MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Oregon (STPNS) -- EUGENE: The deadline for public comment on the Willamette National Forest?s study to identify roads, trails, and other areas that will remain open to motorized use, has been extended to November 25th.

The review involves three phases: first, an inventory of the roads, trails and areas the public currently uses; second, an environmental assessment and decision; and third, implementation.

As part of the first phase, the Willamette Forest staffers are in the process of inventorying known motorized routes, areas and motorized vehicle access routes to undeveloped campsites. To help in that review, the public is being asked to help identify their most frequently visited (Off Highway Vehicles) OHV and motor vehicle travel routes and recreation spots. ?Those comments will help the Forest determine where OHV use is occurring and how recreation sites are accessed,? according to Judy McHugh, Willamette Public Affairs Officer.



Maps detailing the current status of the transportation system are on display in Willamette National Forest offices located in Eugene, McKenzie River, Detroit, Sweet Home, and Westfir. They are accessible during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A comment form is available on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette, although the maps are too large to effectively post on the web. People who are unable to come in during business hours can call the Ryan Brown at 541-782-5211.

?Our goal is to provide motorized opportunities that match our visitor use,? according to Doris Tai, Forest Recreation Officer, ?so public feedback is important. At the same time, we need to also consider public safety, resource protection and maintenance costs.? Tai said the focus of the process would be on wheeled motorized use and access, including winter access at specific sites where there are ?known resource or safety concerns.?