Payette National Forest Travel Management Decisions Delayed

The Payette National Forest has received numerous calls regarding the issuance of the next Record of Decision (ROD) for Travel Planning. Many people have participated in the development of the decision and it is gratifying to know that their interest continues following a four year process. The McCall and Krassel Ranger District’s ROD was not released in early July as was planned due to process delays.

The Travel Planning ROD for Weiser Ranger District was released in January 2008, and it was hoped that the McCall and Krassel ROD would follow in the spring or early summer. The Council and New Meadows decision is tentatively planned to be released in this fall, however, it too may be delayed.

The Forest is very close to finalizing the McCall and Krassel Travel Planning ROD as well as the Council and New Meadows Ranger District RODs for Travel Planning, but the Forest must wait for an official response from regulatory agencies before moving forward. Prior to signing these decisions the Forest must consult with two federal regulatory agencies, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. This consultative process was scheduled to be completed by mid June, but due to various issues it was not. The Forest is now expecting the process to be completed by late August, and hopes to release the McCall and Krassel ROD for Travel Planning this fall.

We understand the public has been waiting for a decision for some time and is anxious to see the results. Prior to the release of the Travel Plan decisions the Forest will send out additional information to ensure that all interested people are aware of the release dates of the documents. For answers to specific questions you may contact Jane Cropp, Recreation Program Manager on the Payette National Forest at (208) 634-0757.