According to District Ranger Patty Barney at the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, for the most part things have been going fairly well there. A few injuries have been reported and once again, there are some reports of people making new trails. NOHVA has offered to purchase some new signs to place in the restricted areas and to purchase some signs to replace those that have been stolen.

Apparently the "no ATV and no dirtbike" signs are popular and seem to be disappearing from time to time at not only Halsey and also at Headworks. If you know anyone who would like to purchase one instead of stealing one, NOHVA sells them for $20 each.

So far this year we have spent about $2000 on trail related items at the Nebraska National Forest. We recently purchased a sound level meter.

An important event will be taking place at the Nebraska National Forest in the near future. It will involve a new Travel Management Plan that will be used to manage motorized access through out the forest. Basically, the plan will describe in detail where and when people can use motorized vehicles on lands managed by the Forest Service. Trails and areas will be officially designated for travel and some trails and areas may be closed. New trails may be proposed.

If you would like to participate in this process or would like to stay informed of the details, please contact the Forest Service and you can be placed on the mail list or email list. The Forest Service is encouraging all interested ATV and dirtbike riders to become involved!

To be placed on the list, use the sign up form included with this newsletter or contact the Forest Service and tell them that you would like to be placed on the "Travel Management Plan contact list".

Nebraska National Forest

PO Box 86B

Halsey, NE 69142

Phone 308-533-2257

The Nebraska and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests and the Oglala National Grassland are beginning a public involvement process to address changes in Travel Management brought about by the new Revised Land and Resource Management Plan.

The end product will be a decision that identifies designated motorized travel routes and possibly areas where cross-country motorized travel will be allowed on the National Forests and National Grassland in Nebraska.

If you wish to have the Forest Service consider your ideas and concerns about travel management please provide the following information. You will be notified of future meetings, open houses, or other opportunities to receive information and to provide comments or review progress.

Name__________________________________

Address________________________________

Phone (____)______________________

Email __________________________________

Representing _____________________________

Area(s) of interest: (Please circle) Pine Ridge Ranger District Oglala National Grassland Bessey Ranger District Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Please mail to the following address:

Nebraska National Forest

125 North Main Street

Chadron, NE 69337-2118

Attn: Travel Management

For more information call: Terry Dilts (308) 432-0300. Thank you.