Click Here to see the entire Appeal document which we delivered to the USFS Regional office on July 24, 2008.   Click Here to see the accompanying photographs.

One of the four objectives stated by Custer National Forest for the Travel Plan was to “provide for a variety of motorized and non-motorized opportunities.” Instead the Forest has chosen a plan that makes most of the Pryors a motorized playground with very limited opportunities for traditional quiet experiences.

Nearly two thirds of the Pryors will be motorized with 124 miles of designated motor vehicle routes on the USFS land. Those of us who simply want to enjoy the unique landscape and peaceful surroundings, without machines, got less than 2 miles of designated routes in Custer NF’s plan.

The Pryors Coalition recognizes that both motorized and quiet users want to enjoy the Pryors. That is why from the start the Pryors Coalition offered a reasonable 50/50 split for this special landscape, but Custer NF chose to ignore our proposal.

As our appeal explains CNF failed to meet three of the four stated purposes of the Travel Plan. There are also problems in the Beartooth part of the Travel Plan. The most important issue is CNF’s reversal from their earlier “preferred alternative.” They have now chosen to allow motorcycles on the Meyers Creek and Lodgepole trails. Horse riders and motorcycles do not mix safely on narrow trails. Important natural resources are also seriously threatened by this decision.

We have not given up the cause. Federal regulations (36CFR215) require Custer National Forest to attempt to resolve the issues with us in the next few weeks. Then the Regional Office in Missoula will make a decision on our appeal by sometime in September. After that we will have the option of litigation if necessary.