Federal judge denies Forest Service plan

BOISE - Citing evidence that the United States Forest Service failed to comply with environmental laws, a federal judge struck down the Salmon-Challis National Forest's Travel Management Plan, according to a press release.

The travel plan would have allowed motorized use on hundreds of miles of trails.

"Big game and wildlife are coveted by all Idahoans, and we cannot allow one use to destroy what makes Idaho special," Brad Brooks of The Wilderness Society said in the release. "There must be a balance between motorized use and protection of wildlife resources."

The ruling, issued Friday, Feb. 4, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Bush, found the Forest Service had violated the National Environmental Policy Act and Forest Service travel management regulations by failing to protect public resources from motorized use, the release said.

Represented by Earthjustice, The Idaho Conservation League and The Wilderness Society filed suit in early 2010 asking the court to enforce federal environmental laws that require responsible use and better balance between motorized recreation and other forest values.

"Everyone has the right to enjoy our national forests, but no one has the right to abuse them," Brad Smith of the Idaho Conservation League said in the release. "ATVs are a legitimate way to enjoy our national forests but should not be allowed to damage the clean water and natural beauty that belongs to all of us."

The court ruled that the Forest Service failed to address extensive evidence submitted by Idaho Conservation League and The Wilderness Society documenting substantial resource damage from illegal and other off-road vehicle use, the release said. Some 400 miles of motorized routes were surveyed by these groups, documenting former hiking trails and meadows that were damaged.

"In rejecting this plan, the court has held the Forest Service must follow its own regulations for managing motorized use on our national forests," said Kevin Regan, one of the attorneys at Earthjustice. "The law says that motor vehicles are a legitimate way for people to enjoy national forests, but only in the right places, and with proper management."