CALL TO ACTION: Mad Rabbit Objections Due September 25

As we reported in our August Newsletter, the Forest Service released the draft Decision Notice and Declaration of FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) for the Mad Rabbit Trails Project, a proposal to add approximately 49 miles of trails in Routt National Forest.

The draft Final Decision triggers a 45-day objection period, where those who commented on the Mad Rabbit draft EA in late 2023 are eligible to object to the Forest Service’s decision. You can read the specific requirements to submit an objection here.

If you submitted comments back in October/November 2022, we ask you to submit your objection comments by Monday, September 25 at the bottom of the page here. Note that you must show some connection from your earlier comments to the objection. A good way of doing that is to attach the original comments as an attachment. You should at least mention the date you submitted the original comments.

Our Mad Rabbit page is updated with the latest information about the project, how to object, and some key talking points, here.

We won’t repeat all the issues and errors of the draft Final EA in this newsletter. You can read our summary and many of the flaws in our August Newsletter. You can also read our recent Letter to the Editor, Mad Rabbit evaluation is flawed, needs EIS.

The NEPA process reflects the public’s right to petition their government. Please exercise that right.

BREAKING NEWS:

Routt County Commissioners Request an EIS for Mad Rabbit

What great reading Wednesday morning with a cup of coffee!

Our hats our off to the Routt County Commissioners who voted unanimously to request the Forest Service perform an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) for the Mad Rabbit Trails project. Kudos to them for standing up for wildlife and wild places and reflecting the strong conservation ethic of Routt County.

The Steamboat Pilot story has a lot more detail, and we recommend you read the article.  You can read the letter here. They had two requests:

•Please evaluate the cumulative impacts that may be triggered by Mad Rabbit through a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

•Please provide us with specific comments from CDOT regarding the safety and suitability of the proposed access to the Ferndale area off of Highway 40

Both are reasonable requests, and we hope the Forest Service will take them seriously. We are in complete agreement that the current EA fails to adequately account for cumulative impacts, and an EIS is called for. We are also interested in the CDOT comments regarding US40.

We note that Colorado Division of Natural Resources also requested an EIS in their November comments.

CITING NEGATIVE IMPACTS TO ELK, ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION FILES FORMAL OBJECTIONS TO MAD RABBIT

RMEF, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, formally objected to a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) decision that gives the green light for the Mad Rabbit Trails Project.

“The environmental assessment and draft decision fail to use the best available science,” said Karie Decker, RMEF director of wildlife and habitat.

“RMEF also noted severe conditions from this past winter had a devastating impact on elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife, leaving carcasses scattered for miles. Survival rates were the lowest ever documented by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). As a result, CPW reduced antlerless hunting in E-2 by 89 percent. The Mad Rabbit Trails Project overlaps with this area.”

“The assessment must incorporate this data and evaluate how the new trails and increased use will exacerbate recent winter-related losses to the E-2 elk herd,” said Decker. “RMEF requests a decision of No Action so that a full Environmental Impact Statement can be prepared using the best available science.” 

RMEF has asked its membership to take action by escalating this to our elected officials. It has prepared draft letters that can be edited and personalized for our US Senators, Representatives, and the Governor. Link is here.

Want to promote a balance between recreation and conservation?

Consider signing up for a stint at the Routt Recreation and Conservation Roundtable.

Applications Due Monday, September 18

The Routt Recreation & Conservation Roundtable (RRCR) was developed and designed to be a diverse, representative body that provides input to public agencies and organizations undertaking recreation and conservation activities. In addition to providing input and recommendations to local land management agencies and related organizations, the RRCR is also developing a conservation and recreation plan for Routt County. This plan will guide the work of the group over the next two years.

Members of the RRCR meet for 2.5 hours every other month in Steamboat Springs. Any person residing in Routt County can now apply for any seat on the RRCR by challenging an incumbent or applying for a vacant seat. There are 8 open seats including:

· 2 at-large seats
· Quiet use and hiking
·Ranching and farming
· Road biking
· Summer motorized

· Trail running
·Winter motorized

Applications are due by Monday, September 18, 2023. The application can be found here.