The Forest Service has announced that Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski has signed a Record of Decision approving the selection of Modified Alternative 1 for the Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motorized Travel Management (MTM) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The decision is the result of nearly two years of environmental analysis, and extensive public involvement and discussion.

The long-anticipated decision implements EIS Alternative 1 (Proposed Action), including modifications (Modified Alternative 1). The decision responds to comments received from the public and analyzed in the EIS. Modified Alternative 1 best meets the purpose and need for the action and responds to the issues of access, motorized recreation opportunity and natural resource protection.

As described in the Record of Decision, Modified Alternative 1 will restrict public motorized use to designated National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads, trails, and areas. The decision does not include or affect designated Wilderness and other non-motorized areas.

The decision:

(1) Prohibits motor vehicle travel off designated National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads and trails by the public except as allowed by permit or other authorization (excluding snowmobile use);

(2) Adds 136.77 miles of existing unauthorized routes to the NFTS of trails currently open to the public for motor vehicle use;

(3) Makes vehicle class changes to the existing NFTS on 616.80 miles of roads including season of use on all routes that replaces all existing seasonal closures and restrictions.

Modified Alternative 1 includes limited changes to existing NFTS roads, including changes in vehicle class, and identifies mitigation efforts that must be completed prior to designating certain routes for motor vehicle use.

"This decision provides a transportation system for the future by providing a sustainable system of roads and trails while protecting important resource values," said Skalski. "It removes many duplicative routes, and provides interconnected loops and linkages through a wonderful variety of scenic landscapes.

Skalski said that in making her decision she drew heavily upon the local knowledge and experience of users of the Stanislaus National Forest. Throughout the multi-year process members of the public have continually provided input on how a transportation system could provide better access to important recreation destinations or better protect the resources.

This winter the Forest Service will work to complete a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) depicting the designated system on the Stanislaus NF, which will be made available to the public at no cost.

CD copies of the Final EIS and Record of Decision have been mailed to everyone who commented on the Draft EIS. A copy of the Final EIS and the Record of Decision, may be obtained by contacting Sue Warren at (209) 532-3671 ext. 321, or John Maschi at (209) 532- 3671 ext. 317. The FEIS and ROD can also be downloaded from www.fs.fed. - us/r5/stanislaus, however the file sizes of the maps are quite large, so please request a CD if access to high-speed internet is not available.

A total of four public meetings to discuss the decision and its implementation have been scheduled in December and January. Additionally, an on-line “webinar” has also been scheduled. Contact Warren at 532-3671 ext. 321 for more information about the meetings or with any special needs related to accessibility.

Interested individuals and groups are invited to attend one of the above meeting dates, times and locations. For more information see www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/ projects/ohv, or call Warren.

This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to the regulation at 36 CFR 215. Detailed procedures for appeal are provided in the Record of Decision.