSLIN WHO LED A DRIVE IN WHICH THE -ONTANA 7ILDLIFE 3OCIETY RAISED TO PREPARE A REPORT ON THE WAYS /26S HURT WILDLIFE h4HE AGEN CIES PUT TOGETHER A COMMITTEE TO DEl NE TRAILS IT TOOK THEM EIGHTEEN MONTHS 4HE DEl NITION OF AN /26 TRAIL THEY CAME UP WITH AND ) KID YOU NOT IS ONE THAT HAS BEEN USED BY A MOTORIZED VEHICLE 4HIS EVEN INCLUDES GAME TRAILSv 'REG -UNTHER WHO RETIRED AS THE ,OLO .ATIONAL &ORESTS .INE -ILE DISTRICT RANGER AFTER THIRTY ONE YEARS WITH THE &OR EST 3ERVICE SAYS h4HE &OREST 3ERVICE AND ",- CHOSE OUT OF POLITICAL CONVENIENCE NOT TO TAKE ON THESE ILLEGAL ROADS 4HEY TOLD US PROFESSIONALS FOR YEARS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A LE GITIMATE ROAD WAS TO PROPERLY DESIGN IT WITH RESPECT TO GRADE AND DRAINAGE .OW THEYVE ACCEPTED THESE GHOST ROADS FOR YEARS WHILE THEY GO THROUGH THIS ENDLESS ANALYSISv
To be continued. . . look for part two of this article in the Spring 2009 issue of The Road RIPorter.
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Program Updates, Autumn 2008 Restoration Program
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HE RESULTS OF THE .OVEMBER ELECTIONS APPEAR TO HAVE GIVEN THE ENTIRE WORLD A NEW SENSE OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT IS NO EXCEPTION 4HE INCOMING /BAMA ADMINISTRATION AND THE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TH #ONGRESS PRESENT A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR INCREASING EFFORTS TO RE VIVE AND PROTECT WILD PLACES ON OUR PUBLIC LANDS !CCORDINGLY 7ILDLANDS #02 HAS BEEN INTI MATELY INVOLVED WITH NUMEROUS PARTNER ORGA NIZATIONS IN DRAFTING POLICY DOCUMENTS FOR THE /BAMA 4RANSITION 4EAM THAT CALL FOR INCREASED SUPPORT FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION CLIMATE CHANGE PROTECTIONS AND GREEN JOBS PROGRAMS AS WELL AS BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE AND FOREST ROAD SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND PLAN NING 7ITH THE COLLAPSE OF l NANCIAL MARKETS AND THE ONSET OF ECONOMIC RECESSION THE NOTION OF A 'REEN #OLLAR *OBS 0ROGRAM HAS PICKED UP MOMENTUM 3UE 'UNN 7ILDLANDS #02S REPRE SENTATIVE IN 7ASHINGTON 3TATE HAS BEEN BUSY DEVELOPING A PROPOSAL FOR A &OREST 7ATERSHED 2ESTORATION #ORPS THAT COULD BE INCORPORATED INTO LONG TERM ECONOMIC STIMULUS LEGISLATION 3HE AND 7ILDLANDS #02 %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR "ETHANIE 7ALDER ARE ALSO IDENTIFYING OTHER FUND ING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION AND ROAD REMOVAL EG REAUTHORIZATION OF THE &EDERAL (IGHWAYS BILL CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION AND WORKING TO EDUCATE DECISION MAKERS ABOUT THESE OPTIONS 7E ARE CONTINUING OUR EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR LAST YEARS ,EGACY 2OADS AND 4RAILS 2EMEDIATION )NITIATIVE ,22) WHICH RECEIVED MILLION SEE 4HE 2OAD 2)0ORTER 2)0ORTER FOR MORE INFORMATION 3UE AND 7ILDLANDS #02 #OMMUNICATION #O ORDINATOR &RANKLIN 3EAL HELPED ORGANIZE A 7ASH INGTON 7ATERSHED 2ESTORATION )NITIATIVE 772) MEDIA TOUR OF ONGOING ROAD REMOVAL WORK IN THE
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7ILDLANDS #02 3CIENCE #OORDINATOR !DAM 3WITALSKI SPEAKS TO A GROUP OF 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA STUDENTS ABOUT ROAD RESTORATION 0HOTO BY ,AURIE !SHLEY
-OUNT "AKER 3NOQUALMIE .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE DAY LONG l ELD TRIP RESULTED IN EXCELLENT 46 COVERAGE IN 3EATTLE 7! THAT HIGHLIGHTED HOW FOREST RESTORA TION GIVES A BOOST TO LOCAL ECONOMIES 4HE h$EMAND FOR 'REEN #OLLAR *OBS 'ROWINGv 46 NEWS STORY CAN BE VIEWED IN OUR NEW ONLINE 6IDEO !RCHIVE HTTPWWWWILDLANDSCPRORGVIDEOS 7ITH THE RAPID INCREASE IN l RE SUPPRESSION COSTS THIS SUMMER AND FALL THE &OREST 3ERVICE TRANSFERRED SOME OF THE MILLION IN BUDGETED ,22) FUNDS AWAY FROM SCHEDULED ROAD REMOVAL PROJECTS SEE 4HE 2OAD 2)0ORTER FOR MORE INFORMATION BUT DUE TO DILIGENT WATCH DOGGING EFFORTS BY 3UE OUR PARTNERS IN 772) AS WELL AS EFFORTS BY ,22) CHAMPION 2EP .ORM $ICKS 7! NO PROJECTS IN 7ASHINGTON 3TATE WERE DE FUNDED -EANWHILE SINCE THE l RE SEASON ENDED MANY OF THE FUNDS BORROWED FROM RESTORATION PROJECTS IN OTHER WESTERN STATES HAVE BEEN RESTORED WITH THE END RESULT BEING THAT SOME PROJECTS WERE SIMPLY DELAYED )N KEEPING WITH THE NEW INTEREST IN 'REEN #OLLAR JOBS 7ILDLANDS #02 2ESEARCH !SSOCIATE *OSH (URD HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THE ECONOMICS OF ROAD REMOVAL BEGINNING WITH A LITERATURE REVIEW OF ARTICLES ADDRESSING
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
THE MARKET AND NON MARKET BENEl TS ACCRUING FROM WATERSHED RESTORATION SEE "IBLIOGRAPHY .OTES ON PAGES *OSH HAS ALSO BEEN DOING A STUDY OF PUBLIC OPINION AND PERCEPTION RELEVANT TO WATERSHED RESTORATION AND ROAD REMOVAL AS WELL AS WORKING WITH THE -ONTANA $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR AND )NDUSTRY TO DRAFT AN OFl CIAL PROPOSAL TO THE .ORTH !MERICAN )NDUSTRIAL #LASSIl CATION 3YSTEM WHICH TRACKS ALL SECTORS OF THE 53 ECONOMY 4HE PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE THEM BEGIN TO TRACK DATA ON COMPANIES PROVIDING RESTORATION SERVICES SOMETHING IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT DO
-ARNIE ALSO GAVE A PRESENTATION AT THE 'ROWING -ONTANAS 2ESTORATION 7ORKFORCE WORK SHOP IN "UTTE -4 ON /CTOBER 3HE NOTED THAT THERE SEEMED TO BE STRONG INTEREST FROM BOTH THE /PERATING %NGINEERS 5NION AND THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA #OLLEGE OF 4ECHNOLOGY TO ORGANIZE A ROAD DECOMMISSIONING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
/N A SIMILAR TACK 7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA 2ESTORATION #OORDINATOR -ARNIE #RILEY HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE 2EGIONAL )NNOVATION 'RANT PRO CESS FOR 7ESTERN -ONTANA 7ESTERN -ONTANA RECEIVED A 2EGIONAL )NNOVATION 'RANT FROM THE $EPARTMENT OF ,ABOR TO COME UP WITH AN ECO NOMIC STRATEGY FOR THE SEVEN COUNTIES OF WESTERN -ONTANA 4HE AIM OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ESTABLISH AN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT A REGIONAL APPROACH TO WORKFORCE ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL SUSTAIN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE AND CREATE DIVERSE ECONOMIES THROUGHOUT THE REGION -ARNIE IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT IT INCLUDES A STRONG EMPHASIS ON THE RESTORATION ECONOMY
7ILDLANDS #02 3CIENCE #OORDINATOR !DAM 3WITALSKI HAS CONTINUED HIS WORK WITH INTERN 'REG 0ETERS CONTRACTORS AND VOLUNTEERS ON A GROUNDBREAKING STUDY TO MONITOR THE LONG TERM EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE OF ROAD REMOVAL IN THE #LEAR WATER .ATIONAL &OREST 4HE TEAM HAS BEEN TAKING DOWN l ELD SITES FOR THE WINTER UPLOADING AND ORGANIZING PHOTOS AND ANALYZING DATA 3OON THE TEAM WILL HAVE AMASSED THREE YEARS OF INFORMA TION
Transportation Program
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ILDLANDS #02 %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR "ETHANIE 7ALDER SPENT THREE DAYS IN THE l ELD WITH HIGH LEVEL &OREST 3ERVICE STAFF AND LEAD ERS FROM A VARIETY OF RECREATION GROUPS DISCUSSING HOW THE &OR EST 3ERVICE CLASSIl ES TRAILS KEY TO MANY ASPECTS OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE AND ROADS MANAGEMENT INCLUDING FUNDING ENFORCEMENT AND CLOSURES /THER PARTICIPANTS INCLUDED THE "ACK #OUNTRY (ORSEMEN OF !MERICA )NTERNA TIONAL -OUNTAIN "IKING !SSOCIATION "LUE 2IBBON #OALITION !MERICAN (IK ING 3OCIETY 1UIET 5SE #OALITION AND THE 'REAT /LD "ROADS FOR 7ILDERNESS 4HE EVENT PROVIDED US AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT SOME OF OUR MOST PRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT PROBLEMS WITHIN THE TRAVEL PLANNING PROCESS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE AGENCYS PROPOSED TRAILS CLASSIl CATIONS )T ALSO GAVE US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH KEY ALLIES !DAM 2ISSIEN 7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OORDINATOR HAS COMPLETED WORK ON AN INNOVATIVE USE OF THE $ MAPPING ENVIRONMENT 'OOGLE %ARTH TO DEMONSTRATE THE EXTENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE INTRUSIONS INTO THE EXISTING 3APPHIRE -OUNTAIN 7ILDERNESS 3TUDY !REA IN THE "ITTERROOT .ATIONAL &OREST ! VIDEO m Y OVER OF THE AREA SHOWING USER CREATED TRAILS CONTRASTED WITH PROPOSED SYSTEM ROUTES IS AVAILABLE ONLINE IN OUR VIDEO ARCHIVE HTTPWWWWILDLANDSCPRORGVIDEOS !DAM HAS ALSO SPENT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME PREPARING FOR THE SESSION OF THE -ONTANA ,EGISLATURE BY WORKING WITH MULTIPLE INTER EST GROUPS TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE STATE LEVEL MANAGEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON ENFORCEMENT !DAM HAS ALSO BEEN DEVELOPING COMMENTS OR ORGANIZING OTHER GROUPS TO COMMENT ON SEVERAL UPCOMING DRAFT 4RAVEL 0LANS INCLUDING PLANS FOR THE "EAVERHEAD $EERLODGE .ATIONAL &OREST "ITTERROOT .ATIONAL &OREST AND THE !SHLAND $ISTRICT OF THE #USTER .ATIONAL &OREST
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7ILDLANDS #02S -ONTANA /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OORDINATOR !DAM 2ISSIEN SETS OUT ON THE "EARTOOTH "ACK #OUNTRY (ORSEMEN RIDE AND TRAIL REPAIR EVENT 0HOTO BY "ONNIE #HEPULIS
7ILDLANDS #02 5TAH /FF 2OAD 6EHICLE #OOR DINATOR ,AUREL (AGEN COMPLETED WORK ON A STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE EXTENSIVE 0AIUTE !46 4RAIL SEE HER ARTICLE ON PAGES 3HE ALSO ASSISTED A LOCAL ORGANIZATION 4HE 5INTAH -OUN TAIN #LUB IN l LING A FORMAL PROTEST OF THE "UREAU OF ,AND -ANAGEMENTS 2ESOURCE -ANAGEMENT 0LAN FOR THE 6ERNAL &IELD /Fl CE DUE TO POOR MAN AGEMENT OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE )N ADDITION ,AUREL HAS BEEN DRAFTING A STUDY OF USER CONm ICTS BETWEEN OFF ROAD VEHICLES AND QUIET RECREATION USERS IN THE -OAB &IELD /Fl CE 4HE STUDY WILL HIGHLIGHT THE LOW ECONOMIC INPUTS FROM OFF ROAD VEHICLE TOURISM AND THE LOW NUMBER OF INDI VIDUAL OFF ROAD VEHICLE TOURISTS COMPARED TO THE MASSIVE SCALE OF AREA RESOURCES BEING DEDICATED TO OFF ROAD VEHICLE USERS IN THE RECENTLY l NALIZED -OAB 4RAVEL 0LAN
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4HE /RGANIZATION 3POTLIGHT SHARES THE STORIES OF SOME OF THE AWESOME CITIZENS AND ORGANIZATIONS WE WORK WITH BOTH AS A TRIBUTE TO THEM AND AS A WAY OF HIGHLIGHTING SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES AND LESSONS LEARNED 0LEASE E MAIL YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE #ITIZEN 3POTLIGHT TO CATHY WILDLANDSCPRORG
Spotlight on Mattole Restoration Council 7ITH *EREMY 7HEELER %$ "Y #ATHRINE , 7ALTERS
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A GROUP OF CITIZENS GATHERED UNDER THE LARGEST MADRONE TREE IN THE WORLD SYMBOLICALLY LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REMOTE -ATTOLE WATERSHED ALONG #ALIFORNIAS NORTHERN COAST 4HE -ATTOLES SQUARE MILES ARE REMARKABLY WILD WITH A SPARSELY POPULATED LANDSCAPE OF TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS NATIVE PRAIRIES AND OAK WOODLANDS "UT THE WATERSHED SUFFERED SEVERELY FROM DECADES OF SEDIMENTATION CHOK ING THE VEGETATION AND DEPLETING NATIVE SALMON 4HE CITIZENS UNDER THAT MADRONE TREE WANTED TO SAVE THE AREA AND STARTED A MOVEMENT TO RESTORE THE WATERSHEDS NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROTECT IT 4HUS THE -ATTOLE 2ESTORA TION #OUNCIL -2# WAS BORN ,OCATED IN #ALIFORNIAS h,OST #OASTv REGION APPROXIMATELY MILES NORTH OF 3AN &RANCISCO THE -ATTOLE VALLEY WAS SPARED FROM DEVELOPMENT WHEN THE RUGGED TERRAIN OF THE +ING 2ANGE FORCED BUILDERS OF THE #OASTAL (IGHWAY TO TURN INLAND 4HIS LEFT THE AREA RELATIVELY UNTOUCHED WITH BOUN TIFUL NATIVE SALMON RUNS AND CLEAR RUNNING STREAMS UP UNTIL THE POST 7ORLD 7AR )) TIMBER BOOM
4HE -ATTOLE 2IVER EMPTIES INTO THE 0ACIl C 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
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4HIS USED TO BE A ROAD NOW A TRAIL 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
"EGINNING IN $OUGLAS l R WERE STRIPPED FROM THE -ATTOLES FORESTLANDS AND BY ONLY OF THE ORIGINAL OLD GROWTH FOREST RE MAINED STANDING )N THIS ERA HARVEST OPERATIONS PAID LITTLE ATTENTION TO WATER QUALITY OR HABITAT CONSIDERATIONS 4HOUSANDS OF MILES OF ROADS AND SKID TRAILS DISSECTED THE LANDSCAPE AND HARVESTS OFTEN REMOVED ALL VEGETATION FROM RIPARIAN FOR ESTLANDS )N AND TWO LARGE m OODS HIT THE -ATTOLE AND SENT AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF SEDIMENT INTO THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES 4HE m OODS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED IN STREAM HABITATS THROUGHOUT THE BASIN AND SENT SALMON POPULATIONS PLUMMETING 3TEELHEAD AND SALMON POPULATIONS HAVE DECLINED BY OVER SINCE AND -ATTOLE 2IVER #OHO AND #HINOOK SALMON POPULATIONS ARE NOW FEDERALLY LISTED AS THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION ! ONCE THRIVING l SH ING INDUSTRY HAS ENTIRELY COLLAPSED )N THE EARLY S A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT BEGAN IN THE -ATTOLE 2ESIDENTS WANTED TO SEE THEIR HOME WATERSHED HEAL AFTER REALIZING THAT LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES HAD CAUSED UN INTENDED DECLINES IN NATIVE SALMON RUNS 4HE -ATTOLE 7ATERSHED 3ALMON 3UPPORT 'ROUP NOW
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TIONS AND -2#S SHOWCASE PROGRAM 'OOD 2OADS #LEAR #REEKS '2## TO STORMPROOF ROADS AND STABILIZE STREAM BANKS TO REDUCE SEDIMENT LOADS INTO STREAMS *EREMY SAYS WITH '2## THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED OVER INDIVIDUAL EROSION CONTROL PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED SINCE 4HESE INCLUDE STORMPROOl NG UNPAVED PRIVATE ACCESS ROADS AS WELL AS DECOMMIS SIONING ABANDONED ROADS IMPROVING STREAM CROSS INGS AND STABILIZING LANDSLIDES /NE OF THEIR CURRENT PROJECTS INVOLVES IMPROVING DRAINAGES AND ROADS ON TRIBUTARIES TO THE -ATTOLE 2IVER 3EVERAL MILES OF ROAD HAVE BEEN RESHAPED BY CROWNING AND OUTSLOPING ROAD SEGMENTS .EARLY l FTY CULVERTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ALL DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND YEAR m OOD EVENTS 3OME OF THE MOST EXCITING AND LARGE SCALE '2## PROJECTS WERE REPLACING OLD CULVERTS THAT WERE IMPEDING l SH ACCESS %XCAVATOR WORKING TO RESTORE A ROAD 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2# AND INSTALLING BRIDGES OR BOTTOMLESS PIPE ARCHES 4HESE STRUCTURES ALLOW SALMON AND STEELHEAD TROUT TO FREELY MIGRATE UNDER THE ROAD EXPANDING THEIR SPAWN ING AND REARING HABITAT 4HE '2## PROGRAM CONTINUES TO RUN STRONG TODAY STABILIZING MANY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CUBIC FEET OF THE -ATTOLE 3ALMON 'ROUP FORMED IN TO SEDIMENT EACH YEAR CUBIC YARDS IN PREVENT THE EXTINCTION OF NATIVE SALMON 3OON AFTER THE COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR AN OTHER NON PROl T TO SERVE AS AN UMBRELLA FOR THIS AND OTHER CITIZENS GROUPS THAT WERE ADDRESSING SALMON AND OTHER WATERSHED ISSUES 4HE -AT TOLE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL WAS BORN AND HAVING CELEBRATED THEIR TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR CONTINUES TO WORK FOR THE HEALTH AND RECOVERY OF THE WATERSHED WITH THE VITAL PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND OTHER NON PROl TS &OR MANY YEARS THE -ATTOLE HAS BEEN IDENTI l ED AS A PRIORITY CONSERVATION TARGET DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GENETIC HERITAGE OF THE NATIVE SALMON TRENDS IN WATERSHED RECOVERY AND THE STRONG PRESENCE OF COMMUNITY BASED CONSERVA TION 4HESE SENTIMENTS ARE ENDORSED BY #ALIFOR NIA STATE RESOURCE MANAGERS WHO HAVE TAGGED -ATTOLE SALMON WITH THE HIGHEST RISK OF EXTINC TION BUT ALSO THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR RECOVERY 4HE -ATTOLE 2IVER IS ONE OF ONLY TWO FREE m OWING RIVERS ON THE .ORTH #OAST AND HAS SELF SUSTAIN ING POPULATIONS OF THREE SALMONID SPECIES #HI NOOK SALMON #OHO SALMON AND STEELHEAD TROUT 4HESE POPULATIONS DO NOT HAVE ANY HATCHERY INPUTS AND REMAIN GENETICALLY WILD A RARITY IN #ALIFORNIA AND INCREASINGLY THE WORLD *EREMY 7HEELER -2#S %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR SINCE MOVED TO THE RURAL WATERSHED ELEVEN YEARS AGO h) WAS INTERESTED IN LIVING A MORE RURAL LIFESTYLE AND IN PURSUING WORK THAT INCLUDED A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAND ) BEGAN ATTENDING MEETINGS AND DOING ODD JOBS FOR THE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL IMMEDIATELYv 4O FULl LL THEIR MISSION -2# HAS l VE MAIN PROGRAMS A RESOURCE CENTER EDUCATION PRO GRAMS FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ')3 MAP PING SERVICES IMPROVING FOREST AND RANGE CONDI
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7HEN ASKED HOW THEY FUND ALL THIS GREAT WORK *EREMY REPLIES h!N EX TREMELY IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR OUR WORK HAS BEEN A SERIES OF BOND MEASURES PASSED BY #ALIFORNIA VOTERS TO SUPPORT CLEAN AND AMPLE WATERS IN THE STATEv 4HESE INCLUDE 0ROPOSITIONS AND MOST RECENT LY (E ADDS HOWEVER h7E ARE CONCERNED THAT THE CURRENT STATE BUDGET ISSUES COULD JEOPARDIZE FUTURE STATE FUNDING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATIONv /NE PROPOSED SOLUTION IN THE WORKS IS DEVELOPING A PERMANENT STATE WATERSHED PROTECTION FUND POSSIBLY THROUGH A TAX ON BOTTLED WATER OR OTHER WATER USERS 7HILE l NANCIAL SUPPORT CAN BE CHALLENGING *EREMY BOASTS THAT -ATTOLES DIVERSE COMMUNITY HAS PROVIDED PLENTY OF PUBLIC SUPPORT TO RESTORE THE AREA h4HE RANCHERS RESTORATIONISTS RETIREES FAMILIES TEACHERS WRITERS ARTISTS AGRICULTURALISTS AND THE UNCATEGORIZABLE ALL AGREE THAT THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN NEED OF GOOD CAREFUL STEWARDSHIPv *EREMY CONTINUES TO ENJOY THE RURAL LIFESTYLE AND BUILD HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LAND h-Y FAMILY AND ) ENJOY WORKING ON OUR SMALL ORGANIC RANCH WHERE WE RAISE A FEW HEAD OF CATTLE A SMALL ORCHARD AND VEGETA BLE GARDEN 7E LOVE SWIMMING IN THE RIVER AND EXPLORING THE CREEKSv !ND HE ADDS HE PARTICULARLY LOVES INTERACTING WITH THE COMMUNITY MADE UP OF SOME OF THE MOST CAR ING INTERESTING PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT THE -ATTOLE 2ESTORATION #OUNCIL AND SUPPORT THEIR WORK PLEASE VISIT WWWMAT TOLEORG
*EREMY 7HEELER 0HOTO COURTESY OF -2#
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Immigration, Wildlife and the Wall "Y "ETHANIE 7ALDER
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) SPENT A DELIGHTFUL FEW DAYS BACKPACKING NEAR THE -EXICO5NITED 3TATES BORDER IN /RGAN 0IPE #ACTUS .ATIONAL -ONUMENT 4HERE ARE THREE THINGS )LL NEVER FORGET ABOUT THAT TRIP HAVING OUR LUNCH INTERRUPTED BY THE SONIC BOOM FROM A l GHTER JET m YING VERY NEARBY l NDING WHAT WE THOUGHT WERE JAGUAR TRACKS IN THE SAND AND BEING AWAKENED IN THE NIGHT BY A GROUP OF PEOPLE MOST LIKELY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WALKING NOT FAR FROM OUR TENT WELL OFF THE TRAIL 4HE MIXTURE OF WILDLIFE IMMIGRATION AND MILITARIZATION HAS GOTTEN PROFOUNDLY MORE COMPLEX IN /RGAN 0IPE AND NEARLY A DOZEN OTHER NATIONAL PARKS FORESTS MONUMENTS OR OTHER FEDERAL LANDS EVER SINCE #ONGRESS PASSED THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT IN /CTOBER 4HIS ACT CALLED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BORDER FENCE ON APPROXIMATELY MILES OF ,OOKING ALONG THE WALL 0HOTO BY *AY * *OHNSON #ASTRO 3R THE MILE -EXICO53 BORDER 4HE hFENCEv WOULD BE THE LARGEST SUCH BARRIER IN THE WORLD NOT COUNTING THE 'REAT 7ALL OF #HINA IN ITS WILDLIFE MOVEMENT FOR NUMEROUS THREAT HEYDAY #ONGRESS WAS PURPOSEFUL IN NAMING THIS ENORMOUS BARRIER A hFENCE v TRY ENED OR IMPERILED SPECIES THAT DEPEND ING TO MAKE IT SOUND BENIGN AND SIMPLE "UT IN MANY PLACES ITS NOT A FENCE AT ALL UPON ACCESS TO HABITAT ON BOTH SIDES )TS A WALL NOT UNLIKE THE 'REAT 7ALL OF #HINA THE "ERLIN 7ALL OR MORE RECENTLY THE OF THE BORDER ,OOKING AT PHOTOS OF *ERUSALEM FENCEWALL 4HE 53-EXICO BORDER WALL IS LIKELY THE MOST SIGNIl CANT LIN EAR BARRIER TO PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE TO BE BUILT IN MODERN TIMES )TS NOT SOMETHING WE THE WIDE SWATH OF WALLS FENCES ROADS CAMERAS AND LIGHTING THAT MAKE UP THE SHOULD BE PROUD OF 4HE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT ESPECIALLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2EAL BORDER ) CANNOT IMAGINE HOW A PERSON )$ !CT OF HAS SIGNIl CANTLY EXACERBATED BOTH THE HUMANITARIAN AND ENVIRON LET ALONE A WILD ANIMAL COULD EVER GET MENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF 53 IMMIGRATION POLICY ACROSS THESE BARRIERS AND THE DENUDED LANDS THAT SURROUND THEM )N ADDITION 4HE WALL IS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO KEEP OUT PEOPLE NOT ANIMALS "UT WHILE THE A .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE STUDY WALL APPEARS TO CREATE AN IMPERMEABLE BARRIER TO WILDLIFE MANY STUDIES HAVE FOUND DOCUMENTED EXTRAORDINARY HYDROLOGIC THAT IT DOES NOT DO THE SAME FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS )NSTEAD IT SHIFTS MIGRANTS TO PROBLEMS AND m OODING CAUSED BY THE LESS FORTIl ED AREAS OR ENCOURAGES THEM TO CIRCUMVENT IT FOR EXAMPLE BY BUILDING TUNNELS )N ADDITION BY FORCING MIGRANTS TO MORE REMOTE AREAS THE WALL HAS LED TO A WALLFENCE AT /RGAN 0IPE EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ACCOMODATE SIGNIl CANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF -EXICANS WHO DIE SEEKING A BETTER LIFE BY TRY DESERT HYDROLOGIC SYSTEMS ING TO ENTER THE 5NITED 3TATES 4HE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF CURRENT 53 BORDER POLICY ARE ALSO SEVERE 4HE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AND PROPOSED SECTIONS OF THE WALL ARE CREATING BARRIERS TO
,EFT EROSION OF THE FOUNDATION WALL AND PATROL ROAD CAUSED BY m OODING !BOVE )MPOUNDED BY THE PEDESTRIAN FENCE m OODWATERS FROM (EADQUARTERS 7ASH WHICH NORMALLY m OWS FROM NORTH TO SOUTH m OWED TO THE EAST ALONG THE FENCE AND INTO THE -EXICAN 0ORT OF %NTRY IN 3ONOYTA 3ONORA .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE PHOTOS
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4HE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT DIRECTED THE $EPARTMENT OF (OMELAND 3ECURITY $(3 TO hPROVIDE FOR AT LEAST LAYERS OF REIN FORCED FENCING THE INSTALLATION OF ADDI TIONAL PHYSICAL BARRIERS ROADS LIGHTING CAMERAS AND SENSORSv )N MANY PLACES THE AGENCY HAS CLEARED ALL VEGETATION UP TO FEET ON EITHER SIDE OF THE WALL 4HESE AREAS ARE SO HEAVILY FORTIl ED AND MILITARIZED IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE FOR WILDLIFE TO SURVIVE )N ADDITION THE 2EAL )$ !CT PASSED BEFORE THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT GAVE THE $(3 THE AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ALL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS THAT MIGHT IMPEDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SECURITY BARRIERS !CCORDING TO A #ONGRESSIONAL 2ESEARCH 3ERVICE 2EPORT THE INITIAL LAN GUAGE OF THE ACT ACTUALLY hREQUIREDv THE 3ECRETARY OF THE $(3 TO WAIVE ALL LAWS BUT WAS MODIl ED TO hALLOWv IT
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CONSERVATIONISTS SHOULD HAVE ENGAGED EARLIER AND THEY ARE RIGHT 4HAT SAID THERE ARE NO EASY ANSWERS TO THE PROBLEMS ALONG THE BORDER )N !RIZONA #ONGRESS MAN 2AUL 'RIJALVA INTRODUCED THE "ORDERLANDS #ONSERVATION AND 3ECURITY !CT WHICH WOULD REINSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND PROTECT TRIBAL AND CULTURAL RESOURC ES )F IT PASSES IT WILL BE A CRITICAL STEP FORWARD
4RACK OF A *AGUAR 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
!S A RESULT OF BOTH THE 3ECURE &ENCE !CT AND THE 2EAL )$ !CT THE $(3 3ECRETARY HAS BEEN GRANTED AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF AUTONOMY FROM ENVIRONMEN TAL LAWS THAT COULD PROTECT WILDLIFE FROM THE IMPACTS OF THIS CONSTRUCTION 7HY THE EXEMPTION "ECAUSE THERE IS ABSO LUTELY NO WAY TO BUILD THIS GRAND MILI TARIZED BORDER ZONE WITHOUT BREAKING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS n THE IMPACTS ARE JUST TOO GREAT 4HE LAWS THAT HAVE BEEN IGNORED TO BUILD THE BORDER WALL INCLUDE THE .ATIONAL %NVIRONMENTAL 0OLICY !CT %NDANGERED 3PECIES !CT -IGRATORY "IRD 4REATY !CT #LEAN 7ATER !CT 7ILDERNESS !CT .ATIONAL (ISTORIC 0RESERVATION !CT AND MANY MANY OTHERS 7AIVING ALL OF THESE ENVIRONMEN TAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS IS PUTTING DOZENS OF SPECIES AT RISK OF EXTINCTION OR EXTIRPATION FROM THE 5NITED 3TATES INCLUDING JAGUARS -EXICAN GRAY WOLVES OCELOTS m AT TAILED HORNED LIZARDS 3ONORAN PRONGHORN #HIRICAHUA LEOPARD FROGS AND MORE /CELOTS FOR EXAMPLE APPARENTLY NUMBER LESS THAN ALONG THE 2IO 'RANDE AND MUST HAVE ACCESS TO THE LARGER POPULATION IN -EXICO TO PREVENT INBREEDING THE BORDER WALL WILL SEVER WHATEVER HABITAT CONNECTIVITY CURRENTLY EXISTS 3IMILARLY ONLY ABOUT 3ONORAN PRONGHORN STILL EXIST ON THE 53 SIDE OF /RGAN 0IPE !ND WHAT ABOUT THOSE POSSIBLE JAGUAR TRACKS THAT MY FRIEND AND ) SAW BACK IN )TS MOST LIKELY THAT THE ANIMAL HAD COME FROM -EXICO SINCE JAGUAR WERE EXTIRPATED FROM THE DESERT SOUTHWEST IN THE LATE S THOUGH OCCASIONAL SIGHTINGS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN FROM LONE -EXICAN DISPERSERS EXPLORING NEW TERRITORY )MMIGRATION REFORM IS A DAUNTING ISSUE FACING THE #ONGRESS AS WELL AS IM MIGRATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS )N THE LAST FEW YEARS CONSERVATIONISTS HAVE ALSO ENGAGED IN THIS COMPLEX DEBATE BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE IMPACTS CURRENT IMMIGRATION POLICIES HAVE ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND WATER %NVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES ARGUE THAT TRADITIONAL
5NTIL MORE COMPREHENSIVE HUMANITARIAN AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS IMMI GRATION REFORM IS ADOPTED AND LETS HOPE IT IS ADOPTED SOON WE MUST REQUEST AT THE LEAST IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS ALONG THE BORDER 4OO MUCH IS AT RISK FOR BOTH NATURAL AREAS AND IMMIGRANTS ALIKE TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT INEFFECTIVE DAMAGING POLICY $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE #ENTER FOR "IOLOGICAL $IVERSITY 3IERRA #LUB "ORDER !MBASSADORS .O "ORDER 7ALL AND MANY OTHER ADVO CACY GROUPS ARE WORKING TO STOP THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SECTIONS OF THE WALL AND TO ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESS THIS CHALLENGE )LL GO HIKING IN THE AMAZINGLY RICH AND COMPLEX NATURAL AREAS ALONG THE BORDER AGAIN BUT ) UNDERSTAND THAT SOME DONT LOOK LIKE THEY DID WHEN ) WAS LAST THERE )N ADDITION TO THE WALLS THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIl CANT DAMAGE FROM BOTH MIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT DRIVING VEHICLES OFF ROAD ) HOPE THAT THE NEXT TIME )M THERE )LL HAVE A CHANCE TO HAPPEN ACROSS JAGUAR TRACKS OR AN OCELOT OR A m AT TAILED LIZARD BECAUSE WE NO LONGER HAVE A FORTIl ED WALL DIVIDING TWO COUNTRIES TWO PEOPLES AND ONE ECOSYSTEM
/RGAN 0IPE .ATIONAL -ONUMENT 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
References and Resources "ORDER !MBASSADORS PROVIDES INFORMATION MEETINGS BORDER WALKS AND DISCUSSIONS FOR PEOPLE WORKING TO CHALLENGE THE BORDER WALL HTTP WWWBORDERAMBASSADORSCOM #ENTER FOR "IOLOGICAL $IVERSITY 4HE #ENTER HAS INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIES THAT ARE THREATENED BY EXISTING AND PROPOSED SECTIONS OF THE BORDER WALL IN ADDITION TO POLICY INFORMATION $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE HAS A PROGRAM DEDICATED TO REFORMING BORDER LEGISLATION THEIR WEBSITE INCLUDES FACT SHEETS AND ECOLOGICAL POLICY RESOURCES HTTPWWWBIOLOGICALDIVERSITYORGPROGRAMS INTERNATIONALMEXICOHTML .ATIONAL 0ARK 3ERVICE %FFECTS OF THE )NTERNATIONAL "OUNDARY 0EDESTRIAN &ENCE IN THE 6ICINITY OF ,UKEVILLE !RIZONA ON $RAINAGE 3YSTEMS AND )NFRASTRUCTURE /RGAN 0IPE #ACTUS .ATIONAL -ONUMENT !RIZONA /0#.- !JO !: !UGUST .O 4EXAS "ORDER 7ALL 4HIS WEBSITE PROVIDES INFORMATION EXPLAINING WHAT THE ECOLOGICAL AND HUMANITARIAN IMPACTS OF THE BORDER WALL AND PROVIDING KEY LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES HTTPWWWNOTEXASBORDERWALL COM .U×EZ .ETO "LAS AND -ICHAEL *OHN 'ARCIA "ORDER 3ECURITY "ARRIERS ALONG THE 53 )NTERNATIONAL "ORDER #ONGRESSIONAL 2ESEARCH 3ERVICE 2EPORT FOR #ONGRESS #ODE 2, 7ASHINGTON $# 3EGEE "RIAN AND *ENNY .EELEY /N THE ,INE 4HE IMPACTS OF IMMIGRATION POLICY ON WILDLIFE AND HABITAT IN THE !RIZONA BORDERLANDS $EFENDERS OF 7ILDLIFE 7ASHINGTON $#
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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GAO Blasts Plum Creek - Forest Service Backroom Deal /N /CTOBER THE 'OVERNMENT !CCOUNTABILITY /Fl CE '!/ RELEASED A DETAILED LETTER TAKING THE &OREST 3ERVICE AND 0LUM #REEK TO TASK FOR THEIR BACKROOM DEALINGS TO RENEGOTIATE THOUSANDS OF MILES OF ROAD RIGHTS OF WAY TO ALLOW FOR RESIDEN TIAL DEVELOPMENT ON 0LUM #REEK ,ANDS 4HE RIGHTS OF WAY WERE ORIGINALLY GRANTED IN THE S FOR TIMBER HARVEST PURPOSES "UT 0LUM #REEK 4IMBER #OMPANY THE NATIONS LARGEST PRIVATE TIMBERLAND HOLDER WITH MORE THAN MILLION ACRES BECAME A 2EAL %STATE )NVESTMENT 4RUST 2%)4 IN AND DECIDED THEY COULD MAKE MORE MONEY SELLING LAND THAN SELLING LOGS 7HILE THE REAL ESTATE MARKET MAY NOT BE PARTICULARLY HOT RIGHT NOW THE LACK OF CLEAR ROAD EASE MENTS FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT WAS DEl NITELY PUTTING A KINK IN 0LUM #REEKS LONG TERM PLANS 0LUM #REEK FOUND A FRIENDLY EAR IN -ARK 2EY 5NDERSEC RETARY OF !GRICULTURE IN CHARGE OF THE &OREST 3ERVICE 4HUS BEGAN THE SECRET NEGOTIATIONS WHICH WERE EVENTUALLY MADE PUBLIC IN !PRIL "ECAUSE OF THE PROFOUND IMPACT THIS EASEMENT RENEGOTIATION WOULD HAVE ON CHECKERBOARD LANDS IN THE WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE IN -ONTANA 53 3ENATOR *OHN 4ESTER REQUESTED THAT THE '!/ CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE LEGALITY OF THE RENEGOTIATION 4HE LETTER PROVIDES AN INITIAL RESPONSE TO THAT REQUEST BUT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A LEGAL l ND ING 4HE LETTER PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT HISTORY OF THE SITUATION AND THE FOOTNOTES PROVIDE STRONG LEGAL ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE RENEGOTIATION (ERES THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH WHICH DEl NITELY MAKES THE TONE OF THE LETTER CLEAR &24! &OREST 2OADS AND 4RAILS !CT OF h4HE DRAFT EASEMENT AMENDMENT WOULD ESTABLISH 53$!S POSITION THAT ALL &24! EASEMENTS ACROSS THE WEST MEETING THE TEMPLATE LANGUAGE PROVIDE FOR ACCESS AS STATED IN THE AMEND MENT 53$! HAS THUS FAR FOREGONE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE ALTERNATIVES FOR ADDRESSING THIS HIGHLY COMPLICATED MATTER IN A SYSTEMATIC PUBLIC WAY WHETHER BY CARRYING OUT AN ANALY SIS UNDER .%0! OR DOING SO IN SOME OTHER FASHION 53$!S APPROACH HAS ALSO DEPRIVED IT OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN THE PUBLICS VIEWS ON A MATTER OF INTENSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN A MANNER THAT MIGHT MEANINGFULLY INFORM THE AGENCYS DECISION AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ALLAY PUBLIC CONFUSION OVER THE AGENCYS CURRENT &24! EASEMENT MANAGEMENT POLICIESv 3TAY TUNED TO 7ILDLANDS #02S WEBSITE TO STAY INFORMED ON THIS STORY WHICH DEl NITELY AFFECTS RIGHTS OF WAY ISSUES NATIONALLY NOT JUST IN -ONTANA
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#ONGRESSIONAL SCRUTINY OF 0LUM #REEKS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE &OREST 3ERVICE MAY HELP LEAD TO RENEGOTIATION OF THEIR ROAD EASEMENTS WITH A POTENTIAL FOR NATIONAL IMPLICATIONS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
UtahÕs Republican Governor Calls ORV Abuse Òan AbominationÓ 5TAHS GOVERNOR 2EPUBLICAN *OHN (UNTSMAN TOLD THE 3ALT ,AKE 4RIBUNE IN A RECENT INTERVIEW THAT HE HAD WITNESSED EX TENSIVE /26 ABUSE IN 5TAH AND THAT hA CRACKDOWN IS COMINGv !S REPORTED BY 2OBERT 'EHRKE OF THE 4RIBUNE 'OVERNOR (UNTSMAN VISITED PUBLIC LANDS AROUND -OAB WITH A REPRESEN TATIVE OF THE 3OUTHERN 5TAH 7ILDERNESS !LLIANCE 2EFERRING TO THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY ILLEGAL OFF TRAIL RIDING THE 'OVERNOR SAID h)TS AN ABOMINATION ITS AN EMBARRASSMENTv (E SAID THAT HES DIRECTED STATE OFl CIALS TO ENFORCE RESTRICTIONS ON OFF ROAD TRAVEL ! 3ALT ,AKE 4RIBUNE EDITORIAL CALLED THE MOVE A GOOD BEGINNING BUT SAID IT NEEDED TO GO FURTHER AND IN ITS OWN EDI TORIAL THE 0ROVO $AILY (ERALD CONGRATULATED THE 'OVERNOR
ORV Groups Withdraw Lawsuit Over Upper Tellico OHV Area *UST IN TIME TO SAVE FACE THE "LUE 2IBBON #OALITION "2# AND OTHER MOTORIZED ADVOCACY GROUPS WITHDREW A LAWSUIT THEY HAD l LED CHALLENGING A &OREST 3ERVICE DECISION TO CLOSE DAMAGED AREAS WITHIN THE 5PPER 4ELLICO /(6 AREA 4HE AGEN CY HAD ALREADY ASKED THE COURT TO DISMISS THE CASE AS GROUND LESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS WERE SEEKING TO INTERVENE IN THE CASE TO ADD THEIR SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT 4HE &OREST 3ERVICE SAID IT WOULD CONTINUE ITS ONGOING .%0! EVALUATION OF THE FUTURE OF OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE IN THE 4ELLICO AREA 7ILD 3OUTH HAS BEEN WORKING ON THE ISSUE WITH 3OUTHERN %NVIRONMENTAL ,AW #ENTER 4ROUT 5NLIMITED AND 0%%2 &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWWWILDSOUTHORG
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
University Profs Recommend Broader View of Restoration /N 3EPTEMBER THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA &ORESTRY 3CHOOL RELEASED A REPORT TO 3ENATOR *OHN 4ESTER $ -4 REGARDING THE STATE OF &OREST 3ERVICE MANAGEMENT 4HE REPORT WAS PRESENTED AS PART OF THE ND ANNUAL 0UBLIC ,AND ,AW #ONFERENCE IN -ISSOULA 4ITLED h4HE .ATIONAL &ORESTS 0OLICY !SSESSMENT v IT INCLUDES SEVEN KEY l NDINGS s ,AWMAKERS SHOULD REINVEST IN THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FORESTS AND FUND THE 53&3 AT LEVELS COMMENSURATE WITH ITS RESPONSIBILITIES s 4HERE IS BROAD BASED NATIONAL AND STATE LEVEL SUPPORT FOR ADMINISTRATIVELY PROTECTING INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREAS AND THESE LANDS SHOULD BE PROTECTED ACCORDINGLY s 4HE FOREST PLANNING REGULATIONS FAIL TO l ND AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE BETWEEN ADAPTABILITY AND ENFORCEABLE STANDARDS AND SHOULD BE REWRITTEN s 0RIVATE LAND DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO NATIONAL FORESTS IS AN INCREASING PROBLEM THAT MUST BE SYSTEMATICALLY CON FRONTED VIA AN ASSORTMENT OF POLICY APPROACHES AND TOOLS FROM FULLY FUNDED LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAMS TO LANDSCAPE LEVEL PLANNING INITIATIVES s &OREST RESTORATION BEGINS WITH COMPREHENSIVE TRANS PORTATION PLANNING THAT IDENTIl ES AND FUNDS UPGRADING MAIN TENANCE OR DECOMMISSIONING FOREST ROADS s ,EGAL STANDARDS MUST PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT )NCREASING CONm ICT AND UNCERTAINTY HAS LED TO ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF CONm ICT RESOLUTION INCLUDING PLACE BASED FOREST SPECIl C LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS 3EVERAL QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED BEFORE THESE APPROACHES ARE REPLICATED ELSEWHERE 4HEIR FORMATION SHOULD BE AS TRANS PARENT AND INCLUSIVE AS FOUND IN EXISTING DECISION MAKING PROCESSES s ! COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL FOREST POLICY AND MANAGEMENT BY AN INCLUSIVE SET OF INTERESTS AND PERSPEC TIVES SHOULD BE INITIATED IN !CCORDING TO THE AUTHORS 3ENATOR 4ESTER REQUESTED THE REPORT IN *ANUARY AS AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED ISSUES FACING THE &OREST 3ERVICE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS DELIGHTED THAT THE ASSESSMENT ADDRESSES BOTH OF OUR KEY ISSUES n RESTO RATION AND OFF ROAD VEHICLE USE )N ADDITION WEVE LONG ARGUED THAT THE DEBATE OVER FOR EST RESTORATION HAS GOTTEN UNNECESSARILY STUCK ON QUESTIONS REGARDING TIMBER MANAGEMENT INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING LARGER WATERSHED ISSUES 4HE AUTHORS ECHO THIS CONCERN IN THE RESTO RATION SECTION WHERE THEY STATE THAT hEVEN THOUGH THE GOALS OF FOREST RESTORATION ACTIVITIES CAN BE QUITE BROAD THE FOCUS OF FOREST RESTORATION PROJECTS FREQUENTLY RETURNS TO A RELATIVELY NARROW OBJECTIVE OF TREATING FOREST FUELSv 4HE AUTHORS ALSO ADDRESS SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITH OFF ROAD VEHICLE RECREATION ARGUING THAT OFF ROAD VEHICLE MANAGE MENT IS THE MOST hVIRULENT CONTROVERSYv FACING &OREST 3ERVICE RECREATION MANAGERS AND THAT THE AGENCY DOES NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ENFORCE INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES
The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
!S FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS BEGIN TO EMBRACE THE NOTION OF RESTORATION 7ILDLANDS #02 WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR INCORPORATING ROAD REMOVAL AS A KEY ELEMENT (ERE -ONTANA #ONSERVATION #ORPS REVEGETATES A REMOVED ROAD AND LANDING 0HOTO BY !DAM 3WITALSKI
Forest Service Issues Interim Directive on Ecological Restoration /N 3EPTEMBER &OREST 3ERVICE #HIEF 'AIL +IMBALL IS SUED AN INTERIM DIRECTIVE ON ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION )NTERIM $IRECTIVE )$ &3- %COLOGICAL 2ESTORATION AND 2ESIL IENCE 7ILDLANDS #02 IS PLEASED TO SEE THIS DIRECTIVE FROM THE AGENCY ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE AN hOVERARCHING AND UNIFYING POLICY AND DEl NITION OF RESTORATION FOR AGENCY EMPLOYEES AND PARTNERSv 4HE DIRECTIVE WILL BE VALID FOR MONTHS AS THE AGENCY TESTS IT ON THE GROUND AND A l NAL DIRECTIVE WILL THEN BE DEVELOPED AFTER TRIBAL CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT 7E ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED BY THE AGENCYS DEl NITION OF RESTORATION 4HE PROCESS OF ASSISTING THE RECOVERY OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITY OF ECOSYSTEMS THAT HAVE BEEN DEGRADED DAMAGED OR DESTROYED 2ESTORATION FOCUSES ON ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION STRUCTURE PATTERN AND ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES NECESSARY TO MAKE TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT AND HEALTHY UNDER CURRENT AND FUTURE CONDITIONS 4HIS DEl NITION COVERS THE BROAD RANGE OF RESTORATION NEEDS THAT MANY OF US FEEL MUST BE ADDRESSED ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE &INALLY MUCH OF WHAT IS IN THE DIRECTIVE l TS NICELY WITH THE EFFORTS OF THE -ONTANA &OREST 2ESTORATION #OMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS 7ILDLANDS #02 LOOKS FOR WARD TO ENGAGING WITH THE &OREST 3ERVICE AS THEY IMPLEMENT AND l NE TUNE THIS DIRECTIVE OVER THE NEXT MONTHS
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T
HE SEASONS ARE CHANGING ONCE AGAIN AND WERE ALL TRYING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LAST FEW WARM AND SUNNY DAYS THAT HAVE BEEN SPRINKLED INTO THE TYPICAL .OVEMBER CLOUDS AND COLDx "UT WITH SO MUCH GOING ON IN THE OFl CE AND THE DAYLIGHT HOURS SHRINKING INTO WINTER ITS HARD TO GET OUTSIDE TO SEE THE SUN 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT PROGRAMS WEVE BEEN SPENDING ALL THOSE OFl CE HOURS ON CHECK OUT 'ET 7ITH THE 0ROGRAM ON PAGES
7ELCOME
4HIS FALL WEVE GOT A NEW INTERN WORKING ON A PROJECT FOR US "ETH 'IBSON IS WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW ABOUT THE ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF OFF ROAD VEHICLES ON COASTAL AND DUNE ECOSYSTEMS "ETH IS WORKING ON HER -ASTERS IN %NVIRONMENTAL 3TUDIES AT THE 5NIVERSITY OF -ONTANA 7ELCOME AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS OF YOUR WORK
(ATE TO SEE YOU GO
'REG &ISHBEIN HAS BEEN A STELLAR BOARD MEMBER FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS (ES A BRILLIANT STRATEGIST EXPERT THINKER AND ALL AROUND AMAZING PERSON TO HAVE ON OUR BOARD /FTEN AS WE SAT IN BOARD MEETINGS DISCUSSING STRATEGIC PLANNING OR SPECIl C PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 'REG WOULD BE QUIETLY SCRIBBLING AWAY ON HIS NOTEPAD DISTILL ING THE CONVERSATION INTO hPOWERPOINTv TYPE OUTLINES THAT HELPED US CRYSTALLIZE WHAT DIRECTION WE WANTED TO GO !ND IN BETWEEN THOSE SESSIONS HE WAS ALWAYS THE l RST ONE OUT OF HIS CHAIR DURING OUR LENGTHIER BREAKS USUALLY ALONG WITH FORMER BOARD MEMBER $AVE (AVLICK TO SEE IF THEY COULD BAG THE TALLEST NEARBY PEAK AND STILL GET BACK IN TIME FOR DINNER 4HEY ALMOST ALWAYS BAGGED THE PEAK THOUGH THEY WERE RARELY BACK IN TIME FOR DINNER 'REG IS THE $IRECTOR OF #ONSERVATION &INANCE AND 0LANNING FOR 4HE .ATURE #ONSERVANCY WHERE HE WORKS ON MANY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 7ERE LOOKING FORWARD TO KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH HIM EVEN THOUGH HES TERM LIMITED OUT FROM OUR BOARD 4HANKS FOR EVERYTHING 'REG IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE AND HONOR TO HAVE YOU ON THE BOARD 7E EXPECT TO ANNOUNCE SEVERAL NEW ADDITIONS TO THE BOARD IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF OUR NEWSLETTER
2AFm E
)N .OVEMBER WE HELD OUR l RST EVER RAFm E FOR A COMPLETE SET OF THE COLLEC TORS EDITION OF OUR BOOK ! 2OAD 2UNS 4HROUGH )T )N CONJUNCTION WITH THE RAFm E WE HELD A PARTYDRAWING ON .O VEMBER HERE IN -ISSOULA WHICH WAS A FANTASTIC EVENT (UNDREDS OF PEOPLE CAME TO THE PARTY MANY PEOPLE BOUGHT RAFm E TICKETS AND THE GRAND PRIZE WAS WON BY A LOCAL -ISSOULIAN WHO BOUGHT HIS TICKET THAT NIGHT 4HANKS SO MUCH TO 'EOFF 3UTTON #LAIRE %MERY :OOTOWN "REW AND EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT RAFm E TICKETS FOR THE BOOK 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLECTORS EDITION #LAIRES MATCHING WOODCUT ENGRAVINGS OR THE BOOK ITSELF VISIT OUR WEBSITE
4HANKS
! BIG THANK YOU TO THE .EW ,AND .ATIONAL &OREST AND 0AGE &OUNDATIONS FOR THEIR GENEROUS GIFTS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK )N ADDITION WED LIKE TO THANK EV ERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY CONTRIBUTED TO 7ILDLANDS #02S ANNUAL GIFTS CAMPAIGN 7E KNOW l NANCIAL TIMES ARE TOUGH RIGHT NOW BUT 7ILDLANDS #02 REMAINS AN EX CELLENT INVESTMENT 9OUR DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO OUR WORK TO BUILD A RESTORA TION ECONOMY RESTORE DEGRADED WATER SHEDS STOP OFF ROAD VEHICLE ABUSE AND OTHERWISE ENSURE THAT TRANSPORTATION IN WILDLAND ECOSYSTEMS IS AS BENIGN AS POSSIBLE /UR EFFORTS ESPECIALLY TO BUILD A RESTORATION ECONOMY ARE EXTREMELY RELEVANT IN THIS UNSTABLE l NANCIAL PERIOD AND WE HOPE THAT DECISION MAK ERS AND CITIZENS ALIKE CONTINUE TO BE INTERESTED IN THIS INNOVATIVE EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE GOOD JOBS AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT AT THE SAME TIME
)TS TIME TO CONTEMPLATE WINTERS STILLNESS 0HOTO BY ,AUREL (AGEN
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
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The Road-RIPorter, Winter Solstice 2008
4HANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 23
/RGAN 0IPE .ATIONAL -UNUMENT 0HOTO BY "ETHANIE 7ALDER
Non-profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID MISSOULA MT, 59801 PERMIT NO. 569
/NLY TRAILS BELONG TO THE DEEP FORESTS A ROAD INTO A WILD REGION IS THE PRELUDE TO ITS DESTRUCTION ITS FORESTS ITS SCENERY AND ITS WILDLIFE 2OSALIE %DGE
/ iÊ,>`,*ÀÌiÀÊÃÊ«ÀÌi`ÊÊ£ää¯Ê«ÃÌVÃÕiÀÊÀiVÞVi`]Ê«ÀViÃÃÊV ÀivÀiiÊLi>V i`Ê«>«iÀÊÜÌ ÊÃÞL>Ãi`Ê°
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