Tongass National Forest

Effects of ORVs on many resources are becoming more of a concern across the Forest, indicating a need for more specific management strategies. Nationally, ORV or off highway vehicle (OHV) use is a major concern as exhibited by the 2004 Advanced Notice of Rule Making which would close all National Forest System lands to OHV use except in areas designated as open for such use.

The Forest Plan, (page 4-36) provides basic policy and guidance for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV). The Plan basically says that the Forest is open to OHV off of open roads unless site-specific closures are made. The Plan indicates OHV plans and temporary designations should be reviewed periodically, and that other access and travel management plans should be developed as the need arises. There appears to be adequate guidance in the Forest Plan to address resource damage issues by OHV use in the short term, especially using adaptive management approaches. However, and as noted above, OHV use has become a National issue and Agency wide policy and regulations are under review and are expected to result in changes to those policies and regulations. For example, Agency wide policy and regulations are likely to propose all NFS lands will be designated closed to OHV use except in areas designated open. This is in conflict with current Forest Plan OHV guidance and if adopted would likely result in the need to amend the Forest Plan.

Review the OHV management concepts included in the Plan, review the Forest OHV plan and other plans related to access and travel management. Identify needs to coordinate, consolidate, or otherwise promote consistent application of OHV policies across the Forest. Identify the needs to strengthen OHV policies and make recommendations as applicable. Supporting policy reviews and analyses associated with National OHV issues is ongoing and expected to continue.

• Recreation Staff Officer
• Forest Recreation Group Leader
• District Ranger(s)
• Forest Planner
• Forest Engineer
• Forest Law Enforcement Captain

• Report summarizing OHV policies with appropriate recommendations.