This objection period was in response to the United States District Court decision from Judge Dana Christensen in Bitterroot Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club et al v. United States Forest Service et al. The court ordered the Forest Service to conduct an objection response period regarding closure of trails within the WSAs to bicycles.
The Record of Decision (ROD), final environmental impact statement (FEIS), and other supporting
documentation related to the Bitterroot Travel Plan are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=21183
Additional information regarding this action can be obtained from Amy Fox, Environmental Coordinator, 1801 N. First St., Hamilton, MT, 59840 or at 406-363-7100.
In a letter dated December 4th, 2018, the objection review period was extended for the Bitterroot Travel Plan-Mountain Biking in the Wilderness Study Areas, pursuant to Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 218.26(b), for all of the objections received. The Forest Service was furloughed during the partial government shutdown from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, a time period of 35 days. Because of the furlough, we were unable to process and review the objections during this 35-day period.
Due to this time lost from the furlough, the objection review period will be extended 35 days. A final written response will be issued no later than Monday, March 11th, 2019.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Cody Hutchinson, Regional Administrative Review Coordinator at (406)329-3381 or email crhutchinson@fs.fed.us.
