Sierra National Forest road plan's unveiling postponed
Officials have delayed the release of what promises to be a controversial plan that will designate the use of roads and trails for motorized travel in the Sierra National Forest.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which was scheduled to be released last month, instead won't be available for public review until late March or April, forest supervisor Ed Cole said.
Cole attributed the delay to a thorough analysis of documents and maps associated with the plan as well as a desire by the Obama administration to review existing agency policies.
When finalized, the DEIS will contain a range of alternatives to the Forest Service's Proposed Action, which would add just 54 of some 520 miles of user-created tracks to the designated system of roads that can be used by motorized vehicles. The rest would be permanently closed.
That proposal drew sharp criticism from off-road vehicle advocates, backcountry horsemen and environmentalists when it was unveiled in September 2007. At the time, the Forest Service received more than 10,000 public comments.
A second public-comment period will follow the release of the DEIS. After that, Cole will make the final decision whether to adopt the original proposal or one of the alternatives.
Events
Exploring Sequoia Caves
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: REI Fresno (7810 N. Blackstone Ave.)
Carey Goldstein, who manages Crystal Cave for the Sequoia Natural History Association, will give a peek inside some seldom-seen caves in the park, plus others throughout California that budding spelunkers can explore on their own.
Admission is free and no pre-registration is required.
News & notes
- Sierra Summit received 16 to 18 inches of fresh snow since Sunday while Badger Pass got 14 inches, according to each resort's Web site.
Looks like we'll be skiing into March, after all.
- The Sierra Foothill Conservancy is offering guided hikes this weekend to Smith Basin (Saturday) and Black Mountain (Sunday). Sign up online at www.sierrafoothill.org or by calling (559) 855-3473.
- The 38th annual Nordic Holiday Race returns to Badger Pass on Feb. 21-22. A $40 fee covers registration for all three races, a half-day lift ticket and admission to an awards party. Details: www.yosemitepark.com/BadgerPass.aspx.
- The 5-kilometer Race Judicata Fun Run, the second race of the 2009 Valley Runner of the Year Series, is Feb. 21 in Clovis. Details: www.sjcl.edu.
- Registration is now open for Telefest 2009, a telemark skiing festival coming to Sierra Summit from March 6-8. Details: www.telefest2009.com.
- Bald eagle boat tours at Millerton Lake will be offered weekends through March 1. Cost is $15 per person. Call (559) 822-2332 to register.
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