OHV registration in California has increased 15 fold from 1989 to 2002. Unmanaged recreation, especially OHV use, is one of “The Four Key Threats Facing the Nation’s Forests”.  The extension to the comment period is an outcome of comments received by the Forest Service during six public meetings held in July and August that were attended by more than 1,100 people. . The public comment period will end on October 22.

The DEIS was released for public review on July 20, 2007. “It was clear that people needed more time to review the five alternatives under consideration in the DEIS and to submit meaningful comments that will help to improve the environmental analysis,” said Villalvazo. “I hope that people will continue to stay engaged in the environmental decision making process as we work to create a designated system of travel routes in the Eldorado National Forest.” The Eldorado National Forest is under a recently revised court order to complete its decision making process by March 2008, which will include issuing a Final Environmental Impact Statement and a Record of Decision. Copies of the DEIS and other related information are available for viewing and downloading on the Eldorado National Forest website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. CD or paper copies of the DEIS can be obtained by contacting Jason Nedlo at 530-621-5276; 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667.