Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, contacted Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell urging the Forest Service to quickly draft another travel plan for Gallatin National Forest that takes into account all historical data regarding motorized vehicle use. Because it was missing critical, but readily available information, the latest plan was rejected by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  The interim plan currently in effect severely restricts the use of snowmobiles in Gallatin Forest.  The snowmobile industry is responsible for more than 20 million dollars in economic activity every winter in the Gallatin Forest.

“Government bungling by the Obama Administration is costing jobs and creating lasting economic damage to the people living around Gallatin National Forest,” said Rehberg.  “These public lands are meant for public enjoyment, and as another winter passes without an adequate use plan, the public is being closed out of their land.” Continue reading →