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| This is a reminder to send your comments on the Forest Service Plan You should all have received by real mail the special Newsletter that Goeff Harvey sent out. This is that portion of the newsletter in case you no longer have it. It is also on the web site. Also on the website is the info and color photos of the New warming hut. http://www.panhandlenordicclub.com Appeal To Our Members for Forest plan comment Dear Panhandle Nordic Club Member: As you may be aware the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are currently accepting comment on the revised Forest Plan. This plan will be the general management blueprint for these National Forests for the next fifteen years. The Fourth of July Park and Ski Area that the club maintains is located wholly on public land administered by the Forest Service. The cross-country ski area is addressed in the draft plan with the designation as management #7/Primary Recreation Area. The Forest Service will alter its plan based in part on what it hears from the public. It is important to the future of the ski area that the Forest Service receives letters of comment from you supporting the designation in the draft plan. In the process statements of support for the club’s proposed expansion of the area South along Forest Road 614 and inclusion of more snowshoe, cross-country ski and skate ski routes will bolster our position with the Forest Service. The most effective form of comment is letters authored by individuals. The following talking points are suggested: Support for the designation of the Fourth of July Area South of Interstate 90 as designated in the draft plan: Management #7/Primary Recreation Area for cross country skiing with the exclusion of snow machine or other motorized uses by the general public during the winter months and exclusion of motorized recreation on all but Forest Road 614 during the snow free months. Note that the area has had this use for the past sixteen years and that during the summer months it attracts hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians who appreciate the maintained trails and wish to avoid motorized uses. Support expansion of the Fourth of July Park & Ski Area along Forest Road 614 to at least Rose Creek Saddle with the development of skate ski, additional cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Support the opportunity for backcountry skiing in the area to the south and west of Rose Creek Saddle with motorized travel excluded during the winter months. Support of late Spring, Summer and Fall motorized use of only Forest Roads 614, 459 (Beauty Creek - Coeur d’Alene Mountain), 438 (Beauty Saddle Road) and 539 (Rose Creek Road) and closure of all others roads and trails to motorized use to permit an area emphasizing hiking, mountain biking and equestrian pursuits. The comment period ends August 10, 2006. A separate travel planning process is underway for the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District. The club is participating in the development of a draft plan as this affects the ski area. When the draft plan is put out for public comment, we will inform you. The Panhandle Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club appreciates any support that you can lend as comment to the Forest Service on its Forest Plan. The proper direction of the Forest Plan will permit the club working with the Forest Service and State of Idaho to improve the area and in so doing, your outdoor experiences. Please send comments to: KIPZ Forest Plan Revision Att: Jodi Kramer USFS 3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815-8363 r1_kipz_revision@... (208)765-7235 |
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