The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is well into summer mode. And that means the usual increase in forest activities, forest visitation and the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal splendor of the Blue Mountains.

As we approach the bustling summer season, I wanted to relay the status of ongoing planning projects here on the forest.

As most of you know, we are continuing to engage our communities on forest plan revision, focusing on several key topics that have been brought forward through formal public comments and continued public involvement. The forest will be participating in upcoming public engagement opportunities through assistance from local organizations including counties, tribes, members of the public and stakeholder groups.

We don’t have all the meetings scheduled in the communities surrounding the Wallowa-Whitman, but are working hard on making sure our publics have an opportunity to be a part of this dialogue on the Forest Plan Revision. So more information is coming soon about meetings in the area and how you can participate.

Secondly, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is continuing its efforts to complete Subpart A of travel management planning. Subpart A process is a science-based, interdisciplinary roads analysis at the forest level that will be documented in a Travel Analysis Report (TAR). It is important to understand that Subpart A is a process and not a decision with actions to be implemented. The TAR is a living document that displays findings as opportunities and recommendations to inform future management decisions. The TAR will support the objectives found in the current Wallowa-Whitman forest plan as amended.

The road system identified under the Subpart A analysis would: 1) be a baseline system for Forest Service administration and management of natural resources across the forest; 2) consider long-term funding expectations; 3) describe potential options for roads not identified as necessary for future resource management needs; and 4) provide recommendations for roads where resource concerns have been identified as well as looking at those roads where we do not have concerns. Based on the analysis roads could be considered for a status change (opened, closed, decommissioned or converted to a motorized trail). These are only recommendations which would be considered as part of future project level decision-making.

The Wallowa-Whitman remains committed to completing the Subpart A analysis by this fall.

The forest has incorporated key public concerns raised during the public involvement process over the past 8 years. A preliminary draft TAR that addresses these concerns is currently undergoing review at our regional office.

Based on the review results, the forest will complete any updates or changes needed and the complete TAR will be made available to the public and shared with our communities. It is also important to understand that the TAR is a living document that may be updated as needed in the future. This analysis is only providing road management suggestions for future site-specific planning efforts, and those site-specific planning efforts will be open for comment from the public prior to any decision.

I strongly encourage further public involvement during site specific project planning efforts when road management decisions will actually be made.

Many folks may recall that the forest previously prepared an environmental impact statement and Record of Decision for Subpart B of Travel Management. Subpart B is the process to actually designate the roads, trails and areas available for public motor vehicle use and publish in a motorized visitor use map. After careful consideration and recognizing intense community concerns, it was determined to withdraw the decision in early 2012.

In March, 2015, Jim Peña, Pacific Northwest regional forester, directed me, as forest supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, to defer any additional work required under Subpart B of the Travel Management Rule until after the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision is completed, with the following exceptions: Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area, Bald Angel and Sled Springs Travel Area decisions, to comply with court orders that resulted from past litigation, and complete implementation of the decision on the South Fork Burnt River Travel Planning Area.

In line with the regional direction, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest outside the above exceptions has paused Subpart B analysis until the forest plan revision is complete. Although the process is currently paused, we continue our efforts to develop and build trust and relationships with our communities, and when we resume work across the forest on the Subpart B analysis we hope to continue to work with you through both formal and informal engagements.

I recognize that travel management planning continues to generate considerable public interest and debate. I also know that forest access is vital to sustaining the customs, culture and economic stability of the region and that there are also those who are concerned about the impact of the road system on natural resources.

Because of these concerns the forest remains committed and obligated to providing a safe, responsible and affordable transportation system that meets the needs of the natural resources and public. I understand that this process has been and continues to be challenging, but we look forward to innovative opportunities and creative solutions that result in meeting community needs, improving forest resource protection, all while meeting the intent of the agency’s national policy.

Thank you for taking time to engage on these important issues, and I look forward to all of our community conversations.

Have a safe and enjoyable summertime in the splendid landscape of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Tom Montoya is supervisor of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Eastern Oregon.