Now is the time to submit your comment on the
Lolo National Forest plan revision
If you’re a backcountry skier or rider around the Missoula area, chances are you’ve skied in the Lolo National Forest. It encompasses our go-tos: Lolo Pass, Hoodoo Pass, Saint Regis Basin, Wisherd Ridge, Marshall Mountain, and Morrel Mountain (where Yurtski is).Click here to tell the Forest to protect non-motorized use in our favorite spots
We OPPOSE motorized roads into Crystal Amphitheatre (on Lolo Pass) and into Saint Regis Basin (on Lookout Pass), and the huge buffer on a motorized road to Morrel Mountain Lookout (above Yurtski) – all to prevent snowmobile conflict and trespass into our favorite skiing/riding areas. Suggested talking points below.
Even better, come join us at Imagine Nation Brewing on Thursday, March 28, from 5-7 p.m. to submit comments. We’ll make it easy for you with computers handy and talking points ready to cut and paste and personalize. We’ll provide a FREE beer to all folks who comment!
Thanks for speaking up for backcountry skiing and riding in Montana! We’ll see you at Imagine Nation Brewing on the 28th!
–The Montana Backcountry Alliance team: Adam, Zac, Leah, Derek, Cassidy, Alex, Chris and Conor.
Remember to Comment directly on the plan by April 1st here:
https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=62960
COMMENT TALKING POINTS:
Personalize your email with points like where you like to ski (e.g. “I’ve been skiing Lolo Pass for more than 10 years”), why these places are special to you, etc.
- I support the designation of a Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized setting for our favorite local spots at Lolo Pass, Hoodoo Pass, Saint Regis Basin, Wisherd Ridge, Marshall Mountain, and Morrel Mountain.These popular areas provide opportunities for accessible human-powered backcountry skiing/riding day trips on public lands.
- Please restrict motorized access into the Crystal Amphitheater on Lolo Pass, which is heavily used by the backcountry ski and snowboard community. I oppose FS 16675 as a Semi-Primitive Motorized setting. Please consider it as a Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized setting to prevent snowmobile conflict and trespass into this beloved ski area.
- Please restrict motorized access into Saint Regis Basin. I oppose FS 18591 as a Semi-Primitive Motorized setting. Please consider it as a Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized setting to lessen snowmobile conflict.
- Please significantly reduce the excessive size of the motorized buffer along Morrell Mountain Lookout Road (FR 4365) to protect non-motorized access to this terrain near one of our very few backcountry yurts in this range.
Check out this great story from Backcountry Magazine about Marshall Mountain! We are stoked to continue our work with the City of Missoula, Izzy Dog, LLC, MTB Missoula, and others to improve backcountry skiing and riding at Marshall. Give it a read and thanks for all the support!
This year will be a busy one in the backcountry. Please be safe, respectful, helpful, and patient as more folks turn to the backcountry this season. Be sure to check avalanche forecasts, ski and ride within your abilities, and stay safe at trailheads and summits. Healthcare systems are at capacity and we can all do our part to recreate responsibly this winter.
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Montana Backcountry Alliance 