Shoshone National Forest Holding Public Meetings This Week

Public input is being sought in the future of vehicle use in Shoshone National Forest, before six years of work results in a new system of roads and trails.

The Shoshone National Forest Travel Management Project Environmental Assessment (E.A.) was completed to analyze the physical, biological, social, and economic effects of the proposed changes to the forest’s designated system of roads, trails, and areas. Public comments may result in the redesignation of existing roads and trails or the construction of new ones.

Shoshone National Forest will hold three virtual public meetings the week of Nov. 1, 2021, for the Environmental Assessment for Travel Management Planning.

Shoshone National Forest released the official assessment on Oct. 19. The over 450-page document covers every possible aspect of increasing access to motorized vehicles, including side-by-sides, ATVs, and snowmobiles.

The outcome of this extensive project will be a proposed system of designated roads, trails, and areas for public motorized use. These designations will change wheeled motorized vehicles and over-snow motorized vehicles on roads, trails, and forest areas.

Virtual meetings aren’t ideal for the public or Shoshone National Forest officials, but it’s the safest way to get comments within the 30-day public comment period.

“We understand that virtual meetings can be challenging for some people, which is why I have asked our district rangers to make time to speak with individuals and groups throughout the course of the current 30-day comment period,” said Forest Supervisor Lisa Timchak.

With the ongoing health concerns related to large gatherings, the Shoshone National Forest will hold virtual public meetings as follows:

• Clarks Fork, Greybull, and Wapiti Ranger districts – Nov. 2 at 6:00 pm
  • Click here to join the Clarks Fork, Greybull, Wapiti Ranger districts meeting, or participate by conference call line: 202-650-0123, access code – 593245029#
• Wind River Ranger District – Nov. 3 at 6:00 pm
  • Click here to join the Wind River Ranger District meeting, or participate by conference call line: 202-650-0123, access code – 322688696#
• Washakie Ranger District – Nov. 4 at 6:00 pm
  • Click here to join the Washakie Ranger District meeting, or participate by conference call line: 202-650-0123, access code – 401165192#

Don’t hesitate to contact Public Affairs Officer Kristie Salzmann at Kristie.l.salzmann@usda.gov with any questions concerning these public meetings.

Details of the Environmental Assessment and all maps are located on the Shoshone National Forest website at https://go.usa.gov/xMfQu. Comments on the Environmental Assessment should be submitted in writing via one of the following means:

• Send an email to SM.FS.shonfcomment@usda.gov with “Shoshone NF Travel Management Planning Project” in the subject line or
• via regular mail to Mark Foster (Environmental Coordinator), Shoshone National Forest, 808 Meadow Lane Avenue, Cody, WY 82414