Title
Supervisor Briggs recommending the Board authorize the Chairman to sign a letter to the United States Forest Service withdrawing the County's appeal of the Record of Decision and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS), for the Eldorado National Forest Public Wheeled Motorized Travel Management Plan.
Body
Background
On July 16, 2013 the Board of Supervisors authorized the Chairman to sign a letter to the United States Forest Service formally appealing the Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Eldorado National Forest Public Wheeled Motorized Travel Management Plan. Ten other appeals in addition to the County's were filed from two counties, environmental organizations, off-highway vehicle groups and individuals.
On August 7, 2013 the Eldorado National Forest convened an informal disposition meeting encouraging appellants to withdraw their appeals in exchange for the Forest Service's commitment to undertake certain actions. Specifically, the Forest Service offered to (1) develop a monitoring plan for the 42 routes subject to court-ordered closure, (2) create a detailed corrective action plan for 18 routes to remain closed due to the Record of Decision, and (3) evaluate the 24 routes opened by the Record of Decision for compliance with those portions of Standard & Guideline 100 other than the meadow component.
Reason for Recommendation
Based on information provided at the informal disposition meeting, all appeals will likely be rejected by the Appeal Deciding Officer. While the informal disposition agreement does not address all of the appellant concerns including the County's, it presents an opportunity to work collaboratively on issues of mutual concern without costly and protracted litigation.
Action(s) to be taken following Board approval
The Chief Administrative Office will submit the approved letter to the U.S. Forest Service following signature of the Board Chair.
Contact
Mike Applegarth (5123)