Crowdog
03-10-2002, 01:21 PM
MARCH 9, 2002, 08:30 AM
Advocates sue to halt ATV use on Hells Canyon trail
Two conservation groups have sued the U.S. Forest Service to bar motorized access on a trail that descends 6 miles into Hells Canyon.
Located on the Idaho side of the gorge, the rocky trail accesses historic Kirkwood Ranch on the Snake River.
The Hells Canyon Preservation Council and The Wilderness Society say that in 1998, thunderstorms washed out portions of the trail, making it impassible for motorized vehicles. But the Forest Service reopened it to all-terrain vehicle users without public notice or involvement.
The groups warn the ATVs bring noxious weeds into the gorge which threaten plants unique to the canyon. They say federal law requires that the pioneer values of the canyon must be maintained, including a pack or foot trail to the Kirkwood Ranch.
© 2002 The Associated Press.
http://ktvb.com/news/newstory.html?StoryID=11639
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Crowdog
Advocates sue to halt ATV use on Hells Canyon trail
Two conservation groups have sued the U.S. Forest Service to bar motorized access on a trail that descends 6 miles into Hells Canyon.
Located on the Idaho side of the gorge, the rocky trail accesses historic Kirkwood Ranch on the Snake River.
The Hells Canyon Preservation Council and The Wilderness Society say that in 1998, thunderstorms washed out portions of the trail, making it impassible for motorized vehicles. But the Forest Service reopened it to all-terrain vehicle users without public notice or involvement.
The groups warn the ATVs bring noxious weeds into the gorge which threaten plants unique to the canyon. They say federal law requires that the pioneer values of the canyon must be maintained, including a pack or foot trail to the Kirkwood Ranch.
© 2002 The Associated Press.
http://ktvb.com/news/newstory.html?StoryID=11639
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Crowdog