4x4Voice

September 25, 2019

Plan Revision Team Lead

323 Club Drive

Vallejo CA 94592

Subject: Sequoia and Sierra Forest Plan Revision Update

Dear Planning Team:

These comments are submitted on behalf of the California Four Wheel Drive Association (Cal4Wheel) and its membership. Cal4Wheel represents clubs and individuals within the state of California that are part of the community of four-wheel drive enthusiasts. These comments are directed to the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Revision of the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests Land Management Plans. This document shall not supplant the rights of other Cal4Wheel agents and organizational or individual members from submitting their own comments and the agency should consider and appropriately respond to all comments received to this proposed planning project.

While the main focus of Cal4Wheel is to protect, promote, and provide for motorized recreation opportunities on public and private lands, many of our members participate in multiple forms of recreation; including but not limited to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding, and gem and mineral collection.

NRC South August 2019 Report

Forest Service - Comment period has closed on the USFS request for comments on the proposed NEPA rule change update the analysis and documentation of Categorical Exclusions.  This is a small, but important, point within the National Environmental Policy Act.  NEPA requires agencies to disclose and analyze the potential impacts their management decisions will have con the natural environment.  This has lead to overly cautious administrative process that subjects a majority of management decision to an Environmental Assessment or a more complex Environmental Impact Statement.

The comment deadline for the Forest Service's proposed revisions to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations is Monday, August 26, 2019. Below are the comments to the NEPA proposed rule changes submitted on behalf of Cal4Wheel.

NRC South Report - July 2019

USMC - The Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will remain open to the public August 1-30, 2019. Closure of the Shared Use Area for military use during this time was determined to be unnecessary after the Marine Corps revised the scope of training scheduled for August 2019.

Training conducted during that time will occur within Combat Center boundaries, utilizing ranges on the installation, including land acquired through the land expansion. The Marine Corps reminds the public to be safe and respect base boundaries when recreating near the installation. Individuals have a personal and legal responsibility to avoid trespassing on the Combat Center.

NRC South Report - June 2019

Sierra National Forest - The Sierra NF recently requested comments on travel management issues.  I have submitted comments on behalf of Cal4Wheel. The focus of my comments is that this effort is proceeding without the release of the Forest Plan Revision which may influence the outcome.

Many people are voicing complaints about the pending loss of their favorite trail and are threatening to file a lawsuit.  Sounds simple.  But, is it that simple?

Keep in mind, to file a lawsuit, you must have “standing” and prove that you are “harmed” by the decision.  So, just what is “standing” and what is “harm”?