Everyone's input to Custer National Forest makes a difference in how they manage the Pryor Mountains.

The official public comment period for the Forest's proposed Travel Plan ended on December 19, 2007.

Thanks to the many, many people who sent good comments to Custer National Forest officials asking them to protect this special area.
Also thanks to the many people who wrote letters to the Billings Gazette in support of the Pryors Coalition's effort.


If you missed the deadline you can still send comments





OR

Send written comments to--

Steve E. Williams, Forest Supervisor
Attn. Doug Epperly, Project Coordinator
Custer National Forest
1310 Main Street
Billings, MT 59105

Comments should include:

  1. name, address, telephone number
  2. title of the document on which the comment is being submitted - Beartooth Travel Management DEIS
  3. specific facts and supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider
  4. your signature (for written comments)

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The longer you wait the less influence they will have.



What happens next?

Custer National Forest will spend the next few months reviewing all the comments and preparing a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) with the Forest's final Travel Plan for the Beartooth District including the Pryor Mountains. The tentative date for release of the final Plan is June 2008.

We hope our comments will persuade Custer National Forest to make the final Plan more protective of the Pryors unique natural resources, and opportunities for quiet non-motorized recreation. If not there will be a formal opportunity to appeal the final decision. We hope an appeal will not be necessary.

We will update the website when there is new information to report.

Click here for some excerpts from the letters you sent to Custer National Forest

Click here for some letters to the Forest from various organizations

Click Here to see the Pryors Coalition's detailed analysis of Custer National Forest's proposed Travel Plan.

Pryors Coalition's overview of Custer National Forest's Travel Plan proposal

In Custer National Forest’s Preferred Alternative (Alternative B) the Forest reports that two-thirds of the Pryors (USFS) would be in motorized settings. This alternative is not balanced. Most Forest users are not four-wheelers. The Forest’s own document says so.


USFS "Preferred" Alternative (B)

 Pryors Coalition Alternative (C)

 Where is this Alternative???
--- no one is considering it

Alternative C is far better. It is based largely on the Pryors Coalition’s proposal and is more balanced. It allows abundant motorized access, including half of the Pryors in motorized settings, according to the Forest’s document. We need roads for access to spectacular landscapes and viewpoints, but we also need abundant quiet areas where we can escape from the noise and commotion of the city and daily life to the quiet hush of the natural landscape.

Unfortunately even alternative C has a severe flaw. It allows the two track route #2088 (see map) to extend miles into the heart of the Big Pryor North Hiking, Riding and Resource Protection Area.  In addition, Bear Canyon Road #2492 should be converted to a non-motorized trail.

ATVs have a place in the Pryors, but they shouldn’t be the dominant feature of landscape they’re fast becoming. With a balanced plan for ever-increasing levels of motorized use, we’ll all be able to enjoy the landscape in years to come. We need balanced management that keeps more areas open for hiking, riding, hunting, and enjoying the Pryors’ wildlife.

The Forest should care for the land and protect the natural resources first -- then manage both motorized and non-motorized recreation within limits the land can tolerate. This means setting reasonable and balanced limits to motorized use.


  • Click here for a more detailed analysis.
  • Send us your email address so we can send you new information as we get it.
  • Send copies of your comments to newspapers and other public officials. (We would also appreciate getting copies.)

Add your name to the List of Individual Supporters of the Pryors Coalition


What is the current law?

The Custer National Forest proposed Travel Plan




CONTACTS

CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST

Steve Williams, Forest Supervisor
Custer National Forest
1310 Main Street
Billings MT 59105
Phone: 406 657-6200 x 215
swilliams@fs.fed.us

Traute Parrie, Beartooth District Ranger
HC 49, Box 3420
Red Lodge, MT 59068
(406) 446-2103
tparrie@fs.fed.us

US CONGRESS

Congressman Dennis Rehberg
516 Cannon Office Building
Washington DC 20515
Phone: 202 336-3211
http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Senator Max Baucus
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510-2602
Phone: 202 224-2651
max@baucus.senate.gov

Senator Jon Tester
204 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510-2644
Phone: 202 224-2644
http://tester.senate.gov/contact

PRESIDENT
President George W. Bush
The White House
Washington DC 20500
Phone: 202 456-1111; 866 366-3655
president@whitehouse.gov

GOVERNOR OF MONTANA
Governor Brian Schweitzer
State Capitol
Helena MT 59620
Phone: 406 444-3111
http://governor.mt.gov/contact/commentform.asp

CARBON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

David Davidson
Joliet Dist. Commissioner
P.O. Box 887
Red Lodge, MT 59068
446-1595 or 962-3546
Fax: 446-2640
commissioners@co.carbon.mt.us

Albert Brown
Bridger Dist. Commissioner
P.O. Box 887
Red Lodge, MT 59068
446-1595 or 662-3606
Fax: 446-2640
commissioners@co.carbon.mt.us

John Prinkki
Red Lodge Dist. Commissioner
P.O. Box 887
Red Lodge, MT 59068
446-1595 or 446-1303
Fax: 446-2640
commissioners@co.carbon.mt.us

YELLOWSTONE COUNTY COMMISIONERS

Bill Kennedy (D)
PO Box 35000
Billings MT 59107
Phone: 256-2701
bkennedy@co.yellowstone.mt.gov

Jim Reno (R)
PO Box 35000
Billings, MT 59107
Phone: 256-2701
jreno@co.yellowstone.mt.gov

John Ostlund (R)
PO Box 35000
Billings, MT 59107
Phone: 256-2701
jostlund@co.yellowstone.mt.gov

BIG HORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
406-665-9700

John Pretty on Top
406-639-9119

John T. Doyle, Jr.
406-638-2867

Chad Fenner
406-665-1174

NEWSPAPERS

Billings Gazette
PO Box 36300
Billings MT 59107-6300
speakup@billingsgazette.com

Billings Outpost
1833 Grand Ave
Billings MT 59102
editor@billingsnews.com

Carbon County News
Box 970
Red Lodge MT 59068-0970
news@carboncountynews.com

Big Horn County News
204 North Center Ave.
Hardin, Montana 59034
Phone: 406-665-1008
Toll-Free: 800-735-8736

Yellowstone County News
113 Northern Avenue
P O Box 395
Huntley MT 59037
info@yellowstonecountynews.com