Forest Service issues draft decision on over-snow vehicles in N. Idaho ranger districts

By Reader Staff

Officials with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests have issued a final environmental assessment, a finding of “no significant impact” and draft decision for the Kaniksu OSV Use Designation Project, which opens certain areas to “over-snow vehicles” such as snowmobiles in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry and Priest Lake Ranger districts.

The project proposes a system of over-snow vehicle routes and riding areas — along with seasons of use for motor vehicles that travel over snow on tracks or skis — on an area encompassing more than 1 million acres of National Forest System lands, which offer “some of the most sought-after over-snow vehicle recreational opportunities in Idaho,” according to IPNF.

Planning for the project began with gathering public input in August 2022 and proceeded with a draft environmental assessment public comment period in March and April 2023, bringing together a group facilitated by the National Forest Foundation and representatives from various interested parties, tribes, and government agencies.

Planning is undertaken in accordance with the 2005 federal Travel Management Rule, which requires all national forests and grasslands to develop a system of roads, trails and areas for motorized travel. The rule was later expanded to include snowmobiles and other “over-snow vehicles.” The Forest Service finalized a national policy for the management of snowmobiles in 2015.

The Travel Management Rule requires the Forest Service to designate over-snow vehicle routes to minimize: