The U.S. Forest Service has been busy working on its “roads of concern” program in the last year to identify the most hazardous roads, install mitigation measures such as safety signage and trimming brush to improve visibility, and in a few instances, close a few sections of highly traveled roads that were deemed too hazardous to leave open to off-highway vehicle use.

See “Stay On Trails” Blog by Steve Stuebner

http://idahostayontrails.blogspot.com/2011/12/forest-service-identifies-roads-of.html

From the Idaho Press Tribune

Nov. 14 2011

I keep reading articles about how the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains in Idaho need protection. The obvious question, left unanswered, is “protection from what?”

To read the news accounts of this issue, dating back decades now, you have to find yourself believing that perhaps the Boulder-White Clouds is just a good neighborhood kid who simply had the misfortune of being born into the wrong family, and thus moved to the “bad side of town” — in this case, Idaho.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Governor Matt Mead, today, directed the State of Wyoming to petition for a rehearing of the decision that upheld the Roadless Rule. Governor Mead would like the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to consider Wyoming’s arguments en banc.

“This Rule has significant implications for Wyoming and our people,” Governor Mead said. “The case raises legal questions of exceptional importance and I believe it is necessary to have this decision reviewed by the entire Tenth Circuit.”

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.