Alamogordo, NM (December 26, 2007) – The TMR Team has begun the planning process to include a series of public workshops to occur at the following locations in 2008:

Cloudcroft –  January 10 at The Lodge
Las Cruces –  January 12 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Alamogordo –  January 14 at the Sergeant Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center
Ruidoso –  January 16 at the Ruidoso Convention Center
El Paso –  January 19 – to be determined
Carlsbad –  January 22 at the Carlsbad Public Library Annex.

In November 2005, the Forest Service issued the final Travel Management Rule (TMR) for designation of routes and areas for motorized vehicle use. As part of the TMR, the Travel Analysis Process (TAP) replaces and updates the previous process called “Roads Analysis Process, providing a technical science-based review of the National Forest motorized transportation system. The TAP was conducted on all roads (levels 1 through 5) as well as on all trails within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest (LNF) with the emphasis being motorized travel.
The LNF is planning to update the designated route system of roads and trails for motorized vehicle (MV) travel to be in compliance with a new national regulation for all National Forests that limits motorized vehicle access to designated routes or areas.
Although the LNF has had a travel management policy for over 20 years, agency specialists have reviewed all known authorized National Forest System (NFS) roads and trails on lands within the LNF boundaries. There are more than 2,845 miles of roads within the boundaries of the LNF under various jurisdictions including NFS, State, County, Federal and private. There are about 417 miles of authorized trails with approximately 154 miles under management for motorcycle and/or ATV use. On NFS motorized trails, use is limited to vehicles that are less than 50 inches wide.
The LNF Travel Management planning team for vehicle use is analyzing environmental and recreational conditions and reviewing road densities throughout Forest Lands. Over 300 plus public comments have been gathered and compiled to date. Expressed concerns include natural resource damage, such as motor vehicle use and adverse affects to wildlife habitat, conflict between active and passive recreational uses and fear of limited access to Forest lands. These comments indicated opportunities for partnerships with groups willing to work with the Lincoln National Forest to improve existing recreational conditions.
The regulation is a national one, but the designation process will be a local one. This process will include public input and coordination with State, County, Tribal and local governments. The Forest will implement the environmental analysis (EA) process defined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to define the DRAFT proposed action.
Also, the Lincoln National Forest website will have the information posted on the Travel Management Rule Implementation web page showing dates, times and locations.
Once public comments are made to the draft proposed action, alternatives will be developed and reviewed for further consideration.
The Lincoln National Forest has made no decisions that will close any forest roads or trails at this time. The existing roads and trails have a high-use rate by visitors who enjoy using their ATVs, horseback riding or hiking through the forest.
The printing of the Motor Vehicle Use Map is scheduled for November 2008. This map will designate the motorized travel system for the LNF.

Connie Zipperer or Joe Garcia   (505) 434-7200
USDA Forest Service - Lincoln National Forest
1101 New York Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310