Proposed project could change Island Park OHV policies

The Ashton/Island Park Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest has proposed a project that would change trail regulations for OHV users.

The proposed project would designate about 41 miles of OHV trails. It also calls for the closure of 74 user-created routes and 43,610 acres currently legal for cross-country OHV travel.

District Ranger Liz Davy said they are hoping to enhance the overall riding experience in the Island Park Caldera.

“Our plan is to build the system, and then begin to close things,” said Liz Davy. “It’s a long-term project.”

Davy says she understands the proposal may be met with resistance.

“Folks don’t like it when you close something,” said Davy. ” When you say you can’t drive here, they don’t like that.”

Colin Dye is a long-time ATV enthusiast. He said user-created routes won’t be an issue if enough trails are provided.

“If they don’t have trails for us to ride on, people will ride somewhere,” said Dye

The proposed project is open for comment through July 26.

Written comments can be submitted to: Brandon Burke, Recreation Specialist, P.O. Box 858, Ashton, ID 83420.

Electronic comments must be submitted in an email to comments-intermtn-caribou-targhee-ashton-islandpark@fs.fed.us.

More info at www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ctnf/landmanagement/projects.