The Modified Alternative 2 that is now in effect will dramatically impact ATV, dirtbike and UTV recreation at Bessey.  The decision by the Forest Service to significantly reduce miles of ATV trails will degrade the user experience.  Placing more people on an already over crowded, deteriorating  and poorly managed trail system will further compound problems.    I know the decision will depress the willingness of our volunteers to help with trails.   Even though a proposed EDAWS trail plan was unveiled in 2009 that would add more miles of ATV, dirtbike and UTV trails, the implementation of the plan, in this authors view, is remote at best.

I have been involved with trail planning at the Nebraska National Forest since 1988.  With the implementation of the modified Travel Management Plan, I can think of no other time that has looked bleaker for recreational ATV and dirtbike riders at Bessey.   During that time, I have been a part of two other ATV and dirtbike trail development plans presented by the Nebraska National Forest.  None of them have ever been implemented. 

Furthermore, it is logical to assume that these factors will further prohibit any additional trail planning and development:

• With upcoming federal budget cuts, U.S. Forest Service funding for trails at the Bessey Ranger District will not be available.

• The current administration in Washington is not motorized trails friendly and there is a growing trend nationwide to close ATV, dirtbike and UTV trails. 

• Among the longtime Forest Service the staff at Halsey, there is little if any support for ATV, dirtbike and UTV recreation.

• There is strong local opposition by the politically influential toward recreational ATV, dirtbike and UTV trails at the Nebraska National Forest. 

• There is little if any support among state senators for recreational ATV and dirtbike trails in the area and in Nebraska in general. 

• In the past there has been strong support to close trails at the Nebraska National Forest among wildlife managers with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 

• Nebraska has no state wide trail user fee or registration program to fund trails.  Even if a user fee or registration program was in place on the state level,  at this time there is no state agency willing to manage the fund.  We fear that any state managed  fund would be eaten up in administration fees or used for other unrelated programs. 

• The Forest Service has no local trail user fee.  Without a trail fee, it can be said that it’s a matter of time before trails that have been allowed to remain open under the new Travel Management Plan may no longer be allowed to exist because of the absence of funds for maintenance and resource repair.

U.S. Forest Service Press Release:

Forest Supervisor Jane Darnell announced the Record of Decision to implement a Travel Management Plan for the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands today.  The plan changes how users access and recreate on the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.

“This initial Travel Management Plan includes existing trails and roads,” said Darnell.  “There may be opportunities to further develop the travel management system for motorized users as need and funding allows.”

Some roads and trails will be closed, especially those that were user-created, to prevent damage to the land and cultural resources.  Users are encouraged to obtain the Motorized Vehicle User Maps, available for free at all forest and grasslands offices, prior to using trails and roads.  In some cases, motorized vehicle users may need to plan alternate routes.

“This new plan meets requirements established by the national Travel Management Rule,” said Darnell.  “My decision will not meet everyone’s expectations, but it is an important step toward protecting natural resources, while providing motorized and non-motorized recreational experiences.  The transition to our Travel Management Plan will be much smoother if users understand the changes and respect the established routes, trails and routes.”

Extensive public input was gathered throughout the travel planning process and the Record of Decision provides a balance for the type, extent, and uses of all modes of travel.  The new Travel Management Plan will be enforced.

A variety of information and maps, known as Motorized Vehicle User Maps, will be available at no charge at Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands offices and will also be available at:  www.fs.usda.gov/nebraska.  The Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement is also at this website address.