> FWP, in cooperation with other agencies, will consider information on trail use in areas of potential 

 concern both within and outside the recovery zones, in the absence of good data, management 

 programs often tend toward extreme solutions. However, if trail use creates problems only at 

 specific times, it may be possible to accommodate use at other times. Without season and intensity of 

 use information, FWP will be unable to make such recommendations. 



> All FWP trails projects in western Montana will be reviewed by area biologists and grizzly bear 

 concerns addressed. 



> Federal trails programs are currently being adjusted, and FWP is participating in and supporting 

 those efforts. FWP will seek USPS and BLM support of its programs and data gathering. 



> Adjustments to trail access and uses should be developed using both the best available science and 

 local citizen involvement. 



> FWP, in cooperation with other agencies, will evaluate snowmobile programs to ensure they avoid 

 impacting grizzly bears during denning periods, including den entrance and emergence. 



Changes are currently underway by land management agencies to address the issue of trails, trail 

 management, off-road vehicle use, and the impact on wildlife, including bears. Many people, including 

 sportspersons, recognize the need for change. Working with other management agencies, trails, 

 including snowmobile trails, could be rerouted, seasonally closed, or closed entirely if impacts prove 

 significant. Although this requires USPS planning changes, FWP, local groups and other interested 

 parties will be active participants in the decision making process. 



Effective July 1, 2001, motorized wheeled (i.e. excludes snowmobiles) cross-country travel is prohibited 

 on National Forest lands yearlong. The purpose of this restriction is to protect riparian areas, wetlands, 

 crucial wildlife habitat, threatened or endangered species, soils and vegetation, aquatic resources, and/or 

 to reduce user conflicts. The policy affects any motorized, wheeled vehicle, but not snowmobiles. Under 

 the new policy, motorcycles may use a single-track trail or road if it is open to motorized vehicles, but 

 ATVs and other four-wheeled vehicles cannot use that single-track road or trail. Several exceptions will 

 apply. Cross-country travel will continue to be allowed for military needs, fire suppression, search and 

 rescue, or law enforcement vehicles in emergencies. Forest users can also drive cross-country to 

 campsites within 300 feet of existing roads or trails, after locating their campsite in a non-motorized 

 fashion. As part of the decision, national forests will identify areas where more detailed local travel plans 

 should be developed. FWP, local groups, and other interested parties should be active participants in 

 such plans. 



In conjunction witii the Montana State Trails Plan, FWP has developed a Programmatic Environmental 

 Impact Statement (PEIS) on the State's public trails system to help analyze and improve two trail grant 

 programs administered by the department. These programs include motorized and non-motorized trail 

 funding available through the federal Recreational Trails Program and the State Off-Highway Vehicle 

 Grant Program. The PEIS recommends that all trail activities be coordinated with a biologist to avoid 

 unacceptable impacts to wildlife. This course of action is currently underway because changes in 

 technology of off-road vehicles including snowmobiles have dramatically changed use patterns on public 

 lands. For example, with the development of more powerful snow machines and more interest in the 

 sport, snowmobile activity is increasing. Furthermore, new technology has provided more powerful 

 equipment that allows users to reach areas considered inaccessible in the past. Access to den sites that 

 may have been inaccessible to snowmobile travel in the past now warrant investigation. These issues are 

 being addressed, and it is FWPs intention that the needed changes to federal land management programs 

 to meet wildlife needs will also be developed and implemented with involvement of local citizens. 



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