GNF Travel Plan

The Federal Magistrate in Missoula recommended to District Judge Molloy that he deny the request for injunction filed by CBU. Magistrate Lynch's reason was that the MVUM expires on Dec. 1, 2007, and therefore the injunction would be moot. Even though the maps are lacking in clarity and accuracy, the court stated that any forest user who was cited for a Travel Plan violation due to the mistakes of the new maps would have a pretty good defense if they were following the map. When Judge Molloy issues his decision, we'll give you an update.

The Forest Service stated they are committed to producing a new summer use map for next year - one with the errors fixed and hopefully with more landmarks and details. In the meantime, the winter use map has been published, as well. The Gallatin National Forest has begun incremental implementation of the GNF Travel Plan with the publication of the Motor Vehicle Use Map (summer use) and the Over Snow Vehicle Use Map (winter use map). While these maps are flawed and are of lower quality than previously-published Visitor Use Maps, CBU encourages all forest users to utilize these enforcement tools when recreating in summer and winter in the Gallatin National Forest, and remain in compliance with the new restrictions on the GNF Travel Plan to the best of your abilities. If problems occur with Forest Service enforcement officer, please contact CBU for assistance.

The main lawsuit filed by CBU on the Travel Plan is scheduled to be heard in early spring of 2008. The courts are slow to react to the needs of the people.