Two bills making their way through Congress could have a huge impact on Idahoans’ outdoors activities, writes Adena Cook.-Two bills, both important for Idaho recreation, are now nearing final stages in Congress.

The first, S1813, passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. It contains the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which has provided $1.7 million annually for Idaho trails. Formerly a part of the federal gas tax, the RTP is now in S1813, which generally addresses highways and transportation.

The RTP is included along with transportation enhancements, and safe routes to schools. Funding for S1813 will be considered separately, and may be difficult.

From the ARRA

Contact Environment and Public Works Committee Members: Urge Them to Act!

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP), arguably the most important government program ever created to benefit motorized recreation (as well as non-motorized recreation) faces a big hurdle in transportation reauthorization legislation!  As you know the RTP funds the development and maintenance of thousands of miles of motorized trails, but without action the RTP may be eliminated.

From the Idaho Mountain Express

By KATHERINE WUTZ
Express Staff Writer

A state district court found in favor of the Idaho Conservation League last week in its suit against the U.S. Forest Service to close certain trails pending a revision to the Salmon-Challis National Forest travel plan.

The Boise-based organization requested that U.S. Magistrate Ronald E. Bush issue an injunction to close 29 trails to motorized use on the Salmon-Challis National Forest pending a decision from the court that could overturn the 2009 Travel Management Plan.