Albuquerque, New Mexico – January 2, 2012 – The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) has appealed the Carson National Forest’s decision on Travel Management for the Questa Ranger District. The recent decision closes popular roads and trails to motorized use. In addition, NMOHVA and the Town of Red River co-signed another appeal challenging the inadequate economic impact analysis in the Environmental Analysis (EA).
The Forest Service is closing roads and trails to motorized use but their EA doesn’t show that vehicles are causing damage. Overall, the EA concludes the Forest’s wildlife, land and water quality are all fine. The Carson doesn’t even have traffic count numbers for vehicle use. There is no logical connection between the facts and the decision.
“Our appeal explains how their EA disobeys NEPA laws and Forest Service planning regulations”, said Mark Werkmeister, NMOHVA Board member. “Our comments on the Draft EA pointed out these serious errors. The agency did not fix these errors before publishing the final EA nor did they adequately address our comments as they are required by law to do. Some of their responses don’t even mention the topic of our comment.”
The appeal will be reviewed by Region 3 of the Forest Service who must make a decision within 45 days. “We will see if Region 3 holds the Carson National Forest accountable to the laws and regulations. If they don’t, the next step would be to consider legal action”, concluded Werkmeister.
More information is available by visiting www.nmohva.org or by contacting NMOHVA at 505-321-3155
About the New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance
The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance is a statewide incorporated alliance of motorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. NMOHVA promotes responsible OHV recreation through education, safety training, land conservation and public access. NMOHVA cooperates with public and private interests to ensure a positive future for OHV recreation in New Mexico.
