A recent article in the Moab Times-Independent noted local citizen concerns with the inclusion of a winter recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) under the Manti-La Sal National Forest’s revised forest plan.  While the details of each alternative evaluated in the plan’s draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are too intricate for this brief statement, we would like to highlight a few items:

·         Currently there are five areas in the La Sal Mountains that are closed to over the snow vehicle travel.  This closure has been in place since 1991.  These areas include Gold Basin, Slaughter Flats, Jimmy Keen Flats, Hang Dog Area, and Carpenter Ridge.

·         A winter ROS, should it be incorporated into the revised forest plan, does not close (or open) any additional areas to motorized use.  Instead, it informs forest employees engaged in future planning for recreation infrastructure and travel management about where different winter recreation opportunities are suitable.  Any future planning will include public involvement.

·         Motorized access to the private cabins on the backside of the range in the Geyser Pass and Blue Lake areas will not be altered by incorporation of a winter ROS.  The Geyser Pass and La Sal Pass Roads are within a motorized suitable winter ROS class under all alternatives and would remain open to motorized winter use in any future planning.

·         A mapping error in Alternative C caused the Colorado Bowl and Dark Canyon areas to be included in a non-motorized winter ROS class.  This was incorrect; those areas should be found suitable for winter motorized travel in Alternative C.  The forest apologizes for the confusion this may have caused.  It will be corrected for the final EIS.

The Manti-La Sal seeks to provide opportunities for all winter users on the National Forest.  The forest planning staff has worked diligently for several years to coordinate the forest plan revision process with cooperating agencies, members of the public, Tribes, and the media.  We welcome those who continue to have questions about the ROS to contact planners and recreation staff directly through our planning email at mlnfplanrevision@usda.gov.