Forest Supervisor, Spike Thompson
Lewis and Clark National Forest
P.O. Box 869
Great Falls, MT 59403-0869

RE: RMRD Travel Plan DEIS-ORV use in Rocky Mountain Front

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I strongly urge you to adopt Alternative Three for the Lewis and Clark National Forest Travel Plan, which restricts motorized use to established roads. This alternative is a direct response to the wishes of the public, submitted during the scoping period. It emphasizes foot and horse travel, and eliminates motorized travel on trails. Motorized use is allowed on the main access roads to trailheads, developed campgrounds and recreational cabins.

The Rocky Mountain Front is vital to the survival of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, mule deer, wolverines, lynx, grizzlies, and black bears, and is rated in the top one percent of wildlife habitat in the nation. Only eight percent of Front users utilize off-road vehicles (ORVs), which are capable of more damage than ever before, climbing ever steeper terrain and going further into the back-country. ORVs damage the fragile ecosystem, drive wildlife from their calving and wintering grounds, pollute clean water supplies, and disturb hikers and horseback riders.

I appreciate the efforts of the Forest Service to save the Rocky Mountain Front from oil and gas development, but the protection will not be complete unless the problems of motorized vehicle use are addressed -- before it is too late. Alternative Three protects the Rocky Mountain Front’s pristine landscape and abundant wildlife from rampant ORV use, and it safeguards this unique and magnificent American landscape for future generations. It honors the wishes of the vast majority of Americans. Please adopt Alternative Three.