Guys, just fired off the following Email to the Forest Service in support of Alternative 3 which is the best long-term solution for us....had sent in the form letter then read that ALL form letters would be counted together so decided to send in my own version....feel free to borrow those pieces you see fit to use in your version....and send it to: 'comments-eastern-huron-manistee@fs.fed.us'
Mr. Kenneth Arbogast,
I am writing to provide my comments about the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Huron-Manistee National Forests. I have reviewed the draft statement and the alternatives. First of all some information about me. I am a long-term Michigan resident and state and federal taxpayer. I live in the Grand Rapids area and also own and pay taxes on property near the Manistee National Forest. My family and I are avid snowmobilers, members of the Trailriders snowmobile club and most of our winter weekends are spent enjoying the Manistee National Forest and the snowmobile trail system that connects Baldwin, Reed City, Cadillac, Irons and points in between. Losing ANY part of this trail system would significantly and negatively impact my winter recreation opportunities as well as the value of my property. I am quite obviously in favor of maintaining the existing snowmobile trail in this area, and frankly, would prefer to see MORE trails and National Forest access for snowmobilers.
Having reviewed the Alternatives, I SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE 3. The areas in question should be redefined as Semi-Primitive Motorized areas and all areas should remain open to existing snowmobile use and firearm hunting. There are no duplicated efforts in providing snowmobiling or firearm hunting opportunities in Michigan so all existing opportunities are important and should be continued through the adoption of Alternative 3.
I AM STRONGLY OPPOSED TO ALTERNATIVE 2. It would be wrong to ban snowmobile use and firearm hunting in existing SPNM areas. The SEIS analysis shows it would not result in increased quietness. The SEIS analysis also shows that less than 27% of existing SPNM areas are located beyond a ½ mile from open public roads; therefore these areas clearly fail to meet ‘remoteness’ conditions expected to be found in true SPNM areas. These areas should NOT be classified as SPNM. Additionally, all snowmobile trails that would be closed by Alternative 2 are located on open public roads and should remain open for winter snowmobile trail use. It makes absolutely no sense to me to ban one form of transportation and recreation from these roads while allowing automobile, motorcycle and ORV traffic for 12 months each year……Alternative 2 does not guarantee any change in the conditions or experiences people would have in these areas, and the existing PUBLIC ROADWAYS make it difficult if not impossible to provide SPNM in the existing designated areas…..Alternative 2 is not at all logical!
Our National Forests were intended to be enjoyed for multiple recreation uses; it’s my understanding that the requested ban is supported essentially by ONE Michigan resident’s lawsuit: whereas 7000 or more Michigan residents have previously indicated their support for multiple uses…..I don’t believe access to these areas should be restricted based the subjective view and bias of one person versus the thousands of others legitimate users and uses of public lands.
The winter months are already difficult for many businesses in the area(s) in questions. Snowmobiling brings work and money into the area and must be continued for the economic well-being of the people who live, work and provide services in these areas.
I sincerely hope that you do the right thing and select Alternative 3. Thank you for the opportunity to comment and please add me to your contact list as this SEIS process continues.
Sincerely,
Fred Gross
10448 Shaner Avenue NE
Rockford, MI. 49341