By JD Marshall Host & Founder, The Trailhead Network
The Silver City area of Southwest Idaho, spanning 818,000 acres and encompassing the towns of Homedale and Marsing, stands at a crossroads. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its fourth travel management planning environmental assessment for the Owyhee’s area in just six months. Thanks to the motorized community’s active engagement, the proposed alternatives reflect a significant need for motorized access. Yet, the window for comments closes on February 12, 2024, marking a crucial period for stakeholders to voice their support for keeping routes open.
Navigating Alternative D
Among the proposed alternatives, Alternative D shines as a beacon of balanced access, suggesting the permanent closure of only 2% of routes—a stark contrast to the typical proposals aiming to shut down half of all routes in travel areas. This plan, one of the most favorable yet seen, also includes seasonal closures to protect sage grouse lekking and bald eagle nesting sites. However, the presence of wildlife around heavily trafficked areas, as observed in the Wyoming Rock Springs resource management plan, challenges the notion that these routes should be permanently closed.
The Debate Over “User Created Routes”
A contentious point in the environmental assessment is the classification of many trails as “user created routes,” which the BLM currently does not recognize as official parts of the trail system nor as motorized routes. The off-roading community advocates for these paths to be formally acknowledged and opened for public use, ensuring continued access for activities like livestock grazing, hunting, trapping, river floating, and motorized recreation.
Advocating for Inclusive Access and Expansion
The plan presents an opportunity not only to protect existing motorized routes but also to advocate for the recognition of dispersed camping sites and the inclusion of e-bikes. Moreover, there’s a call for the BLM to consider establishing new routes for e-bikes, addressing the scarcity of non-motorized paths and promoting a more inclusive approach to trail management.
How You Can Make a Difference
Your personal experiences and input are vital in this discussion. By submitting a comment to the BLM, you can help shape a future where motorized access and environmental conservation coexist. It’s a chance to support a plan that recognizes the multifaceted uses of these lands while ensuring they remain open and accessible for all users. Click the image to make a comment at the Blue Ribbon Coalition.
The Silver City Travel Management Plan represents a pivotal moment for the future of off-roading and outdoor recreation in Southwest Idaho. By engaging in the comment process, we have a unique opportunity to advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards our trails and the natural habitats they traverse. Let’s unite to keep Southwest Idaho open for all users, ensuring our voices are heard and our trails remain a place for adventure.
What Do You Think?
We love hearing from our readers and listeners! Share your thoughts, questions, or off-roading stories.
- Website: The Trailhead Network
- Email: JD@thetrailheadnetwork.com
- Phone: (719) 408-0132
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