United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest

Service

October 2009

Draft Environmental

Impact Statement

Travel Management Project - Executive Summary

Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, and Crooked River National

Grassland

Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Klamath, Lake, Grant and Wheeler Counties, Oregon

Executive Summary 

This is an Executive Summary of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement “Travel 

Management Project, Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, and the Crooked River 

National Grassland.” It summarizes the proposed actions analyzed in detail in the Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement and presents the major conclusions in comparative form. 

Appendix A – Overview maps of the Alternatives, Motorized Mixed Use Maps, and maps of the 

Inventoried Roadless Areas is included with this summary along with a Compact Disc containing 

the detailed maps of the Alternatives. A full copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

and Appendices B-C is available upon request from the Deschutes or Ochoco National Forests, 

or on the Central Oregon Forests website http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/travelmgmt/index.shtml. 

Purpose and Need for Action ___________________________________________________________ 

The Travel Management Rule was passed because of a need to resolve a number of resource and social 

concerns related to unregulated motorized travel that were detailed in the Rule. These included concerns 

such as: 

 Confusion about where or when motorized access is or is not allowed, or for what type of vehicle, 

and how or where to find that information 

 Resource damage from inappropriate motorized uses 

 Conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users 

 Quality of recreational experiences for all forest users 

Many of these concerns are illustrated on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked 

River National Grassland as well. For instance, the entire Crooked River National Grassland is currently 

closed to motorized travel off of designated routes, but the repeated costs associated with posting areas 

“closed” has made enforcement difficult. National Forest lands have a mixture of designations related to 

motorized travel on and off roads as well as there being seasonal restrictions both on and off some routes 

for various types of vehicles. Specifics regarding management direction for motorized access for highway 

and non-highway-legal vehicles have been sometimes inconsistent across the Forests, adding to the 

general confusion about how management direction has been intended to be applied. Resource damage 

from inappropriate motorized use has increased on both Forests, perhaps driven by an increase in the 

types of vehicles available to the growing Oregon population. Population growth has also contributed to 

an increase in social conflicts, often between motorized and non-motorized users on the National Forests 

and Grassland. 

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests need to implement the provisions of the Travel Management 

Rule – including provisions to allow for reasonable motorized access for dispersed camping - to publish a 

timely initial Motor Vehicle Use Map. There is also a need to comply with Pacific NW Regional direction 

to review routes that would be shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map as available for motorized “mixed” 

use under current designations (Oregon State Law) to determine if conditions may warrant changing that 

allowable use to highway-legal vehicles only. Based on initial review of the seasons of use on existing 

designated routes, there is also a limited need to make small changes to the seasons of use in some areas 

to eliminate minor inconsistencies between those seasons of use. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 1 
The purpose of the actions proposed in this DEIS are to: 

 implement the 2005 Travel Management Rule provision to prohibit all motorized access off of 

existing, previously designated routes and outside of existing, previously designated areas where 

such use is not currently prohibited or otherwise restricted by past actions (e.g. eliminate crosscountry travel) 

 improve public safety, by implementing Forest Service Regional policy to determine the 

suitability of continuing to allow for motorized “mixed” use (eg. analyze those roads which 

currently allow for motorized “mixed” use under Oregon State Law) 

 establish conditions or provisions to allow for motorized access for dispersed camping (MADC) 

that are consistent with the Travel Management Rule 

 where appropriate to reduce minor inconsistencies, make minor changes to the seasons of use for 

designated routes 

 clarify the current conditions of use for motorized access on existing designated National Forest 

system (NFS) routes and current management direction for motorized access for dispersed 

camping 

 amend the Ochoco National Forest Plan to be consistent with the Travel Management Rule and 

conditions for motorized access for dispersed camping 

Background __________________________________________________________________________ 

In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service issued national regulations to allow motorized use only on designated 

routes (roads and trails) and in designated areas on all national forests. These regulations, called “Travel 

Management: Designated Motorized Access for National Forests and Grasslands,” (and called hereafter 

the “Travel Management Rule” or Rule) directed the National Forests and Grasslands to publish a Motor 

Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that would show where and under what conditions designated motorized 

access would be allowed for all motor vehicles. The Rule establishes specific codes under federal 

regulations (CFRs) to enforce a consistent nationwide approach of allowing motorized access on National 

Forests and Grasslands only as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. 

When considering how to implement the Rule, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest Supervisors 

realized their efforts would have to be sharply focused to accomplish such a change in how people have 

used motor vehicles to access the two Forests. They focused their efforts considering: 

There are currently approximately 11,432 miles of roads under Forest Service jurisdiction across Central 

Oregon on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland, with 

about 8,000 miles that are designated as open to motorized use. Motor vehicle use on these roads has 

historically been allowed consistent with Oregon law, and are open to use by highway legal vehicles only 

or open to both highway and non-highway-legal vehicles. Approximately 90 percent of these roads are 

open for use by non-highway-legal vehicles. The Travel Management Rule and Forest Service policy 

allows for these past motorized use designations to be incorporated without change as the designated 

routes required to be shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (CFR 215.50(b)). 

On the Deschutes National Forest the East Fort Rock OHV Trail System provides 318 miles of designated 

motorized trails and 3 play areas designed for and open throughout the year to ATVs and dirt bikes and 

one rock crawl play area open to all classes of vehicles. The Edison OHV Trail System provides 25 miles 

of designated motorized trails designed for and open seasonally to motorized vehicles under 80" width. 

On the Ochoco National Forest, the 8 1⁄2 mile Green Mountain Trail is open to ATVs and dirt bikes only, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 2 
as well as the 18 mile Henderson OHV Trail System on the Crooked River National Grassland, which is 

open seasonally. The nearby Millican OHV Trail System on public lands administered by the BLM adds 

an additional 111 miles of motorized trails open year-round and 145 miles open seasonally. Still, largely 

unregulated motorized access off designated routes (cross-country travel) has resulted in a proliferation of 

unauthorized trails often concentrated near population centers, but present across the forests. 

The two motorized activities most likely to be significantly affected by prohibiting motorized use outside 

of or off of existing designated roads, trails, and areas would be: 

 Motorized access for dispersed camping (MADC) 

o Many forest users travel off of existing designated routes to access existing 

“dispersed” or informal campsites, which is still an important recreation use in the 

National Forests. 

 Motorized travel off designated routes (MAODR) by off-highway vehicles 

o There are many unauthorized routes that have provided specialized trail (single-track 

motorcycle, 4- wheel drive rock crawling, or all-terrain vehicles trails) or crosscountry motorized access to the public. 

There are insufficient budgets and resources to inventory and evaluate every existing designated and 

unauthorized route or use area on both forests in order to complete a comprehensive site-specific decision 

for all future designated motorized routes and complete a timely publication of the first Motor Vehicle 

Use Map. The Rule allows an option to only consider non-winter (motor vehicles that do not qualify as 

over-the-snow) motorized use. National Forest System roads on the Deschutes and Ochoco National 

Forests have existing designations that follow state regulation, and allow for motorized “mixed” use of 

highway and non-highway-legal vehicles on roads which are classified by the Forest Service as 

“Maintenance Level 2.” 

Based on these considerations, the Forest Supervisors identified a two-part strategy to implement the Rule 

for non-winter use to meet the prescribed time frame that was within the capacity of their available 

resources and anticipated grants and budgets. 

 First was to keep open to motorized access, consistent with current existing conditions: 

o all designated open roads that are considered suitable to continue motorized “mixed” use 

of highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles 

o existing designated motorized routes and areas within the Deschutes and Ochoco 

National Forest’s designated OHV trail systems 

o motorized access for dispersed camping under conditions that would be consistent with 

the Rule and provide for resource considerations. 

 Second, was to identify for consideration in the near term: 

o specialized areas for designated motorized routes and areas for non-highway-legal 

motorized use 

In 2006-2007, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests worked with a chartered federal advisory 

committee to develop a strategy for implementing the rule that included two distinct outcomes. Both 

outcomes started with an established baseline of our existing designated routes that were already 

designated for motorized use by class of vehicle and seasons of use. The outcomes were 

recommendations for: 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 3 
 options and criteria for providing motorized access for dispersed camping within the boundaries 

established by the rule; and 

 areas that could be considered for developing specialized motorized trail systems 

These two outcomes are the starting points for developing specific proposed actions to implement the 

Travel Management Rule. The intent of the national Rule was to be carried forward locally under the 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The two parts of the strategy are both a result of the Forest 

Supervisor’s interest in mitigating some of the expected effects of prohibiting motorized access off of 

designated routes. However, the proposed actions resulting from each part of the strategy have a very 

different scope and scale, and are therefore considered distinct and separate federal actions under the 

procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act. This DEIS would implement the first part of the 

strategy, while separate environmental analyses are being conducted for identifying motorized trail 

systems across the two Forests. 

Proposed Action ______________________________________________________________________ 

In accordance with 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the 

Crooked River National Grassland, having established through past administrative decisions an extensive 

system of designated routes and areas for motorized vehicle use in accordance with CFR 212.50; propose 

to: 

 Prohibit motorized travel outside of those existing designated routes (roads and trails) and areas - 

where it is not already restricted or prohibited by law, regulation, policy, order, Forest Plan 

direction, or site-specific decision. 

 Prohibit motorized use by non-highway-legal vehicles on some routes that currently allow both 

highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles based on the results of the Forest Service 

motorized “mixed” use analysis. 

 Amend both the Ochoco and Deschutes Forest Plans to modify some of the existing seasons of 

use on some routes to eliminate inconsistencies between beginning and ending seasonal use 

periods. 

In accordance with CFR 212.51 (b), allow motorized access for the purpose of dispersed camping within 

300’ of the centerline of designated routes shown on the Proposed Action maps (CD - 1). Motorized 

access within 300’ of the centerline of a designated route would be subject to the general provisions of 

CFR 212.51. These general provisions allow for limited motorized access within those areas to those 

classes of vehicles and seasons of use that apply to the adjacent designated route solely for the purpose of 

dispersed camping. 

Motorized access for dispersed camping (MADC) along some routes would be subject to “special

provisions.” Proposed “special provision” areas would allow motorized access within 300’ of the 

centerline of a designated route for those classes of vehicles and seasons of use that apply to the 

designated route only for the purpose of accessing designated, defined or existing dispersed campsites. 

The Proposed Action would also: 

Amend the Ochoco National Forest Plan to eliminate language that currently allows for non-winter 

motorized access except where specifically restricted to be consistent with the Travel Management Rule 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 4 
Amend the Ochoco National Forest Plan to allow for motorized access for dispersed camping within 300’ 

of open designated routes on the Crooked River National Grassland subject to the general and special 

provisions of the proposed action. 

Based on public comments on this proposed action during public meetings and written comments 

following publication of the proposed action and Notice of Intent in the federal register, some 

modifications to the original proposed action were made. The proposed action was modified to include 

some rock/cinder pits that are currently open to motorized use as designated areas that would be open to 

motorized access off designated routes (cross-country travel). Motorized access for dispersed camping 

within Inventoried Roadless Areas was modified to allow motorized access only to designated, defined or 

existing sites. 

Maps that illustrate the existing designated routes and areas for motorized use according to the season of 

use (open to use time frame) and class of vehicle (highway-legal or non-highway-legal) are available in 

CD format with the DEIS, on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests Travel Management website, 

and are also available at Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest Ranger Districts and Headquarters 

offices. Overview maps are included in Appendix A-1.1 – A-1.8 

Issues _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Issues are points of discussion, debate, or dispute about environmental effects – including social and 

economic - or competing uses of the resources that may occur as a result of the proposed action. The 

issues concerning the proposed action were submitted during the scoping period, or gathered as a result of 

the varied opportunities the public has had to give feedback as described above. The comments provided 

ranged from very general comments on many topics including the Travel Management Rule, to desires by 

some commenters for very specific actions to be taken. In order to sort through this variety of comments, 

the comments were classified in several groups, the first being significant and non-significant issues. 

Issues were classified as significant if they indicated a direct, indirect, or cumulative effect on (1) forest 

resources or public use of the forest by implementing the proposed action or (2) Alternatives that would 

better inform the Responsible Official’s decision. 

Motorized Access Off Designated Routes 

Areas open to motorized access off designated routes: There are mineral material sources, existing 

rock, gravel and/or cinder pits (and called hereafter rock/cinder pits), that are currently open to motorized 

use that were not included in the proposed action as designated. Some of these rock/cinder pits would 

continue to be “open to motorized access off designated routes”. Several of these rock/cinder pits may be 

prized by off-highway vehicle users that like a variety of technical challenges. These areas also offer 

little chance for resource damage because they are already designated and developed for mineral 

extraction. Many of these areas have historically been used on both Forests for dispersed camping, target 

practice, rock crawling and staging areas for recreation activities, in addition to their primary aggregate 

use. 

Response: The Proposed Action was modified to include criteria for maintaining current or designate 

future rock/cinder pits as “open to motorized access off designated routes (cross-country travel).” After 

evaluating the over 200 rock/cinder pits on the two Forests against this criteria, some rock/cinder pits that 

met this criteria were proposed to be designated as areas open to motorized access off designated routes 

(cross-country travel) that were not actively being used for extraction of mineral material sources. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 5 
Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping 

Areas designated as open to motorized access for dispersed camping - Some people expressed concern 

about the potential impacts to resources such as soils, wildlife and vegetation, of continuing to allow 

motorized access for dispersed camping within 300’ of most existing open designated routes. This 

concern was highlighted for sensitive areas such as riparian areas, but extended to other areas within the 

forest as well. Concerns included denuding of vegetation, harassment of wildlife, soil compaction and 

spread of invasive species to name a few.

The proposed action would allow motorized access for dispersed camping within 300’ of most roads, but 

would modify the conditions for this motorized access. Under the Travel Management Rule, all motorized 

access for dispersed camping would be subject to the general provisions identified in the Rule. These 

provisions limit motorized access for dispersed camping to the same class of vehicle and season of use as 

the adjacent open designated road, and restrict motorized access within that specified distance solely for 

the purpose of dispersed camping. The proposed action also includes special provisions for motorized 

access for dispersed camping in all riparian areas, and in non-riparian (upland) areas with other sensitive 

resources as identified by the Forest Service. These special provision areas would limit motorized access 

for dispersed camping to designated, defined and existing sites; and would establish a 30’ setback for 

motorized access for dispersed camping to any existing site near a stream course, wetland, or waterbody. 

(See Figs 2-5) 

Figure 1 - DESIGNATED sites are Marked with a Sign

Figure 2 - DEFINED sites limit motorized access with boulders or wood structures 

 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 6 
Figure 3 - EXISTING sites have established fire rings or other evidence of past use

Figure 4 - In RIPARIAN areas motorized access to EXISTING sites no closer than 30' to edge of stream, 

wetland, or water body 

30 ft. 

Edge of stream, high 

water mark 

People were concerned that the areas designated as open to motorized access for dispersed camping under 

the general provisions could have a higher potential for development of new motorized access points and 

dispersed sites than those areas where the special provisions would apply. 

Response: Alternative 3 was developed to respond to this issue. Alternative 3 would apply special

provisions to all roads proposed as open to motorized access for dispersed camping under in Alternative 

2, not just riparian areas and non-riparian (upland) areas identified to have other sensitive resources. 

Inventoried Roadless Areas – Inventoried Roadless areas have been identified as an important resource 

through a variety of venues. These areas are important to many people for a variety of reasons, including 

the potential for the areas to become future wilderness. The proposed action would allow for motorized 

access for dispersed camping within Inventoried Roadless Areas within 300’ of existing designated open 

roads subject to the general provisions of the Rule. If those roads are within 300’ of a streamcourse, 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 7 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 8 

wetland or waterbody, motorized access for dispersed camping would be allowed only under special 

provisions. Commentors during the scoping process expressed concerns about the effects of continued 

motorized access within these Inventoried Roadless Areas on roadless characteristics and wilderness 

potential. 

 

Response: This issue had two responses. The original proposed action was modified to allow for 

motorized access for dispersed camping within Inventoried Roadless Areas only under special provisions 

in all cases, rather than only special provisions only in riparian areas. Alternative 3 was also designed to 

be responsive to this issue by prohibiting motorized access for dispersed camping within all Inventoried 

Roadless Areas. 

Other Issues 

Public comments were robust concerning the proposed implementation of the Rule. Many of these 

comments expressed concern over what were perceived as potentially adverse social and recreational 

impacts of the proposed action or alternatives and the perceived beneficial effects on the physical and 

biological components of the environment. The following issues briefly focus on what are the most 

important potential indicators of effects of the proposed actions in this DEIS. 

Recreation 

Congressionally Designated Areas 

Social and Economic Factors 

Transportation 

Public Safety 

Fisheries, Hydrology, Geology, and Soils 

Native Vegetation 

Invasives 

Vegetation Treatments and Wildfire 

Wildlife 

Range Management 

Fire Risk 

Air Quality 

Heritage Resources 

Scenery 

Alternatives Considered in Detail ________________________________________________________ 

The Forest Service developed one alternative to the Proposed Action, for a total of three alternatives, 

including the No Action/No Change. There are two recurring terms and concepts of the proposed action 

and alternatives that are helpful to understand when looking at the maps and reading the descriptions of 

the alternatives. The first is “Motorized Access off Designated Routes,” and the second is “Motorized 

Access for Dispersed Camping.” The first concept refers to what might commonly be known as “crosscountry travel,” while the second refers specifically to driving off a road to camp outside of a developed 

campground. The maps and alternative descriptions will be organized to provide summaries of how these 

two aspects of motorized access are affected by the proposed action and alternatives. 

ALTERNATIVE 1 

No Action/No Change 
The No Action Alternative is included as a baseline comparison of continuing the existing conditions 

without implementing the proposed actions as required by the CEQ Regulations (40 CFR 1502.14). The 

No Action/No Change Alternative would not implement any changes in the current management direction 

on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest regarding motorized access. The Forests would not publish 

a Motor Vehicle Use Map at this time, but would continue to enforce existing designations and 

restrictions according to past travel management maps and site-specific decisions. Alternative 1 would 

continue to allow motorized travel where it is not already restricted or prohibited by law, regulation, 

policy, order, Forest Plan direction, site-specific decision or agreement. Motorized access on designated 

roads would continue as currently authorized. There would be no change at this time to existing 

designated routes for the class of vehicle that could use the routes. There would be no Forest Plan 

amendments to change motorized access off designated routes or to change motorized access for 

dispersed camping as a result of this decision. 

Motorized access for dispersed camping would continue to be allowed as provided for by current laws, 

regulations, policies, Forest Orders, Forest Plan direction, or site-specific decisions. Alternative 1 would 

continue to allow, unless specifically determined otherwise by a separate decision, motorized access off 

of designated routes for a variety of types of vehicles on approximately 625,430 acres either year-round 

or seasonally on the Deschutes National Forest; and on about 431,784 acres on the Ochoco National 

Forest. This Alternative would not be consistent with Forest Service regulation and policy to publish a 

Motor Vehicle Use Map that would show designated routes by class of vehicle and season of use and 

prohibit motorized access off of designated routes. 

ALTERNATIVES 2 AND 3 

Proposed Actions Common to Alternatives 2 and 3 

Motorized Access Off Designated Routes 

Areas Closed to Motorized Access Off Designated Routes 

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland propose to 

prohibit all motorized travel off of existing designated routes or outside of existing or proposed 

designated areas subject to the motorized vehicle and use exceptions previously described and allowed 

for by the Rule. These are subject to the conditions identified for motorized access for dispersed 

camping. This would include all areas that currently do not prohibit motorized use off designated routes 

or areas or are not otherwise permanently restricted or prohibited for such use by law, regulation, policy, 

order, Forest Plan direction, or other site-specific decision or agreement. The areas that would be closed 

to motorized access off designated routes and those areas that are currently closed to motorized access off 

designated routes are shown on CD – 1 –Alternatives 2 and 3 – Motorized access off designated routes. 

All routes and areas open to motorized access, including conditions of use, will be displayed on the 

Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and associated tables. This 

map will be prepared in accordance with national management direction and will be available to the 

public free of charge. A sample of this map is included on CD-2 DEIS Map– Sample Motor Vehicle Use 

Map for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests. 

These proposed actions common to both Alternatives 2 and 3 would prohibit motorized access off 

designated routes on approximately 1,611,862 acres on the Deschutes and 723,644 acres on the Ochoco 

National Forest. (See Table 3 – Acres of Motorized Access Off Designated Routes) 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Areas Designated Open to Motorized Access Off Designated Routes 

There are several rock/cinder pits currently open to use by off-highway vehicles as “play” areas that are 

not within a designated motorized trail system. These areas are proposed to be designated as areas “open 

to motorized access off designated routes” within defined boundaries in both Alternative 2 and 3. In 

determining whether to continue to allow this use, the Forest Service considered the following criteria: 

 Dedicated use to mineral material source extraction 

 Current level of use by non-highway-legal vehicles 

 Accessibility by designated roads open to non-legal vehicles 

 Proximity to a projected and/or existing Class I, II or III route 

 Access to designated trails 

 Potential staging areas for proposed trail systems 

 Definable motorized use boundary 

 Safety 

 Mineral material source activity 

 Separation of mineral extraction and recreational activity 

 Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards 

o Backslopes and exposed faces 

o Hazardous materials 

 Other recreational uses of mineral material sources 

o Target shooting 

o Potential Conflicts 

 Proximity to residential areas 

 Surrounding land ownership, allowable uses 

 Consistency with seasonal and/or other use restrictions 

 Presence of unique or special habitats 

 Changes in sensitive species requirements or seasonal use periods 

 Presence of Invasive Plants 

Based on these criteria, approximately 160 acres of existing mineral material sources (33 rock/cinder pits) 

for the Deschutes National Forest and 191 acres for the Ochoco National Forest (22 rock/cinder pits) will 

remain open under both Alternatives 2 and 3. These areas would continue to be “open to motorized access 

off designated routes” within the defined boundaries of the rock/cinder pits following approval by the 

Forest Supervisor of an invasive plants treatment plan. These areas are illustrated on the individual unit 

maps for each alternative

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Limited Use Conditions (general and special provisions) for Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Both Alternative 2 and Alternative 3 would continue to allow motorized access for dispersed camping in 

within 300’ of most open designated roads on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests. This 

allowance is in accordance with CFR 212.51 “... the responsible official may include in the designation 

(of routes) the limited use (emphasis added) of motor vehicles within a specified distance of certain 

designated routes, and if appropriate, within specified time periods solely for the purpose of dispersed 

camping....”. Alternatives 2 and 3 would modify the conditions for motorized access within 300’ of an 

open designated route to incorporate the general provisions for motorized access on designated routes 

identified in the Travel Management Rule and to include special provisions that would further limit the 

use of motor vehicles in certain areas. These conditions can be summarized as follows: 

General provisions: For routes designated as “open to motorized access for dispersed camping” the 

following provisions would apply for 300’ adjacent to the designated open route: 

 Motorized access would be allowed solely for the purpose of dispersed camping. 

 The motor vehicle used for ingress and egress for dispersed camping must be the same “class” 

(highway-legal or non-highway-legal) of vehicle allowed on the adjacent designated route from 

which the vehicle is accessing the dispersed campsite. 

 Motorized access for dispersed camping would be allowed only during the open season of use for 

the designated road within 300’ of the centerline of the road 

 Motorized access for ingress and egress to a campsite in any area would not be allowed to: 

o cross any streams, wetlands or water bodies unless on a designated NFS route 

o otherwise result in unreasonable resource damage to access the campsite with a motor 

vehicle. 

Special Provisions: Limited motorized access for dispersed camping would be applied to all open 

designated routes within 300’ of a stream course, wetland, or waterbody in both Alternatives 2 and 3; and 

would vary by alternative in when they would apply to non-riparian (upland) routes. 

Routes with “Special Provisions” would limit motorized access for dispersed camping according to the 

following conditions in addition to those already identified: 

 Motorized access for dispersed camping would only be authorized to designated, defined, or 

existing dispersed campsites. (See Figures 2-4) 

 Motorized access for dispersed camping to an “existing” site would not be allowed closer than 30 

feet of a stream, wetland, or other water body. (See Figure 5) 

Criteria for Special Provision Areas or Areas Closed to Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping Within 

300 Feet of Open Designated Routes 

How and under what conditions motorized access for dispersed camping should be provided across the 

Forests under the new Travel Management Rule were considered by several people during the planning 

process. Most people that participated in the process prior to developing the proposed action, including 

the federal advisory committee that provided recommendations on how to implement the Rule, and 

people that commented after the proposed action was developed, agreed that there were some locations 

with greater sensitivity to motorized access for dispersed camping than others where special provisions or 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
prohibitions should be considered. A set of criteria were initially developed by a Forest Service 

Interdisciplinary Team and subsequently included in the Deschutes PAC’s recommendations for 

implementing the Travel Management Rule. The criteria used by the Deschutes and Ochoco National 

Forest was developed from that initial list and modified by the Forest Service based on further review and 

consideration of the comments provided by the public and the PAC in their final recommendation. 

The following criteria is proposed, in both Alternatives 2 and 3, to be the basis for current and future 

considerations of where temporary or permanent Special Provision or Prohibited areas would be 

identified for motorized access for dispersed camping within 300 feet of an open designated route. 

 Open routes adjacent to sensitive or restricted areas include but are not limited to: 

 Congressionally Designated Areas such as Wilderness, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, 

Wild and Scenic Rivers 

 Areas or routes currently under or subject to Agreement, Forest Plan, or Forest Code of Federal 

Regulation (CFR) temporary, seasonal, or permanent closure orders or other NEPA decisions. 

 Riparian, wetland, or other identified sensitive resource area such as Forest Service Sensitive, 

Threatened and Endangered Species habitats, erosive soils or unsuitable topography 

 Special resource management areas such as restoration or rehabilitation areas, invasive plant 

populations, day use only areas, developed recreation sites, or roadless areas 

 Areas under Special Permit such as resorts, ski area developments, observatories, or special 

recreation events 

 Open high speed or high density travel routes including but not limited to: 

 State Highways, Major Federal, State, or County Arterials and Collector Roads 

 Federal or State Scenic Byways 

 Routes that access popular or high density recreation facilities 

 Routes that access population centers 

Areas Proposed to be Closed to Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would have in common areas proposed to be closed to motorized access for 

dispersed camping that are currently open to motorized access for dispersed camping. This would close 

approximately 794,722 additional acres on the Deschutes National Forest, and about 415,834 acres on the 

Ochoco. (See Table 4 – Acres of Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping, comparing Alternative 1, 2 

and 3) 

Most of these prohibitions are located beyond the 300’ area adjacent to existing open roads where 

motorized access for dispersed camping is generally proposed to be continued. However, there are some 

areas currently open for motorized access for dispersed camping that would be closed to motorized access 

for dispersed camping under both Alternatives 2 and 3. These areas are illustrated on the Alternative 2 – 

Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping maps. A detailed list of the routes proposed to be closed to 

motorized access for dispersed camping along are included in Appendix B.

Special Provision Areas for Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Many areas on the two Forests were also identified as “Special Provision” areas, where motorized access 

for dispersed camping would only be allowed to designated, defined, or existing sites; and no closer than 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
30 feet to a stream, water body or wetland for existing sites. These areas were further classified as 

“Special Provision Areas – Riparian,” for those areas with water considerations, and “Special Provision 

Areas – Non-Riparian,” for those areas with sensitive resources other than water. 

Special Provision Areas – Riparian 

All open designated routes within 300 feet of a stream, wetland, or water body that did not otherwise 

prohibit motorized access for dispersed camping were identified as “Special Provision – Riparian Areas.” 

These designations are common between Alternatives 2 and 3, and include approximately 19,798 acres on 

the Deschutes National Forest, and approximately 39,269 acres on the Ochoco National Forest that would 

be subject to the special provisions associated with streams, wetlands, or water bodies. These include 

areas that would be open to motorized access for dispersed camping both year-round and seasonally. (See 

Table 4 – Acres of Motorized access for dispersed camping.) 

Special Provision Areas – Non-Riparian 

Areas proposed for “Special Provision – Non-Riparian,” were based on the “Criteria for Identifying 

Special Provision or Areas Closed to Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping Within 300 Feet of Open 

Designated Routes”. All of the “Special Provision – Non Riparian” areas identified in Alternative 2 are 

also included in Alternative 3. 

There are approximately 31,246 acres are proposed on the Deschutes National Forest and approximately 

15,325 acres proposed on the Ochoco as, “Open to Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping with 

Special Provisions – Non-Riparian.” These areas would have the same designation in both Alternatives 2 

and 3. These include areas that would be open to motorized access for dispersed camping both year-round 

and seasonally. (See Table 4 – Acres of Motorized access for dispersed camping) These areas are 

displayed on the Alternative 2- Motorized access for dispersed camping maps. 

 

Areas Proposed to be Opened to Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Both action alternatives would propose to open some areas to motorized access for dispersed camping 

currently closed to motorized access under existing Forest Order or Forest Plan direction. These areas 

were closed to motorized access for dispersed camping primarily with the intent to close the area to 

motorized access off designated routes by non-highway-legal vehicles. These areas would be proposed as 

“open” to motorized access for dispersed camping under the general provisions of the Travel 

Management Rule, or “open with special provisions”, depending upon the Alternative. Approximately 

45,266 acres on the Deschutes National Forest, and approximately 24,400 acres on the Ochoco National 

Forest (all on the Crooked River National Grassland) are currently closed to motorized access for 

dispersed camping that would be proposed to be open to motorized access for dispersed camping subject 

to the general conditions. (See Table 4 – Acres of Motorized access for dispersed camping) These areas 

are displayed on the Alternative 2 – Motorized access for dispersed camping maps. 

Roads Proposed for Highway-legal Vehicles Only 

No system roads currently open to public use that do not have an existing decision to close them, would 

be closed as a result of this decision. However, as part of the 2005 Travel Management Rule, the 

Regional Forester in the Pacific Northwest Region issued a letter requiring an Engineering Analysis be 

performed on roads that will be shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map as designated open to motorized 

“mixed” use. As a consequence of this requirement, some roads that currently allow motorized “mixed” 

use would be changed to allow highway-legal vehicles only. These roads are displayed in Appendix A-2.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
The Engineering Analyses are partially complete at this time and will be finalized prior to the release of 

the Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement. Table 5- Expected Change in Roads 

Open to Highway-legal Vehicles, shows the mileage differences between the current highway-legal 

system and the expected highway-legal system under the action alternatives based on the preliminary 

engineering analyses. 

Based on the preliminary Engineering Analyses, approximately 181 miles of NFS roads on the Deschutes 

and 125 miles on the Ochoco National Forest are proposed to be changed from highway-legal and nonhighway-legal vehicles (motorized “mixed” use) to highway-legal only vehicles where that use is 

currently allowed under Oregon State Law. This would be a change from what the State of Oregon allows 

under current State regulation (Description of Oregon State Law related to OHV use is found in ORS 

821-Off-Road Vehicles; Snowmobiles; All-Terrain Vehicles (Oregon Vehicle Code, ORS Title 59, 

Chapter 821)).

Connected Actions Common to Alternatives 2 and 3 

Forest Plan Amendments 

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests along with the Crooked River National Grassland each have 

independent Land and Resource Management Plans (Forest Plan) that were prepared as required by the 

National Forest Management Act in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These plans differ in their landscapes, 

communities, and management direction. They all have different levels of specificity about motorized 

access. For instance, both the Deschutes and Ochoco plans have similar management direction for 

motorized seasonal use periods and disturbance buffers in Bald Eagle Management Areas. However, on 

the Ochoco National Forest, some Management Areas are specifically designated as “open” to OHV use, 

and some are specifically “closed” to OHVs and/or Motorized Use. On the other hand, the Deschutes 

National Forest Plan does not specifically designate any areas as “open” to OHV use, but has generally 

allowed that use where it was not specifically prohibited. 

Since these Forest Plans were developed, the Forest Service has revised the rules for Forest Plans. Under 

the new rules, the intent is for Forest Plans to provide strategic frameworks outlining broad goals and 

objectives rather than establishing site-specific decisions about activities such as designated motorized 

routes and areas. Therefore, the Proposed Action would amend the Ochoco National Forest Plan by 

eliminating those Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines that are redundant to or in conflict with the 

regulations established by the Travel Management Rule. The Deschutes National Forest Plan does not 

include any specific Standards and Guidelines related to motorized access that would be amended to 

implement the proposed actions. 

The Ochoco Forest Plan would be amended to adjust some time periods for motorized seasons of use. 

Under the new provisions of the Travel Management Rule, all seasons of use on designated routes are 

described according to the time period they are open, rather than the period during which they are closed 

to public use. In order to match these dates up across the two forests, some minor changes would be 

proposed and are shown on Table 2-2 – Proposed Forest Plan Amendments for Season of Use 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Table 2-2 - Proposed Forest Plan Amendments for Season of Use 

Open Season 

of Use 

Closure 

Period 

Reason for Closure Proposed Change 

to Open Season of 

Use 

Forest 

4/1 – 9/27 9/28 – 3/31 Winter Range/Soils 4/1 – 9/30 

Open 3 days longer 

in Sept 

Ochoco -

Crooked River 

National 

Grassland 

5/2 – 11/30 12/1 – 5/1 Winter Range 5/1 – 11/30 

Open 1 day earlier in 

May 

Ochoco 

5/2 – 9/27 9/28 – 5/1 Winter Range 5/1 – 9/30 Ochoco (Pau) 

5/2 – 9/27 9/28 – 5/1 Winter Range 5/1 – 9/30 Ochoco 

These actions, common to both Alternatives 2 and 3, to eliminate redundant Forest Plan guidance would 

have no substantive effect on the Forest Plan projected goals and objectives or standards and guidelines. 

There would be approximately 3 days that motorized access may be affected by the changes in use dates 

on open roads. 

Forest Orders – Public Motorized Use Restrictions 

Permanent Closures 

Many Forest Orders that establish public motorized use restrictions are currently in place and would 

become redundant after the implementation of the Travel Management Rule. All of these orders prohibit 

motorized access off designated routes in some specific area. Those Forest Orders that are redundant to 

the Rule and establish overlapping motorized access closures off of designated routes, or that established 

closures that inadvertently closed motorized access for dispersed camping would be rescinded or 

modified to eliminate redundant regulation in concert with this decision. 

Temporary Closures 

Some Forest Orders establish temporary public motorized use restrictions because of specific resource 

conditions or concerns. Areas with temporary resource-based public motorized use restrictions would be 

currently open to motorized access for dispersed camping except for these site-specific conditions that 

have established the need for the public use restriction. Wildfire areas are the most common, but not the 

only example of where these temporary public use restrictions are in place. In these areas, motorized 

access for dispersed camping would be allowed under the conditions described in Alternatives 2 or 3 and 

displayed on the Alternative maps after local review has determined site conditions to be suitable to 

resume such use. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
ALTERNATIVE 2 

Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping 

Alternative 2 would include all the actions identified as common to Alternatives 2 and 3. The primary 

difference between Alternatives 2 and 3 is where motorized access for dispersed camping would be 

subject to special provisions rather than subject to only the general provisions. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would both allow for motorized access for dispersed camping in riparian areas only 

under the special provision conditions. However, Alternative 2 would designate some areas as open to 

motorized access for dispersed camping subject to general provisions only (shown as “continued existing 

open” or “proposed open” on the Alternative 2 map), in the non-riparian (upland) areas. Alternative 2 

would also allow motorized access for dispersed camping within Inventoried Roadless Areas under 

special provision conditions only. Alternative 2 – Motorized access for dispersed camping maps, shows 

those routes and areas that would be open to motorized access for dispersed camping under either general 

or special provisions. 

Alternative 2 would designate approximately 353,686 acres on the Deschutes National Forest and 69,733 

acres on the Ochoco as “open to motorized access for dispersed camping” either year-round or seasonally 

within 300’ of a designated route under the general provisions, and approximately 62,894 acres on the 

Deschutes National Forest and 54,594 acres on the Ochoco National Forest would be “open to motorized 

access for dispersed camping with special provisions,” either year-round or seasonally. This would 

include approximately 247 acres of Inventoried Roadless Areas on the Deschutes National Forest and 

approximately 1,853 acres on the Ochoco National Forest, primarily in the Deschutes – Steelhead (1,296 

acres) on the Crooked River National Grassland. 

ALTERNATIVE 3 

Motorized access for dispersed camping 

Alternative 3 would include all of the actions common to Alternatives 2 and 3. Alternative 3 would only 

allow motorized access for dispersed camping to designated, defined or existing sites along all open 

designated routes (special provision conditions would apply to all motorized access for dispersed camping 

adjacent to designated open roads). Alternative 3 would also prohibit any motorized access for dispersed 

camping in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Those routes and areas that would be designated as “special 

provision areas” are shown on the Alternative 3 – Motorized access for dispersed camping maps. 

Alternative 3 would designate approximately 416,580 acres on the Deschutes and approximately 124,327 

acres on the Ochoco National Forest as open to motorized access for dispersed camping with special 

provisions. 

Summary of Environmental Consequences ________________________________________________ 

Recreation 

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are valued as a local and regional recreation resource. 

Central Oregon is a popular destination area, defined in part by its diverse terrain and scenic beauty. 

Visitors to these two national forests pursue such activities as hunting, fishing, hiking, dispersed and 

developed camping opportunities, picnicking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, ATV and 

motorcycle riding, jeep and 4-wheel drive touring, rafting, and skiing, among many others. 

The proposed action would affect those motorized users that currently travel off designated routes (cross 

country). In Alternative 1, continuing to allow motorized access off designated routes would likely result 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
in a continued increase in unauthorized “user-created” motorized routes. There would continue to be 

confusion among forest visitors about where or when motorized access is or is not allowed, or for what 

type of vehicle, and how or where to find that information. Conflicts between motorized and nonmotorized users would continue and escalate as visitor use increases over time. With Alternative 1 there 

would continue to be impacts to non-motorized users from noise, dust, and proximity to motorized uses 

which would be expected to increase with population growth and higher forest visitation. Non-motorized 

trails that are located within areas open to motorized access off designated routes would continue to 

receive increasing motorized use as the trail character and dimensions change and become more 

indistinguishable from a motorized trail. Under Alternative 1, as population increases, over time, new 

motorized routes would likely be created to either existing or new campsites to accommodate demand, 

especially in prime areas (near streams, lakes, or other attractive features). Resource impacts such as soil 

compaction and erosion and loss of vegetation would continue to occur and increase with increased use. 

With Alternatives 2 and 3, effects to motorized use would include a loss of access to non-highway legal 

vehicles to some additional roads that would be open only to highway legal vehicles. The roads that are 

open to non-highway legal vehicles may be fragmented by roads that are open only to highway legal 

vehicles which would not provide connectivity to make connections to other roads to reach desired 

destinations. There is expected to be increased use on designated roads and trails with more interaction 

and potential conflicts between different classes of motorized vehicles, especially on mixed use roads. 

The proposed actions common to both Alternatives 2 and 3 would prohibit motorized access off 

designated routes on approximately 1,612,937 acres on the Deschutes and 723,855 acres on the Ochoco 

National Forest and Grassland which would result in a change in users’ ability to access the forest as they 

have in the past as motorized use would be limited to designated routes. Restricting access to designated 

roads and trails would primarily affect people who prefer a more primitive off-road recreation experience 

than designated roads and trails offer. User discretion to travel off designated routes to make connections 

to roads open to non-highway legal vehicles could be lost. Neither of the action alternatives provides 

provisions for motorized access off designated routes for hunting and gathering purposes. This would 

have the highest impact on those that may depend more upon a motor vehicle for access as they would no 

longer have access off of designated routes to pursue these activities. 

Under Alternative 2 and 3, restricting motorized access for dispersed camping under the general 

provisions, or to designated, defined, or existing sites under the special provisions would most affect 

people using recreation vehicles (RV’s) such as trailers, campers, toy haulers, motor homes, etc. These 

users would not be able to access sites beyond 300’ off designated routes with their RV’s, unlike tent 

campers, who would have the option to walk to their desired site. It is expected that some people may not 

be able to access their favorite spot because it is already occupied. This could displace some visitors to 

other areas. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would result in a substantial increase in the areas where non-motorized recreation 

users could expect to not encounter or be impacted by motorized users. The proposed actions common to 

both Alternatives 2 and 3 would prohibit motorized access off designated routes on approximately 

1,611,862 acres on the Deschutes and 723,644 acres on the Ochoco National Forest or 100% of the 

acreage currently open to motorized access off designated routes. It is expected that there would be a 

beneficial effect for non-motorized users on the miles of non-motorized trail located within areas 

currently ‘open’ to motorized access off designated routes because there would be reduced motorized 

access to these trail systems, and a reduction in the potential for inadvertent use of these non-motorized 

trails by motor vehicles as they become undistinguishable from motorized trails 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 1
Congressionally Designated Areas 

Congressionally Designated Areas are areas Congress has identified as having unique characteristics. 

These areas include wilderness areas, national recreation and research areas, wild and scenic river 

corridors, areas of special geological interest, and historic trails and sites. Wilderness acres are not 

included in the analysis as there would be no effect to wilderness areas from the alternatives being 

considered in this document. The areas covered in this analysis include wild and scenic river corridors, 

Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and Oregon Cascades Recreation Area. These areas comprise 

approximately 152,753 acres on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National 

Grassland. 

Alternative 1 has the greatest potential for adversely affecting the unique values from motorized access to 

Congressionally Designated Areas as a result of the impacts of motorized access off designated routes, 

and motorized access for dispersed camping which could affect the unique values of these areas. 

There is no difference in the effects to motorized access off designated routes between Alternatives 2 and 

3. Most Congressionally Designated Areas already restrict motorized access to designated routes, less 

than 1% or approximately 1,141 acres, currently allow motorized access off designated routes. Although 

the affected area is small (969 acres on the Deschutes National Forest, and 172 acres on the Ochoco 

National Forest), both action alternatives would restrict all motorized travel to designated roads and/or 

trails which would have a beneficial effect by further protecting and enhancing the unique values of each 

area. In Alternatives 2 and 3, the impacts from motorized use off designated routes, and motorized access 

for dispersed camping would be reduced which would protect and enhance the values for each of these 

special areas. Alternative 3 offers the highest level of protection as motorized access for dispersed 

camping would be allowed only under the special provisions (designated, defined, or existing sites). 

Under Alternatives 2 and 3, these areas would be primarily closed to all motorized access or closed to 

motorized access off designated routes. Under Alternative 2, about 48,647 acres, or 32% of the CDA 

acres would be open to motorized access for Dispersed camping under the general provisions, and 2,976 

acres or 2% would be open under the Special Provisions. Under Alternative 3, approximately 51,623 

acres or 34% would be open to motorized access for dispersed camping only under the special provisions. 

This would have the most beneficial affect on the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, as 77% of the 

monument would be open to motorized access for dispersed camping under the General Provisions in 

Alternative 2. 

Social and Economic Factors 

Social and economic elements, which are interrelated and interdependent with ecological elements, 

comprise the human dimension component of the ecosystem. The implications of resource management 

decisions for the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests to the social and economic uses and values are 

of interest to residents of the area and users of the area. These people have made their interests known 

through organized groups and personal efforts. It is these interests, identified through public involvement 

and comments, which have helped to articulate the social attitudes, beliefs, and values that affect the 

people that enjoy the two National Forests and Grassland. 

The primary area potentially affected by the proposed actions considered in this DEIS are a four-county 

area that includes Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties. The population of this area, with 

the exception of the population of Jefferson County, is generally aging when compared with previous 

census years, is increasingly female, and generally white with mid-level incomes. Low income and 

minority populations in the area tend to be younger, with higher concentrations in Jefferson, Klamath, and 

Crook Counties than in Deschutes County. Based on this analysis, there are no anticipated economic or 

disparate impacts expected to low income, minority, or disabled populations. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 1
Recreation activities classified as primarily non-motorized presently represent both the dominant 

recreational uses on the two National Forest and economic contributions to the recreation economy of the 

region. Overall contributions and trends to the local economy from either motorized or non-motorized 

uses are unlikely to measurably change as a result of any of the alternatives. Although recreation and 

tourism are becoming a more important part of the economic sector, data suggests that the importance of 

National Forest lands as an ecological setting is the most important contribution to recreation and tourism 

economy. Data also suggests that, for the two-forest area, future job-related recreation economic 

contributions to the communities are higher for non-motorized uses than for motorized uses. 

For all alternatives considered in detail, continued motorized access on more than 8300 miles of existing 

open designated roads and trails that provide motorized access within one-half mile of more than 80% of 

the two forests would provide an equal amount of motorized access opportunities in all alternatives for 

people who value primitive motorized exploration and discovery of areas associated with open designated 

routes on low-use roads or designated motorized trails and people who value motorized access the road 

and trail system for access between neighborhoods. 

Alternative 1 would continue to have approximately 39% of the Deschutes and 60% of the Ochoco 

National Forests that does not prohibit motorized access off designated routes. This provides the most 

area potentially available to motorized access off designated routes of the three alternatives, and therefore 

the most motorized opportunities of the three alternatives for people that value undesignated motorized 

off-road or trail experiences or who believe that they have a need or right to motorized travel off 

designated routes and maintain what they believe to be primarily unregulated motorized access. People 

that value designated designed motorized trail systems believe they would experience a lesser sense of 

crowding and greater opportunity to experience solitude because of their ability to use unauthorized trails 

and areas that are not currently closed to motorized access off designated routes. 

Alternative 1 would continue to offer primary or exclusive non-motorized access on approximately 61% 

of the Deschutes and 40% of the Ochoco NF. This alternative would provide the least amount of area 

closed to motorized access off designated routes of the three alternatives and thus provide the least 

amount of opportunities of any of the alternatives to people who value peace and quiet away from the 

sights and sounds of motorized uses. Potential for conflicts for people who believe they cannot enjoy 

peace and quiet when there is evidence of motorized use would continue to increase with anticipated 

increases in motorized uses in areas that currently are not closed to motorized access off designated 

routes. There would be an increased potential for displacement of people with lower tolerances for 

conflict from where motorized access off designated routes is occurring to areas of more exclusive nonmotorized uses. This could reduce their present and future opportunities for solitude, peace and quiet, and 

potentially increase crowding in areas of exclusive non-motorized use. 

Currently, Approximately 72% of the Deschutes and 69% of the Ochoco NF allows motorized access for 

dispersed camping year round or seasonally. There is less than 1% of areas adjacent to water that limit 

motorized access for dispersed camping to designated sites only. Alternative 1 provides the most 

opportunities of the three alternatives to people who prefer a motorized camping opportunity away from 

existing designated roads and people who prefer motorized access for dispersed camping within riparian 

areas 

People have varying beliefs about the amount of regulation of motorized access. Signing areas as “closed 

to motorized access” along with travel management maps would continue to be the primary mechanism of 

informing people about where motorized access is allowed in Alternative 1. Current trends indicating 

increasing localized area closures to motorized access off designated routes because of resource or social 

conflicts could be in conflict with beliefs of largely unregulated motorized access. The presence of signs 

posting areas closed to various types of motorized access and potential difficulty of predicting where 

motorized access off designated routes would be allowed is likely to be the highest in this alternative. 

Alternative 1 would have no change to motorized access off or on designated roads or for motorized 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 1
access for dispersed camping within Wildland Urban interface areas. Potential disturbance and conflicts 

adjacent landowners believe are from unregulated motorized access would be highest of the three 

alternatives. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would tend to result in more concentrated uses on motorized trails and roads than 

Alternative 1 and could increase crowds and disturbance to motorized users who value solitude. Users 

who value peace and quiet away from the sights and sounds of motorized uses would experience less 

conflict and likely less potential for displacement from valued areas because of motorized uses. Only 

about 1% of the two national forests would be available to motorized access off designated routes. This 

would eliminate most opportunities on the two forests for people that value undesignated motorized offroad or trail access or who believe that they have a need or right to travel off of designated routes and to 

maintain what they believe to be primarily unregulated motorized access. People that value and use 

designated motorized routes and areas could experience a greater sense of crowding on those routes and 

within those areas and have a reduced opportunity for solitude because of the amount of areas closed to 

motorized access off designated roads or trails as a result of Alternatives 2 and 3. Depending upon 

personal tolerance for conflict, some people may be displaced from preferred areas. Alternatives 2 and 3 

could result in displacement of people that prefer unregulated motorized access to areas that allow for 

motorized access off designated routes. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would result in about a 46% reduction on the Deschutes and a 52% reduction in the 

amount of acres available to motorized access for dispersed camping when compared to Alternative 1. 

This would reduce opportunities when compared with Alternative 1for people who prefer primitive 

motorized access for dispersed camping more than 300’ from an open designated route. However, 

samples of the dispersed site inventory, while not comprehensive, indicate 70-80% of all dispersed sites 

with motorized access are within 300’ of an open designated route or area. Establishing general 

provisions for motorized access for dispersed camping on approximately 22% of the Deschutes and 9% of 

the Ochoco, and special provisions on about 4% of the Deschutes and 7% of the Ochoco and limiting 

motorized access to within 300’ of open designated roads would continue to provide motorized access for 

dispersed camping to most existing known sites and offer some opportunities in areas previously closed to 

motorized access for dispersed camping for people who prefer primitive camping with motor vehicles. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would tend to reduce conflicts by changing the conditions for motorized access on all 

of the area available for motorized access for dispersed camping. 

Motorized mixed use would be prohibited on less than 1% of the existing designated road system. This 

would, when compared with Alternative 1, potentially slightly reduce conflicts for people that prefer 

driving for pleasure or utilitarian purposes in highway-legal vehicles on National Forest System roads and 

reduce opportunities for people who prefer driving non-highway-legal on NFS roads for pleasure or 

utilitarian purposes and as connections between roads or to dispersed campsites. Alternatives 2 and 3 

would reduce the amount of motorized access off designated routes within the Wildland-Urban Interface 

and reduce motorized access for dispersed camping. This would reduce opportunities for people who 

value unregulated motorized access from their homes or property to public lands and also reduce potential 

disturbance and conflicts adjacent landowners believe are from unregulated motorized access 

Alternative 3 would change approximately 21% of the Deschutes and 7% of all open routes with 

motorized access for dispersed camping from general to special provisions would reduce opportunities for 

motorized access for dispersed camping to previously unused or lightly used areas and eliminate 

opportunities for motorized access for dispersed camping in IRAs for people who value discovery and 

solitude reduce potential for conflicts with those who value peace and quiet away from sights, sounds, and 

evidence of motorized uses. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Transportation 

There would be no direct or indirect effects to the current road system from implementing Alternative 1. 

Roads would continue to be used as they are presently, and public use would remain as it is today. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would be expected to increase overall road use in areas where there is currently a 

high level of off-road motorized vehicle use. The effect of this increased use would be an increase in 

surface wear on some roads which may result in a need for additional maintenance work. 

Preliminary analyses indicate that approximately 181 miles of roads on the Deschutes National Forest and 

125 miles of roads on the Ochoco National Forest that are currently available for mixed motorized use 

will be changed to only allow highway-legal vehicles if either action alternative is implemented. As a 

consequence of this change, some connectivity between traditional OHV use areas may be changed or 

lost. 

Public Safety 

Alternative 1 would restrict all motorized vehicle use to designated routes, and a motorized mixed use 

analysis is required to evaluate the suitability for allowing both highway-legal and non-highway legal 

vehicles on the same designated routes. Some roads that are currently available for mixed motorized use 

will be changed to allow only highway-legal vehicles if either action alternative is implemented. As a 

consequence of this change, some connectivity between traditional OHV use areas may be changed or 

lost. The OHV rider may need to load and transport the OHV from one geographic location to another in 

certain areas. 

Preliminary analyses indicate that approximately 181 miles of roads on the Deschutes National Forest and 

125 miles of roads on the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland that are 

currently available for mixed motorized use will be changed to only allow highway-legal vehicles if either 

action alternative is implemented. 

Fisheries 

With Alternative 1, there would be unrestricted motorized access off designated routes and motorized 

access for dispersed camping is expected to increase with population growth. The potential adverse 

effects to fisheries resources and populations include localized increases in turbidity, decreases in 

vegetation and associated shade or bank stability, and potential increases in sediment loads in stream 

systems. 

Potential positive effects to fisheries from implementation of either action alternative could result 

indirectly from decreases in erosion and bank instability, and increases in vegetative cover (shade). In 

Alternative 2, the potential is reduced for turbidity, fine sediment bed load, and increases in stream 

temperature from the no action alternative, and would have a beneficial effect on these resources at the 

localized scale, especially in relation to motorized access for dispersed camping. These beneficial effects 

to habitats are anticipated, although not specifically quantifiable without more site-specific data related to 

future uses and recovery of these areas. Overall there would be a reduction in acres within 100’ of 

waterbodies that would reduce motorized access off of designated routes of almost 16,000 acres on the 

Deschutes and 40,000 acres on the Ochoco. 

Alternative 3 would provide a further beneficial effect by limiting motorized access across both forests 

for dispersed camping to only to existing, designated, or defined sites with a 30’ setback from streams, 

wetlands, or waterbodies. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 1 
Hydrology 

Motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping can reduce stream 

shading, increase sediment delivery to streams, water bodies, and wetlands, and affect vegetation and 

water movement in riparian areas. 

Under Alternative 1, adverse impacts from motorized use to riparian areas and wetlands would continue 

and are expected to increase. It is expected there will be increased numbers of user created trails within 

riparian areas, causing increased compaction, loss of vegetation, and increased disturbed areas. Wetland 

recovery would be slow or continue to deteriorate, and riparian vegetation would continue in a downward 

trend due to compaction and mud bogging, and contribute to sediment deposition in the wetland. 

Implementation of Alternatives 2 or 3 would have a positive effect on water quality and wetland function. 

Both action alternatives would reduce the amount of motorized access off designated routes, limit access 

to designated, defined, or existing dispersed campsites within 300’ of designated open roads near stream 

courses, wetlands, and waterbodies, and establish a 30’ setback for motorized access to existing dispersed 

campsites near streams, wetlands, and waterbodies. Due to this there would not be adverse direct, 

indirect, or cumulative effects to water temperature, sediment load, or wetlands. 

Alternative 2 and 3 would result in increased stream shading over time but the affected area would be 

small and scattered and would not result in a measurable change in water temperature from Alternative 1. 

Implementation of the action alternatives would result in decreases in sediment delivery primarily as a 

result of reductions in motorized access off designated routes and implementation of special riparian 

provisions for dispersed camping. However, it would be hard to quantify due to the scattered nature of 

the disturbance, connectivity to streams, water bodies, and wetlands, and the timing and magnitude of 

runoff events. Effects to water quality and wetlands would be similar under Alternative 2 and 3 because 

special riparian provisions apply to both alternatives, and applying special provisions to dispersed 

camping areas further than 300’ from streams, waterbodies, and wetlands in Alternative 3 would have 

little affect to water quality or riparian function. Both action alternatives would meet state and tribal 

water quality standards, Executive Order 11988 (floodplain management), Executive Order 11990 

(wetland protection) and Executive Order 12088 (federal compliance with pollution control standards). 

Geology and Minerals 

Alternative 1 has the most potential to adversely affect landslide terrain. There would be no adverse 

effect on highly permeable rock. Motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for 

dispersed camping would have no effect on the usefulness of a mineral material source for commercial or 

private uses. 

There is no appreciable difference of potential effects for geology and minerals between Alternatives 2 

and 3 for the forests and grassland. For locatable minerals and rockhounding, the proposed action would 

not change use of the mining claims. Access would still be granted through the plan of operations, if the 

activity requires motorized access off designated routes. For leasable minerals, there would be no change 

in operations with this proposed action for either the Deschutes National Forest or the Ochoco National 

Forest and Grassland. Some lease areas currently prohibit public motorized access. For saleable 

minerals, if the source is not currently closed to the public, then Alternatives 2 and 3 would affect access 

by the public to use the sources for other activities, following the proposed closures. 

In Alternatives 2 & 3, the proposed 30’ setback for motorized access for dispersed camping for 

protection of wetlands, seeps, springs and stream edges would have a beneficial effect by allowing 

vegetation recovery, which would increase evapotranspiration, thereby increasing slope stability for those 

dispersed campsites with motorized access on dormant landslide terrain and adjacent to streams. 

Maintaining the minimum 30’ buffer from the wetland edge for motorized access for dispersed camping 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
would also beneficially reduce the potential risk for groundwater contamination. Alternatives 2 and 3, 

over the No Action Alternative, would provide greater protection for both forests by restricting camping 

to defined, designated and existing sites and enforcement of the 30’ buffer from wetlands, seeps, springs 

and stream edges to motorized access for dispersed campsites. 

Soils 

Approximately 625,430 acres on the Deschutes National Forest, and 431,784 acres on the Ochoco 

National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland are currently open to motorized access off 

designated routes. 

Alternative 1 does not restrict motorized access off designated routes, which would likely expand the 

extent of compacted and displaced soil as existing trails continue to be used and new trails are formed. As 

overall recreation use numbers increase across the two forests, additional impacts to the soil resource are 

most likely to occur adjacent to heavily used existing dispersed campsites or unauthorized trail areas. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would have a positive effect by restricting motorized access for dispersed camping to 

within 300’ of centerline of all designated routes, allowing natural recovery of soils and vegetation in 

currently existing sites greater than 300’ from an open road. There would also be a beneficial effect 

associated with pulling back vehicular traffic and parking for dispersed camping at least 30’ from stream 

banks. However, additional site specific impacts could have an adverse effect if new parking areas are 

created to compensate for the 30’ setback restriction. 

Alternative 2 could have an adverse effect on currently un-impacted areas of the soil resource. Upland 

areas that lack vegetation capable of inhibiting travel would be susceptible to the establishment of new 

campsites, parking areas, and new ingress/egress routes within 300’ of designated routes. Alternative 3 

would beneficially reduce potential impacts to the soil resource from motorized access for dispersed 

camping as a direct result of implementing special provision restrictions on additional upland areas 

managed with general provision restrictions under Alternative 2. Alternative 3 protects substantially 

more acres than Alternative 2 from direct impacts to the soil resource as a result of motorized access for 

dispersed camping. This equates to the restriction of motorized access for dispersed camping on nearly 

eight times as many acres on the Deschutes National Forest (404,730 acres versus 51,044 acres) and over 

twice as many acres on the Ochoco National Forest (124,327 acres versus 54,594 acres). 

Native Vegetation 

There are No Effects on Threatened or Endangered plant species or habitat from any of the actions 

proposed in this EIS because there are no federally listed Threatened or Endangered plant species or 

habitats documented or suspected on the Forests or Grassland. Therefore, activities proposed in the 

alternatives would have no effect on federally listed plant species. As noted in the analysis on invasive 

plants, motorized access – regardless of type of vehicle – contributes to the spread of invasive plants, 

which in turn can affect native plant populations. 

Alternative 1 (No Action) provides the least protection to native plants and native plant habitats, including 

special habitats and sensitive and other rare or uncommon plants, because more (often the majority of) 

acres are open to motorized travel off of designated routes. Alternative 1 allows unrestricted motorized 

access for dispersed camping with no special provisions. Alternatives 2 (Proposed Action) and 3 

substantially reduce the amount of acres open for motorized travel off of designated routes. This would 

increase the protection for native plants and native plant habitats, including special habitats and sensitive 

and other rare or uncommon plants, over current conditions (Alternative 1). Alternatives 2 and 3 would 

have a beneficial impact on interior areas on the Forests and Grassland. Within areas open for motorized 

access for dispersed camping, Alternatives 2 and 3 restrict access to within 300’ of the centerline of roads. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Sensitive areas have been identified and, in these areas, motorized access for dispersed camping is 

confined to existing, designated, or defined sites (i.e., special provisions). Some upland areas in 

Alternative 2 are open for motorized access for dispersed camping anywhere within the 300’ area (no 

special provisions). Alternative 3 provides the highest level of protection for native plant habitats because 

all motorized access for dispersed camping would be confined to existing, designated, or defined sites. 

This would reduce damage to native vegetation adjacent to dispersed campsites. In both Alternatives 2 

and 3, motorized access for dispersed camping cannot occur within 30’ of water bodies (e.g., streams, 

creeks, rivers, wetlands, lakes). This would have a beneficial effect on riparian vegetation. 

Invasive Plants 

Alternative 1 has the highest risk of invasive plant establishment, spread and expansion across the two 

Forests and Grassland because of the 3 Alternatives it has the most acres that are open to motorized 

access off designated routes and has few restrictions on motorized access for dispersed camping. Interior 

forest areas continue to be susceptible to the spread and establishment of invasive plants. 

Overall, Alternatives 2 and 3 would have a beneficial effect. They would reduce impacts from invasive 

plants compared to Alternative 1 because motorized access would be prohibited off of designated routes. 

There is an exception – some mineral material source sites (52 of 531) would continue to be open for 

motorized travel off of designated routes and motorized activities within these sites has a high risk of 

spreading invasive plants into and outside of these areas. Unclean motor vehicles can spread invasive 

plant seeds and propagules to any areas where these vehicles are driven. In Alternatives 2 and 3, limiting 

motorized access for dispersed camping to within 300’ of open designated routes would have a beneficial 

effect by preventing further spread of invasive plants into interior forest areas. However, since invasive 

plants follow travel corridors, and motorized access for dispersed camping in Alternatives 2 and 3 would 

concentrate this use within 300’ of designated routes, there would be an adverse impact as invasive plants 

will continue to spread and become established along open designated routes. 

Alternative 2 has a higher risk than Alternative 3 because motorized access for dispersed camping is 

allowed anywhere within the 300’ buffer (except for those areas in Alternative 2 that are closed to this use 

or are designated as special provision areas). This risk is reduced in Alternative 3 because motorized 

access for dispersed camping is limited to existing, designated or defined sites, thus confining established 

populations of invasive plant populations, and reducing the potential for spread. 

Vegetation Management Activities and Wildfires 

This report considers the current condition along with the direct and indirect effects of the Proposed 

Action and Alternatives on past vegetation treatments (hazardous fuels, timber, and silviculture) that may 

result in forest conditions more conducive to motorized access and large wildfires across the Deschutes 

and Ochoco National Forests. 

The effects of the proposed action and alternatives would have no direct and some indirect effects on the 

acres of vegetation treatments or acres burned by large wildfires that may result in forest conditions more 

conducive to motorized access. Under Alternative 1, there would be an indirect adverse effect to the 

acres burned by large wildfires or that have had vegetation treatments currently open to motorized access 

off of designated routes or motorized access for dispersed camping (65,780 and 93,830 acres, respectively 

on the Deschutes National Forest and 45,418 and 55,515 acres, respectively on the Ochoco National 

Forest). These vegetation treatments and large wildfires may have created conditions that are more 

conducive to motorized access than many untreated areas, and therefore increase the potential for these 

areas to have unauthorized routes created in them. The creation of unauthorized routes could further 

disturb vegetation (beyond the need described in project goals) and possibly impede vegetation recovery. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Alternatives 2 and 3 would both eliminate the acres of vegetation treatments and acres burned by large 

wildfires available for motorized access off of designated routes (41,437 and 35,995 acres eliminated on 

Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, respectively) and restrict motorized access for dispersed 

camping to within 300’ of open designated routes to varying degrees. Alternative 2 would result in a total 

of approximately 38,573 and 12,199 acres (Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, respectively) of 

vegetation treatments and acres burned by large wildfires potentially available for motorized access for 

dispersed camping. 

Wildlife 

A biological evaluation (BE) was completed describing the effects to threatened, endangered and 

sensitive (TES) fauna species associated with the Travel Management Rule Project Area on the Deschutes 

and Ochoco National Forests. 

A Joint Aquatic and Terrestrial Biological Assessment for Federal Lands within the Deschutes and John 

Day River Basin’s Administered by the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests was completed for 2006- 

2009 projects. The BA established project design criteria to simplify and reduce consultation with U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for 2006 and future projects. The goal for the forests is to fully 

implement the criteria to achieve conservation and recovery objectives of federally listed, proposed, and 

candidate species. Project design criteria are to be used as sideboards and a filter for our planning 

process. Criteria focus on habitat alteration and disturbance effects. Applicable criteria are documented 

in the biological evaluation process used for individual project alternative analysis and effects 

determinations on threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species. 

One threatened species, designated critical habitat, and 21 sensitive species, and/or their habitats are 

known or suspected to occur within the project area. The following is a summary of the findings of this 

biological assessment/evaluation of the effects of the proposed alternatives. 

The No Action Alternative is not expected to have any effects on spotted owls and their associated 

habitats. The Action Alternatives “May Effect, and are likely to have a Beneficial Effect” on the northern 

spotted owl and its habitats. Consultation is required for as this project type is not covered under the 

Project Design Criteria outlined in the FY2006-2009 Programmatic Biological Assessment. The Action 

Alternatives “May Effect, and are likely to have a Beneficial Effect” on designated critical habitat (for 

both the 1992 and 2008 designations) for the northern spotted owl. Consultation is required for as this 

project type is not covered under the Project Design Criteria outlined in the FY2006-2009 Programmatic 

Biological Assessment. The No Action Alternative is not expected to have any impacts on sensitive 

species and their habitats. 

Alternatives 2 & 3 would have a “Beneficial Impact” to the bald eagle, horned grebe, bufflehead, 

harlequin duck, American peregrine falcon, greater sage grouse, yellow rail, tri-colored blackbird, 

northern waterthrush, California wolverine, Pacific fisher, pygmy rabbit, Oregon spotted frog, Crater 

Lake tightcoil, silver-bordered fritillary, and Johnson’s hairstreak and their habitats for the Deschutes 

National Forest. Alternatives 2 and 3 would have “No Impact” to the Lewis’ woodpecker, white-headed 

woodpecker, and Townsend’s big-eared bat and their habitats for the Deschutes National Forest. 

Alternatives 2 and 3 would have a “Beneficial Impact” to the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Townsend’s 

big-eared bat, and Johnson’s hairstreak and their habitats for the Ochoco National Forest. Alternatives 2 

and 3 would have “No Impact” to the bufflehead, western sage grouse, tri-colored blackbird, Lewis’ 

woodpecker, white-headed woodpecker, upland sandpiper, pygmy rabbit, Columbia spotted frog, and 

silver-bordered fritillary and their habitats for the Ochoco National Forest. Alternatives 2 and 3 would be 

consistent with the Deschutes, Ochoco, and Crooked River National Grassland Land and Resource 

Management Plans for all sensitive species. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Range and Livestock Management 

Alternative 1 would potentially have mixed effects on grazing management and activities. Incidents of 

damage to range improvements and harassment and/or killing of livestock would continue, and likely 

increase with expected population growth. Cattle tend to avoid occupied campsites; dispersed campsites 

have a higher probability of occurring within primary range, which may improve cattle distribution within 

any given pasture. However, when dispersed campsites become fully occupied, it is anticipated that less 

desirable sites located in water allotments may become occupied, rendering the range improvement 

nonfunctional, and thus having a negative effect on grazing and/or grazing operations. This would have 

the most adverse impact in areas where stock water is a limited resource. Under Alternatives 2 and 3, the 

majority of the acreage that affects grazing operations would be closed to motorized travel off designated 

routes (see Table Range-3 below and Tables B-7.1.6 and B-7.1.7 in Appendix B-7). Based upon past 

observations it is expected that this would result in a considerable reduction in the amount of damage to 

range improvements (both intentional and accidental) as well as a proportionate reduction in the amount 

and degree of harassment and killing of permitted domestic livestock. Both alternatives would result in 

an indirect reduction of the spread and establishment of invasive plant species, as rangeland plant 

associations tend to be highly susceptible and sensitive to invasive plant infestation and invasion (see 

Invasive Plants section). Cumulatively, Alternative 2 is expected to result in overall improved 

distribution of domestic livestock and a net positive impact on grazing and grazing operations. This is 

expected because the action alternatives would reduce obstacles to livestock travel and increase forage 

quantity and improve forage quality. The special provision in Alternative 3 limiting motorized access for 

dispersed camping in riparian areas, would be expected to slightly reduce the dispersal of cattle (on active 

cattle allotments) associated with occupied dispersed campsites. Cumulatively the effects of Alternative 3 

would be indistinguishable from Alternative 2. Alternative 3 would eliminate the acreage of planned 

vegetation treatments or acres burned by wildfires (outside of continued designated areas) potentially 

available for motorized access for dispersed camping on both forests. 

Fire Risk 

Alternatives 2 and 3 will have no direct and some indirect effects on fire risk. Ignitions resulting from 

ejected sparks or direct contact with vegetation will be limited to motorized users on designated routes 

and motorized users seeking to access dispersed campsites within 300’ of an open designated route. It is 

not possible to determine if the potential decrease in unplanned human caused ignitions associated with 

reducing the acreage available for motorized access will exceed the likely increase in Forest use projected 

into the future. It is most likely that under Alternatives 2 and 3, the total number of unplanned humancaused ignitions across the administrative units per year would likely remain the same or increase with 

projected increases in Forest use, but would be shifted from across the broader landscape and potentially 

be more concentrated within 300’ of an open designated route. However, Alternatives 2 and 3 would not 

affect non-motorized travel, so the effect of this is not directly quantifiable. Additionally, Alternatives 2 

and 3 could lead to the eventual elimination of user-created roads and trails that could function as 

preliminary fuel/fire breaks from which to more safely and/or efficiently access an ignition, build a 

fireline, or perform a burn-out operation, if an ignition were to occur. However, since vegetation 

recovery will be slow absent any specific rehabilitation efforts, it is expected that these areas will exist for 

10 years or more, depending on the site conditions. Under the No Action Alternative, there will be 

continued access and use of user-created roads and trails for suppression resources and continued humancaused ignitions associated with motorized access across the Forests. 

Air Quality 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
There would be no measurable direct or indirect effect to air quality since the net emissions from vehicles, 

vehicle travel, forest management activities, and wildfires are unlikely to change under the Proposed 

Action or Alternatives. Under Alternatives 2 and 3, there may be some increased temporary localized air 

quality impairment from vehicle emissions and fugitive dust. This could occur in areas where there is 

currently a high level of off-highway vehicle use and within 300’ of open designated routes since 

motorized access off designated routes would be restricted and motorized access for dispersed camping 

would be limited (to varying degrees), thus concentrating use. This increase in temporary localized air 

quality degradation would likely increase with Forest use over time. Presently, this increased effect is 

assumed to be minimal because motorized use is not desirable and often discourages users when dusty 

conditions are likely (late summer months). The potential for any of the alternatives to affect air quality 

indirectly related to wildfires is predicted to have no effect and is not discussed in detail in this analysis. 

Additionally, the alternatives would have no direct or indirect effect on smoke emissions from Forest 

management activities, which are managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry as delegated by the 

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. 

Heritage 

On the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland heritage resources 

sites range from less complex scatters of historic debris or prehistoric artifacts to historic structures, trails, 

and roads. Of these, 10% of the total sites are of a type that is highly vulnerable to off-highway vehicle 

use. These vulnerable sites include prehistoric and historic structures, historic and prehistoric 

archaeological sites with features and/or tools present, burials, graves and cemeteries, rock art, culturally 

modified trees, and culturally significant areas such a traditional cultural properties (including food 

gathering areas, ceremonial locations, and other traditional cultural properties). 

The public recreates in many ways and in many areas of the forests and grassland and often near or within 

recorded heritage sites. In most cases, such recreation activities and uses are considered to be benign and 

not to have a negative impact except for deliberate looting of protected archaeological and historic 

resources. However, operating motorized vehicles off designated routes, as well as to access dispersed 

camp sites, has the potential to damage, destroy or displace heritage resources. 

Alternative 1 has the greatest potential for adversely affecting sensitive heritage resource sites. 

Inadvertent impacts from motorized access off designated routes and motorized access to dispersed 

campsites would continue to occur, and are likely to increase with population growth. Heritage resources 

located in and adjacent to heavy-use dispersed camping areas, as well as user created roads and trails, are 

likely to be the most heavily impacted by this increase in recreation use. With Alternative 1, some 2,000 

known sites on the Deschutes (58%), and 1,248 known sites on the Ochoco (38%) that would remain 

vulnerable to impacts, especially from motorized access off designated routes. Alternatives 2 and 3 

would have a beneficial effect by reducing impacts to heritage resources by reducing the amount of land 

open to motorized vehicle traffic. The removal of motorized access off designated routes would generally 

have a beneficial effect on heritage resources by eliminating the physical disturbances that currently 

threaten heritage site integrity, whether in highly trafficked areas or in areas at risk of newly created 

routes. Heritage Resource sites that are currently impacted as a result of motorized access off designated 

routes would be expected to slowly recover over time due to a reduction in erosion and eventual recovery 

of soils, along with re-growth of groundcover and understory vegetation. 

Scenery 

Motorized use off of designated routes or motorized access for dispersed camping can indirectly affect 

scenic quality by denuding vegetation, and causing visible “tracks” or “areas” that often alter the form, 

line, color, and texture of the landscape. This is generally most evident in foregrounds along popular use 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
areas such as riparian areas or hill climb areas. Scenic views would not be directly altered by any of the 

Alternatives considered. Alternatives 2 and 3 would have more potential indirect benefits to scenery than 

Alternative 1. In Alternatives 2 and 3, limiting motorized access for dispersed camping to only 

designated, defined or existing campsites (under special provisions), and prohibiting the creation of new 

motorized routes to access new or existing campsites would have a beneficial effect by reducing visual 

impacts within view corridors. Requiring a 30’ setback from waterbodies and stream channels would 

facilitate vegetation recovery in these areas, thus providing a beneficial effect by contributing to the 

improvement of the foreground area seen adjacent to major forest roads and from dispersed campsites. 

Cumulative Effects

The direct and indirect physical and biological effects of prohibiting motorized access off designated 

routes, changing the conditions of motorized access for dispersed camping, and changing the mixed use 

on existing designated routes are generally beneficial. Therefore, there would be no adverse cumulative 

effects of implementing these proposed actions on any of the physical or biological resources. The 

combined physical and biological effects of other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future actions 

that also affect motorized access may reduce the level of benefits realized to the physical and biological 

resources from the proposed actions in this EIS. The cumulative actions that were primarily considered 

include vegetation management actions that may create conditions more conducive to motorized access, 

road management activities, and proposed motorized trail projects. Vegetative conditions created by 

wildfires – although not federal actions under the National Environmental Quality Act – were also 

considered because wildfire areas can also create vegetative conditions that may be more conducive to 

motorized access compared to untreated. However, for the most part, the actual degree to which other 

past, present, or reasonably future actions would reduce the potential benefits of the proposed actions 

cannot be analyzed in a meaningful way due to the small-scale localized nature of these actions when 

compared to the proposed actions or because of the uncertain nature of the predicted time and actual 

impacts of these activities. Ongoing programs and permitted activities are so numerous and ubiquitous 

across the forest that accumulating extensive site-specific data on activities such as resort operations or 

individual recreation events is neither reasonable nor warranted in order to understand the potential 

cumulative effects of the actions considered in this EIS. 

The primary potential adverse cumulative effects of these proposed actions, when considered with other 

past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future action are the reduction or elimination of certain kinds of 

motorized recreational or access opportunities on an extended area across the Pacific NW Region. The 

greatest potential cumulative effect is the loss of general motorized access off of designated routes (roads 

and trails) or outside of designated areas (cross-country travel), given the local, regional, and national 

application of the Travel Management Rule. There appears to be a trend for limiting motorized access to 

designated routes on public lands (Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan, John Day Resource 

Management Plan, proposed actions for implementing the Travel Management Rule on the Willamette, 

Umpqua, and Fremont-Winema Forests); as well as private forest and ranchlands and county lands in the 

local area. Given the national scope of the Travel Management Rule, there is a potentially significant 

adverse effect to off-road motorized access and recreation across the Pacific Northwest region. The 

degree to which the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are likely to contribute to this cumulative 

effect cannot be reasonably predicted. However, the development of proposed motorized trail systems 

may somewhat offset this adverse effect by providing additional designated motorized trail opportunities. 

This adverse effect may be considerably lessened when combined with the over 800 miles of designated 

motorized trail systems on public lands in the central Oregon area, and the over 8,000 miles of existing 

designated roads of varying technical difficulty. There are potential cumulative effects to people’s 

motorized access for dispersed camping as well, although not likely to be as widespread as the effects of 

limitations on motorized access off designated routes and outside of designated areas. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 2
Comparison of Alternatives _________________________________________________ 

This section provides a summary of the key effects of each alternative. Information is provided in two 

ways. The first set of tables (Tables 2-3 – 2-5), display a numeric comparison between the alternatives of 

the amount of acres and miles of roads that are available for motorized access under various the various 

conditions that were described earlier in this Chapter. These numbers are not intended to represent exact 

acreages for each category of motorized access, but are rather intended to provide a basis for relative 

comparison between the alternatives. For the purposes of this analysis, the total acreage affected on the 

Deschutes National Forest was calculated to be about 1,612,937 acres, and about 723,8551

 for the Ochoco 

National Forest, including 110,031 acres for the Crooked River National Grassland. Table 2-6, the Issue 

Comparison Summary provides a more narrative description of the potential effects of the relative 

changes in motorized access. The narrative summary in Table 2-6 focuses on how the alternatives meet 

the purpose and need and responds to the issues described in Chapter 1. 

Table 2-3- Acres of Motorized Access Off Designated Routes (% of Total Forest Acres) 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 

Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco 

Open yearround 543,136 

(34%) 

189,369 

(26%) 

1,075 

(<1%) 

191 

(1%) Same as Alternative 2 

Open 

Seasonally 

82,294 

(5%) 

242,415 

(33%) 

 0 20 

(1%) Same as Alternative 2 

Closed2

 987,507 

(61%)

292,071 

(41%) 

1,611,862 

(~99%) 

723,644 

(~99%) Same as Alternative 2 

Total 1, 612,937 723,855 1,612,937 723,855 Same as Alternative 2 

 

1

 Based on acreage computed from the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest geospatial data base maps prepared 

for the Travel Management EIS. Total acreages may vary slightly due to differences between individual sources 

and/or databases used to calculate or obtain the acres (ie, differences in Forest Service databases such as GIS, 

INFRA and FACTS) 

2

 Includes areas currently closed to motorized access off designated routes and areas closed to off-highway vehicles 

off designated routes. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 2
Table 2-4- Acres of Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping3

 (% of Total Forest Acres) 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 

Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco 

Year-round 

Open 962,717 

(60%) 

246,712 

(34%) 

306,875 

(19%) 

53,056 

(7%) 

0 0 

Open to 

Designated 

Sites Only 11, 850 

(<1%) 

0 

Same as Alternative 1 

Open with 

Special 

ProvisionsRiparian 

0 0 18,435 

(1%) 

29,083 

(4%) 

Same as Alternative 2 

Open with 

Special 

Provisions 

Non-Riparian 

0 0 22,304 

(1%) 

8,899 

(1%) 

329,179 

(20%) 

61,955 

(9%) 

Closed 446,902 

(28%) 

221,619 

(31%) 

1,196,3574

(74%) 

599,5285

(83%) 

Same as Alternative 2 

Seasonally 

Open 191,468 255,524 46,811 16,677 0 0 

 

3

 Acreages are coincident with those acres shown in Table 3 – Motorized Access Off Designated Routes, but relate 

more specifically to where motorized access for dispersed camping is now and would be proposed to be allowed in 

Alternatives 2 and 3. 

4

 Includes approximately 401,635 acres that would remain unchanged as closed to motorized access for dispersed 

camping, this includes 198,908 acres closed to all motorized access and 202,727 acres currently closed to motorized 

access for dispersed camping 

5

 Includes approximately 183,694 acres that would remain unchanged as closed to motorized access for dispersed 

camping, this includes 74,465 acres closed to all motorized access and 109,229 acres currently closed to motorized 

access for dispersed camping 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 3
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 

Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco Deschutes Ochoco 

(12%) (35%) (3%) (2%) 

Open with 

Special 

ProvisionsRiparian 

0 0 1,363 

(<1%) 

10,186 

(1%) 

Same as Alternative 2 

Open with 

Special 

Provisions 

Non-Riparian 

0 0 8,942 

(<1%) 

6,426 

(~1%) 

 55,753 

(3%) 

23,103 

(3%) 

Total 1,612,937 723,855 1,612,937 723,855 1,612,937 723,855 

Table 2-5- Expected Change in Roads Open to Highway-legal Vehicles 

Open to HWY Legal Only Open to Motorized Mixed Use FOREST 

Existing Alt 2,3 Change Existing Alt 2,3 Change 

OPEN 

Miles 

Deschutes NF 770 951 181 5,362 5,181 -181 6,132 

Ochoco NF 242 367 125 1,388 1,262 -125 1,630 

Crooked River NG 2 2 0 260 260 0 262 

Totals: 1014 1,320 306 7,010 6,703 -306 8,024 
Table 2-6. Travel Management Issue Comparison Summary 

Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Purpose and Need 

Motorized access off of designated routes  Motorized Access available off designated routes (MAODR) (ie. cross-country travel) 

Motorized access off designated routes would not be prohibited with this decision on about 39% of the Deschutes National Forest and about 41% of the Ochoco National Forest. 

Motorized access off designated routes would be prohibiapproximately 39% of the acres on the Deschutes and th

the Ochoco where not currently prohibited or limited to dMotorized access off designated routes would continue texisting designated OHV areas. 

Public SafetyConditions of motorized mixed use access on roads where necessary to allow for suitable access. 

Motorized mixed use under Oregon State Law is currently allowed on 5,181 miles of the Deschutes and 1,522 miles on the Ochoco 

Approximately 3% of total roads currently open to motoriDeschutes and 8% on the Ochoco of total road miles woallow highway-legal vehicles. 

Issues used to Modify the Proposed Action or Develop Alternatives 

Motorized Access Off Designated RoutesExisting cinder and rock mineral sources (rock/cinder pits) open to motorized access. 

Approximately 200 rock/cinder pits are open to motorized access unless physically barriered. 

30 rock/cinder pits (approximately 160 acres) on the Desrock/cinder pits (approximately 191 acres) on the Ochocas open to motorized access off designated routes.

Motorized Access for Dispersed Camping Amount of area and conditions under which motorized access for dispersed camping is allowed

MADC would continue to be allowed as provided by current direction. Available on about 72% of the total acres of the Deschutes and 69% of the Ochoco6. 

Motorized access for dispersed camping would be allowespecial provisions on about 26% of the Deschutes and aOchoco National Forests. Some areas currently closed wmotorized access for dispersed camping under general a

6 not all of this acreage is accessible to motor vehiclesDraft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Riparian areas About 1% of the total forest 

acres on the Deschutes limit motorized access to designated sites. Sites are regularly being defined with barriers to establish setbacks in problem areas, but no specific motorized setbacks in most riparian areas. 

 Motorized access for dispersed camping is allowed only 

special provisions when an open designated route is w

stream, wetland or waterbody. About 2% of total forest acres on the Deschutes and abowould be open to motorized access for dispersed campinconditions. 

Non-riparian (upland) areas 

Motorized access for dispersed camping would continue under current conditions. Some upland areas on the Deschutes and Ochoco (Grassland) prohibit motorized access for dispersed camping 

Motorized access for dispersed camping is allowed under general provisions 

along most open designated roads. Motorized access for dispersed camping allowed under special provisions when 

an open designated route in an upland areas meets special designation criteria for sensitive non-riparian resources. 

All motorized camping adjaroutes would for dispersed general and 

Inventoried Roadless Areas 

About 75% of inventoried roadless areas on the Deschutes, 31% on thee Ochoco currently do not prohibit motorized access for dispersed camping 

Motorized access for dispersed camping in IRAs would be allowed on less than 1% off the Deschutes and less than 4% of the Ochoco adjacent to open designated routes under general and special provisions. Approximately 8% of the IRA on the Grassland that is currently closed to motorized access for dispersed camping along existing designated open roads would be open under general and special provisions. 

Motorized accamping wouIRAs. 

Other Issues 

Motorized Recreation Amount of and uses of existing designated motorized trails

Over 300 miles of existing designated motorized trails for a variety of OHVs, including rock open to motorized access off of designated routes. 

Percent of the forest accessible by roads 

Approximately 88% of the Deschutes and 83% of the Ochoco total acres outside of Wildern

one-half mile of an open designated road. 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Motorized recreation use of Approximately 8000 miles of roads are available for motorized recreation and access for higdesignated roads Just over 7,000 miles of road 

available for highway legal and non-highway legal (motorized mixed use) recreation and access 

Motorized mixed use recreation and access opportunitiewould be reduced by about 181 miles on Deschutes and of total miles Motorized recreation on available roads codesirable recreation experience for some than designatetrails; some reduced connectivity between road systems highway legal vehicles 

Amount of area available to motorized access off of designated routes 

Approximately 39% of the Deschutes and 41% on the Ochoco are currently available for motorized access off of designated routes. 

All motorized access would be limited to existing designaAbout 300 acres (52 rock pits) across the two forests womotorized access off of designated routes (cross-country 

Amount of area available to motorized access for dispersed camping & conditions for use 

Motorized access for dispersed camping would remain under current regulation 

Recreational opportunities for motorized access for dispersed camping would be about the same as current uses in riparian areas and upland areas, including IRAs 

Recreational motorized accamping wouriparian areaupland areasopportunities for dispersed 

Non-motorized RecreationAcres proposed closed to MAODR & MADC 

Approximately 987,507 acres on the Deschutes National Forest and 292,071 acres on the Ochoco National Forest are currently closed to motorized access off designated routes 

An additional 624,355 acres would closed to motorized aroutes on the Deschutes and 431,575 on the Ochoco. Thchange any non-motorized opportunities, but may make desirable to non-motorized users by reducing the evidenthe area. 

Motorized access on nonmotorized trails 194 miles of non-motorized trails within areas that do not 

prohibit motorized access that may have motorized use on or near the trails 

There would be an increase in the areas where non-motwould expect to not encounter motorized vehicle users. There would be fewer potential encounters with motorizeon to non-motorized trails. 

Congressionally Designated Areas (CDA)Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Area available to motorized access off designated routes 

Less than 1% of the areas are available to motorized access off designated routes This would reduced the potential for motorized use to affect the outstanding remarkable valwould help to protect and enhance the values 

Areas available to motorized access for dispersed camping 

Motorized access for dispersed camping would remain under current regulation 

Recreational opportunities for motorized access for dispersed camping would be about the same as current uses in riparian areas and upland areas 

Recreational motorized accamping wouriparian areaupland areas

Social Factors Amount and conditions for motorized access on designated roads and trails across the forests and within the Wildland-Urban Interface 

Continued motorized access under current conditions on existing designated roads and tra

access within 1⁄2 mile of more than 80% of the two forests Equal amount of motorized accesalternatives for primitive motorized exploration on roads and trails and motorized access to 

system for access between neighborhoods 

Opportunities and conditions for motorized access off designated roads and trails across the forests that reflect a sample of social attitudes, beliefs or values such as primitive exploration, solitude 

39% of Deschutes and 60% of Ochoco provide the most motorized access off designated for primitive motorized exploration; solitude of the three alternatives. 

About 1% of two national forests open to motorized acceroutes would reduce opportunities for people that value uoff-road or trail access for primitive exploration or solitud

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

About 1% of two national forests open to motorized acce

routes would increase opportunities for people that value 

from the evidence of motorized uses. 

Opportunities and conditions for non-motorized usesacross the forests reflect a sample of social attitudes, beliefs or values, such as peace and quiet away from the evidence of motorized uses 

61% of the Deschutes and 40% of the Ochoco NF would continue to offer primary or exclusive non-motorized uses. Alternative 1 would provide the least amount of area closed to motorized access off designated routes of the three alternatives for people who value peace and quiet away from the sights and sounds of motorized uses. 

Economic Factors Recreation use trends and economic contributions 

Overall contributions and trends to the local or regional economy from either motorized or n

unlikely to change in any Alternative. Data indicates non-motorized uses and contributions currently and anticipated to continue to dominate compared to motorized uses. 

TransportationEffects on existing transportation system from changes in use on and off designated roads 

Approximately 8000 miles of roads are currently open for public use across the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland. These roads would continue to be used as they are presently, and public use would remain as it is today. 

An increase in overall road use would be expected in arecurrently a high level of off-road OHV use nearby. The euse would be an increase in surface wear on some roadneed for additional maintenance work. Reduction in the mileage of roads available for motorized reduce surface wear from OHVs on some roads. 

Fisheries/Hydrology Acres open to motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping within 100’ of a stream 

Approximately 55,850 acres where motorized access off designated routes or motorized access for dispersed camping is not prohibited within 100’ of water bodies on both forests would continue to potentially 

Motorized access off designated routes would be eliminabodies, thus eliminating the potential for effects to fisherifrom motorized access. Motorized access for dispersed camping would be reduc20,000 acres within 100’ of streams, wetlands, and wateestablishing special provisions. Increased infiltration from 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

affect sediment, turbidity and shade to streams 

from limiting motorized access for dispersed camping to defined sites no closer than 30’ to streams, wetlands and reduce potential sediment and turbidity effects on fisherie

Geology and MineralsAcres available to and conditions for motorized access within dormant/active landslide areas 

Landslide terrain acres would continue to be susceptible to new disturbance from motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping on about 3 active acres and 214 dormant the Deschutes and 46 active acres and 64,398 dormant acres on the Ochoco 

Landslide terrain acres susceptibility to new disturbance off designated routes would be eliminated across both foSusceptibility to new disturbance from motorized access would be reduced by limiting motorized access for dispeand special provisions, especially within riparian areas. Osusceptibility on dormant acres would be reduced from 2

Ochoco from about 64,000 to 12,000. Susceptibility to neactive landslide terrain would not be changed on the Desreduced on the Ochoco from 46 acres to about 12. On thapproximately 255 acres of dormant landslide terrain acravailable for motorized access for dispersed camping witopen designated roads under general or special provisioarea that would be of concern because it is not adjacent 

limited stream. 

Acres of Highly Permeable Rock susceptible to disturbance from motorized access 

Susceptibility within riparian and upland areas would continue over about 492,331 acres across both forests. 

Susceptibility to new disturbance from motorized access would be reduced across both forests. Susceptibility to new disturbance from motorized access would be reduced by approximately 167,638 because of riparian areas. 

Soils

Susceptibility to new soil disturbance from motorized acc

routes would be eliminated across both forests. 

Acres open to Motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping 

Soils within riparian and nonriparian (upland) areas would continue to be susceptible to new disturbance from motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping on about 1,057,214 acres across both forests. 

Susceptibility to new soil disturbance from motorized access for dispersed camping would be reduced by approximately 105,638 acres primarily from special provisions for motorized access for dispersed camping . 

Susceptibility disturbance ffor dispersed reduced by acompared to special proviaccess for di

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 3
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Susceptibility of salable minerals within developed sources to invasive species from areas open to motorized access 

Susceptibility would continue from motorized access on about 1,406 acres open to motorized access off designated routes in 200 rock/cinder pits across both forests. 

Susceptibility of developed mineral sources to new invas

from reduced across both from by approximately 1,054 aclosure of rock/cinder pits to motorized access. 

Native Vegetation Acres open/closed to MAODR and MADC for: Native plants and their habitats identified by the Forest Plant Association Groups (PAGs) Special or unique vegetation habitat types Other rare or uncommon plant populations 

Provides the least protection to native plants and their habitats, including special habitats and sensitive and other rare or uncommon plants, because more (often the majority) acres are open to MAODR and MADC with no special provisions. 

Increases the protection for native plant habitats over Alternative 1, including special habitats and sensitive and other rare or uncommon plants, because 100% of acres are closed to MAODR. Special habitats and sensitive plants and areas are protected from MADC by special provisions, (16%) of upland habitats remain to MADC without special provisions 

Same as Alteto MAODR Highest level plant habitatshabitats and or uncommoMADC is limiprovisions (d

existing sites

Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Threatened and Endangered Plant Populations and Habitats 

There are no federally listed Threatened or Endangered plant species or habitats documen

occur in the Planning Area. Therefore, activities proposed in the alternatives would have no 

listed plant species. 

Invasive Plants Acres of known invasive plant populations in areas open/closed to motorized access off designated routes 

Reduces impacts from invasive plants, because most knare closed to motorized access off designated routes andispersed camping. 52 of 531 existing rock pits would be motorized access off designated routes, with potential fopopulations are present 

Highest risk that invasive plants 

would spread and establish, because more sites and acres are located within areas open to motorized access off designated routes and motorized access for dispersed camping 

16% of acres occupied by invasive plants occur in non-riparian (upland) with motorized access for dispersed camping under general provisions only 

Acres of known invasive plant populations in areas open/closed to motorized access for dispersed camping 

Provides moestablishmenexpansion of populations baccess for dibe allowed ospecial provi

Vegetation Mangement Activities and Wildfires Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 3
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Acres open/closed to motorized access off designated routes which may contain forest conditions more conducive to motorized access 

Continued unauthorized route creation, vegetation damage, and possibly impeded vegetation response caused by motorized access in vegetation treatment areas and areas burned by large wildfires on about 65,780 on the Deschutes and 45,418 acres on the Ochoco 

Acreage available for disturbance from motorized access in vegetation treatment areas and areas burned by large eliminated. 

Acreage avadisturbance f

for dispersed treatment areby large wildfeliminated bemotorized accamping wouprovisions fodispersed ca

Acres open/closed to motorized access for dispersed camping which may contain forest conditions more conducive to motorized access than many untreated areas 

About 93,830 acres on the Deschutes and 55,515 acres on the Ochoco open to motorized access for dispersed camping on could have similar responses to motorized access off designated routes 

Acreage available for disturbance from motorized access for dispersed camping would be reduced in vegetation treatment areas and areas burned by large wildfires on about 38,573 on the Deschutes and 12,199 acres on the Ochoco Areas open to motorized access for dispersed camping under general provisions only could lead to additional concentration of uses and creation of new disturbance from motorized vehicles in areas where vegetation treatment areas or burned areas overlap 

Wildlife Wildlife species disturbed by motorized access (within 200m of open designated roads) 

Disturbance to wildlife species on the Deschutes and Ochoco would continue across both forests and would be susceptible to new disturbance from motorized access 

Disturbance from MAODR and MADC would decrease foand 31 wildlife species on the Deschutes and Ochoco, reDisturbance would remain unchanged for 16 wildlife spespecies on the Deschutes and Ochoco respectively Susceptibility to new disturbance would be eliminated du

motorized access off designated routes and special and motorized access for dispersed camping 

Range Management & Livestock Grazing Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 3
Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Potential for damage to range improvements and forage 

Motorized access within grazing allotments can result in damage to range improvements and forage vegetation. 

The potential for damage to range improvements would operations could be improved directly by increasing forage quantity and quality and indirectly breducing the potential for the spread and establishment oby motorized access off designated routes 

Fire Risk Potential changes in the location of unplanned human-caused ignitions & proximity of those ignitions to suppression forces For those more than 300’ off of an open designated route that are proposed closed to MADC or proposed closed to MAODR For those within 300’ of an open designated route 

Unplanned human-caused ignitions as a result of motorized access would likely increase with urban growth and increasing recreation uses. Unauthorized routes would continue to be created and used and thus have potential for use by suppression forces or as fire/fuel breaks, if an ignition were to occur than other alternatives 

It is most likely that the total number of unplanned humaacross would likely remain the same or increase with proForest use, but would potentially be more concentrated ian open designated route, which would be more accessiresources. Existing unauthorized routes would likely persist for 10 y

any rehabilitation efforts before they would be naturally epotential for use by suppression forces or as fire/fuel breeliminated. 

Air QualityMeasurable effect of changes in motorized access on air quality standards 

No measurable effects 

Heritage Resources 

Susceptibility to new disturbance from motorized access 

would be eliminated 

Acres open to motorized access 

Cultural resources are fragile and non-renewable. They would continue to be vulnerable and susceptible to new disturbance from motorized access over 1,057,214 acres across both forests. 

Susceptibility of cultural resources to 

new disturbances from motorized access for dispersed camping would be reduced by approximately 105,638 acres from Alternative 1 due primarily to special provisions for motorized access for dispersed camping 

Susceptibility new disturbaaccess for diwould be redapproximatelAlternative 1 provisions fodispersed ca

Scenery Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Travel Management Project Page 

Issue and 

Indicator 

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 A

Foreground and middleground views altered by unauthomotorized access off designated routes would be eliminatime could re-vegetate 

Effects of motorized access within scenic view corridors 

Foreground and middleground views have been and would continue to be altered by motorized access off designated routes such as on buttes and cinder cones, and by motorized access for dispersed camping adjacent to major scenic road corridors 

Beneficial indirect effects where MADC is limited to desigexisting campsites by reducing the visual impacts within provisions for motorized access for dispersed camping wvegetation recovery, improving visuals from view corrido

Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Madras

Culver

Tumalo

La Pine

Chemult

Alfalfa

Sisters

Crescent

Metolius

Gilchrist

Terrebonne

Silver Lake

Diamond Lake

Powell Butte

Crescent Lake

McKenzie Bridge

Legend

Forest Boundary

Available to Travel Off of Designated Routes

Closed to Travel Off of Designated Routes

Highways

£¤20

£¤97

UV31

Cascade Lakes Highway

£¤20

UV126

£¤26

£¤97

UV242

Overview - Motorized Access Off of Designated Routes

Alternative 1 - Existing Condition

Map A-1

Travel Management DEIS - Deschutes National Forest

0 2.5 5 7.5 10 F Miles
Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Madras

Culver

Tumalo

La Pine

Chemult

Alfalfa

Sisters

Crescent

Metolius

Gilchrist

Terrebonne

Silver Lake

Diamond Lake

Powell Butte

Crescent Lake

McKenzie Bridge

Legend

Forest Boundary

Available to Travel Off of Designated Routes

Highways

Closed to Travel Off of Designated Routes

£¤20

£¤97

UV31

Cascade Lakes Highway

£¤20

UV126

£¤26

£¤97

UV242

Overview - Motorized Access Off of Designated Routes

Alternative 2/3

Map A-2

Travel Management DEIS - Deschutes National Forest

0 2.5 5 7.5 10 F Miles
Madras

Culver

Mitchell

Metolius

Terrebonne

Warm Springs

Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Paulina

Alternative 1 - Existing C

Overview - Motorized Access O

Travel Management DEISOchoco National Forest and Crooked River Natio

Legend

Forest BoundHighwaysAvailable to MClosed to Mo

£¤26

UV126

£¤97

£¤20

UV27 UV380

UV126

£¤26
Madras

Culver

Mitchell

Metolius

Terrebonne

Warm Springs

Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Paulina

Alternative 2/3 - Map A-4

Overview - Motorized Access O

Travel Management DEISOchoco National Forest and Crooked River Natio

£¤26

UV126

£¤97

£¤20

UV27 UV380

UV126

£¤26

Legend

Forest BHighwayAvailable Closed t
Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Madras

Culver

Tumalo

La Pine

Chemult

Alfalfa

Sisters

Crescent

Metolius

Gilchrist

Terrebonne

Silver Lake

Diamond Lake

Powell Butte

Crescent Lake

McKenzie Bridge

Overview - Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Alternative 1 - Existing Condition

Legend

Forest Boundary

Available to Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Closed to Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Highways

£¤20

£¤97

UV31

Cascade Lakes Highway

£¤20

UV126

£¤26

£¤97

UV242

Map A-5

Travel Management DEIS - Deschutes National Forest

0 2.5 5 7.5 10 F Miles
Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Madras

Culver

Tumalo

La Pine

Chemult

Alfalfa

Sisters

Crescent

Metolius

Gilchrist

Terrebonne

Silver Lake

Diamond Lake

Powell Butte

Crescent Lake

McKenzie Bridge

Overview - Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Alternative 2/3

Legend

Forest Boundary

Closed to Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Available to Motorized Access For Dispersed Camping

Highways

£¤20

£¤97

UV31

Cascade Lakes Highway

£¤20

UV126

£¤26

£¤97

UV242

Travel Management DEIS - Deschutes National Forest

Map A-6 0 2.5 5 7.5 10

Miles F
Madras

Culver

Mitchell

Metolius

Terrebonne

Warm Springs

Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Paulina

Alternative 1 - Existing C

Overview - Motorized Access F

Travel Management DEISOchoco National Forest and Crooked River Natio

Legend

Forest HighwaAvailabClosed 

£¤26

UV126

£¤97

£¤20

UV27 UV380

UV126

£¤26
Madras

Culver

Mitchell

Metolius

Terrebonne

Warm Springs

Bend

Redmond

Prineville

Paulina

Alternative 2/3 - Map A-8

Overview - Motorized Access F

Travel Management DEISOchoco National Forest and Crooked River Natio

£¤26

UV126

£¤97

£¤20

UV27 UV380

UV126

£¤26

Legend

Forest HighwaAvailabClosed 
20

46

97

31

58

42

21

126

64

61

43

45

18

242

40

23

4601

16

LAK-5-10

2015

14

LAK-6159

900

2050

60

2017

2610

4205

1102

LAK-5-12

22

1419

4143

27TH STREET

9745

GOSNEY RD

25

700

1815

23

24

22

4525

4250

9735

4380

4050

4614

390

1150

15

1018

1190

1514

2067 1110

4660

5825

6230

5814

18

22

11

40

44

62

60

41

12

16

14

42

15

4270

9710

4260

9720

25

1170

1234

1420

1210

2017

850

1012

4660

500

4625

5830

4635

2120

2415

2070

980

4669

6005

400

94

100

280

5810

700

600

600

500

400

Deschutes NF

Mixed Use Analysis

Existing Highway Legal (HSA)

Existing Highway Legal (NNVM)

Existing Highway Legal (EFR)

New Highway Legal Only

Roads Available for Mixed Use

State / County Roads

/
OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

OCH

Prineville Reservoir

Ochoco Reservoir

Crooked River

Watson Reservoir

Antelope Reservoir

North Fork Crooked River

US

OR

33

23

27

16

22

2150

BEAR CR. RD

CAMP CREEK RD

2210

PUETT RD

IZEE HWY.

050

WEBERG RD

SE PAULINA VALLEY RD

555

000

TACKMAN RD

4230

OR

OR

42

27

22

58

12

30

38

17

16

33

2630

2730

4260

4250

5840

1750

5810

4215

4235

4230

4270

5820

3810

5870

4220

5850

4240

2710

1610

4225

2210

5830

3010

4280

1680

2735

2610

4254

2230

4274

2720

1670

3370

2725

4290

4210

2620

4258

3380

3350

4272

3320

2705

1250

2745

1620

3360

4256

1640

4276

2740

4205

2630

1750

42

22

12

30

27

17

58

33

16

2210

3010

250

2730

1640

500

27

58

38

16

5810

4270

3810

2730

450

4250

2610

3320

2630

2710

2730

2630

Ochoco NF

Mixed Use Analysis

Existing Highway Legal Only

New Highway Legal Only

Roads Available for Mixed Use

State / County Roads /
Volume 2—Maps Roadless Area Conservation 

 

#

#

#

#

Three Sisters 

Wilderness

Mount Jefferson 

Wilderness

Waldo Lake 

Wilderness

Mount Washington

Wilderness

Diamond Peak 

Wilderness

Mount Thielsen 

Wilderness

Mill Creek 

Wilderness

Middle Santiam 

Wilderness

Deschutes N.F.

Willamette N.F.

Ochoco 

N.F.

Crooked River

N.G.

Wickiup 

Reservoir

Waldo 

Lake

Crescent Lake

Davis 

Lake

Crane Prairie 

Reservoir

Lake 

Billy 

Chinook

Madras

Prineville

Redmond

Bend

(/20

(/26

(/97

(/97

!"22

!"126

!"242

!"126

!"31

!"31

(/20

!"58

Lake 

Simtustus

#

#

Sisters

 La 

Pine

#Crescent

Prineville

Lake

Winema N.F. Fremont N.F. Umpqua 

N.F.

Newberry National Volcanic 

Monument

Metolius

WSR

Squaw Creek

WSR

Deschutes

WSR

McKenzie

WSR

Categories of National Forest System Lands within the Deschutes

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST

Inventoried Roadless Areas

4% (58,000 acres)

5% (79,000 acres)

0% (0 acres)

18% (288,000 acres)

74% (1,178,000 acres)

IRA, allows road construction

and reconstruction

All Other National Forest

System Lands

IRA, does not allow

road construction & reconstruction

IRA, recommended wilderness

Designated Areas outside of IRAs

0 50% 100%

The USDA Forest Service uses the most current and complete 

data available. GIS data and product accuracy may vary. Using 

GIS products for purposes other than those for which they 

were intended may yield inaccurate or misleading results. 

The USDA Forest Service reserves the right to correct, update, 

modify, or replace GIS products without notification.

September 15, 2000

Data Supplied by Deschutes National Forest

Contact: Deschutes N.F.

1645 Highway 20 East

Bend, OR 97701

(541) 383-5300

S C A L E in M I L E S

10 0 10 Miles

OREGON

National Forest System lands outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas - not all private land is 

shown on the map

Designated Areas outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is allowed

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is not allowed

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is not allowed,

and the forest plan recommends as wilderness

Interstate Highway Other Highways County boundaries

Oregon Deschutes National Forest
#

#

#

#

Bend

Madras

Redmond

Prineville

(Administered by Ochoco N.F.) Crooked River N.G.

Ochoco N.F.

Ochoco N.F.

Deschutes

N.F.

MetoliusWSR

Three Sisters

Wilderness

Mill Creek Wilderness

Bridge Creek Wilderness

Black Canyon Wilderness

Prineville Reservoir

Chickahominy

(/97

(/97

(/97

(/20

(/20

(/26

(/26

(/26

!"126

!"380

!"207

(/26

!"19

Ochoco N.F.

!"126

Squaw CreekWSR

Deschutes WSR

North Fork Crooked River WSR

Dry MRNA

Lake Billy Chinook

10

0 10 Miles S C A L E in M I L E S

September 15, 2000 Data Supplied by Ochoco National Forest Contact: Ochoco N.F. 3160 NE 3rd Street, Box 490 Prineville, OR 97754 (541) 416-6500

The USDA Forest Service uses the most current and complete data available. GIS data and product accuracy may vary. Using GIS products for purposes other than those for which they were intended may yield inaccurate or misleading results. The USDA Forest Service reserves the right to correct, update, modify, or replace GIS products without notification.

IRA, allows road construction and reconstruction

All Other National Forest System Lands

IRA, does not allow road construction & reconstruction IRA, recommended wilderness

Designated Areas outside of IRAs

Categories of National Forest System Lands within the Ochoco N.F.

OCHOCO NATIONAL FOREST Inventoried Roadless Areas

3% (32,000 acres)3% (29,000 acres)

0% (0 acres)

5% (45,000 acres)

89% (858,000 acres)

0 50% 100%

OREGON 

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is noand the forest plan recommends as wilderness

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is no

Inventoried Roadless Area where road construction or reconstruction is a

Designated Areas outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas

National Forest System lands outside of Inventoried Roadless Areas - not aland is shown on the map

Ochoco National Forest 



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