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Forest Service to Discuss Off-Highway Vehicles at Upcoming Meeting

Forest Recreation Program Manager Becky Smith-Powell to talk at breakfast gathering

By Beacon Staff

Managers from the Flathead National Forest will be discussing off-highway vehicles at an upcoming public meeting.

Forest Recreation Program Manager Becky Smith-Powell will speak at the Night Owl/Back Room Restaurant in Columbia Falls at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 25, for a no-host breakfast and discussion on the OHV recreation opportunities on the FNF.

Recreationists have three areas where OHV riding is permitted on the forest — the Hungry Horse motor cross area, the Wild Bill OHV trail and the ATV trail above Ashley Lake. Seasonally opened forest roads also offer hundreds of miles of other riding opportunities.

“We want to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly program is available to riders,” public affairs officer Wade Muehlhof said. “We would like to discuss and hear your thoughts on OHV education and communication, motor vehicle use maps (MVUM), signage, protection and restoration in designated use areas, patrols, and monitoring on OHV trails.”

Every other month, the Forest Service will coordinate these no-host breakfast meetings at a local restaurant.

“We hope the event will be a great way to discuss public land management opportunities and challenges that are important to us all,” Muehlhof said.

For those who plan to attend, notify PMuehlhof at [email protected] or (406) 758-5252.