WOPR Appeal
On March 30th Steamboaters joined with Pacific Rivers Council, McKenzie Flyfishers, and Oregon Native Plant Society in appealing the adoption of BLM’s Western Oregon Plan Revision (WOPR). Fortunately, two days later the government agreed in a separate case to reinstate requirements for consultation with other federal agencies about impacts to listed species. The process is on hold at least until these consultations occur.
Our complaint focused on impacts to water quality and fisheries, especially increased siltation and warmer water temperatures in spawning and rearing tributaries. BLM failed to analyze these impacts or even to acknowledge their possibility; to assess impacts in light of the current condition of watersheds; to use the best available science in their analyses; and to consult with the Fish & Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries regarding impacts to listed species.
WOPR would have resulted in hundreds of miles of additional roads and logging in riparian areas within 60 feet of fish-bearing streams (60 feet measured on a slope, or as little as 50’ horizontally on a 33 degree slope) and removal of shade in streams already failing to meet federal temperature standards. The plan also raised the possibility of logging in the North Umpqua River W&S corridor, although Roseburg BLM staff said the current restrictions would still be in place.
UNF’s Travel Management Plan
Umpqua National Forest is seeking public input into the proposed Travel Management Plan, a requirement for all national forests which will designate open roads, type of vehicle use, and seasons for use by motorized vehicles across the Forest. Forest roads not identified for use in this plan will be off limits to motorized vehicle use without special permits.
The plan proposes:
- 3,535 miles out of 4,202 existing miles of roads would remain open for highway-legal vehicles only (360 miles) or legal vehicles and ORV (3,175 miles).
- 721 miles of trails and minimally-maintained roads open to ORVs only, down from 1,373 miles.
Maps of the proposals are available at the UNF website and at ranger stations. |
