Archive Webcast: Congress to hold hearing on recreation roadblocks

On Nov. 15, 2011, the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, chaired by Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT), held an oversight hearing entitled "Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation: Proposed Planning Rule, Special-use Permits, and Travel Management."

To view an archive webcast of the hearing scheduled, click here.

According to the subcommittee: "The U.S. Forest Service released a proposed planning rule in February that would replace the current planning rule, implemented in 1982, by revising the planning process for 155 national forests and 20 grasslands under the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The proposed planning rule is expected to be finalized within the year. There is great concern that the proposed rule will further complicate the planning process and result in greater detriment to multiple-use of national forest land. Finally, there is growing concern with conditions being placed on special-use permits that will impact many longstanding Forest Service permitees as well as the 2005 Travel Management Rule that is reducing popular access on many national forests."

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) applaud Rep. Bishop for holding this oversight hearing.