Foprest Service wants to provide access to landlocked public property

The Forest Service wants to hear from outdoor enthusiasts who want to recreate on public land but are denied access because it is blocked by private property.

As part of the Recreation Act of 2019 the Forest Service is required to evaluate how to expand access to its public lands.

The agency posted a draft list of about 90,000 acres of Forest Service land where hunters, anglers, and other recreationists are allowed but have limited or no legal access to the areas.

The Forest Service wants to know about federal lands not on the list that are managed by the Forest Service, bcontain 640 contiguous acres, and be unreachable by foot, horseback, motorized vehicle or non-motorized vehicle because there is no public access over non-Forest Service land, or the access is significantly restricted.

The public will be accepted until March 12 by e-mailing SM.FS.nominations@usda.gov or write to Lands and Realty Management, ATTN: Access Nominations, USDA Forest Service, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-1111. Nominations must include the location of the land or parcel, total acreage affected (if known), and a narrative describing the lack of access. - Ralph Bartholdt