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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests officials finalize off-roading plan

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
United States Department of Agriculture
/
handout | agency
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Officials with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests want to control cross-country off-roading and are finalizing a plan that will designate areas for the popular sport.

A growing number of off-roading activities have damaged the nearly 3 million acres in the dual national forests. Officials noted erosion, users creating their own trails and damage to archeological sites.

The plan would designate specific roads and trails for off-road use, and create motorized access for dispersed camping and retrieval of big game. The number of roads would be reduced by 16% but the number of motorized trails would grow by nearly 70.

Objections to the plan will only be accepted from people who’ve earlier submitted public comments and are due June 21.

Fronteras Desk senior editor Michel Marizco is an award-winning investigative reporter based in Flagstaff.