motomike137
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- Nov 21, 2001
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Mammoth Motocross Track Closed
The Inyo National Forest announced this week that the Mammoth Motocross Track will not be open to OHV use this summer. The Forest Service no longer has the authority to permit the operation of motocross tracks on National Forest land, and the reissuance of the special use permit to operate the Mammoth Motocross Track is on hold while an Environmental Assessment for the permit reissuance is completed and a waiver to this policy is pursued. Work on finding a suitable public or private agency with racetrack recreation programs to manage the track is taking place in the event the Forest Service determines the use of the track is appropriate use of public lands. The scheduled motocross event beginning June 15th will take place as planned.
In March of 2002, the Inyo National Forest notified the public of an opportunity to comment on Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's (MMSA) request for a renewal of a special use authorization for operation of the Mammoth Motocross Track. The existing permit expired in December of 2002. The proposed permit reissuance included a request for a storage facility on-site, a shuttle bus turn-around area, an additional racetrack pedestrian underpass, expansion of the siltation basin network, enhancement of spectator areas, and widening of the track access road.
When MMSA pursued renewal of the track permit, the Inyo National Forest (Inyo) informed them that the Forest Service no longer has the authority to permit use of federal lands for operation of a motocross racetrack. The Inyo has indicated a willingness to take initial steps towards requesting a waiver of this policy, however, for a waiver to be approved, operation of the track would have to occur under the terms of the original authorization. This would require the racetrack to be managed as a developed recreation facility with key management components such as controlled, gated access, restrooms, and maintenance throughout the summer season. Based on this information, MMSA chose not to ask for renewal of the permit at this time.
MMSA has elected to pay for completion of the Environmental Assessment begun in 2002 and to work with the Inyo to find a suitable public or private agency with similar racetrack recreation programs to manage the track, should the Forest Service determine the use of the track is an appropriate use of public lands. The Inyo is not in a position, nor does the agency have the authority to manage the track. Currently the track is not under permit to any operator. As such, prior to June 15th and following this year's motocross event, the track will not be open to OHV use.
The Inyo has agreed to allow this year's motocross event to occur as scheduled. Public commitments supporting the event were made early last year. The Inyo recognizes the difficulty a cancellation of the event would create for event promoters, providers of lodging and service, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Operating conditions and mitigations identified during analysis for a longer-term permit will be incorporated as requirements for this year's event.
The Forest Service will continue the environmental analysis process and make a decision regarding future use of the area as a motocross track. A final decision to authorize continued use will require a waiver of existing policy by the Chief of the Forest Service, in Washington, D.C.
Questions, concerns, or comments can be sent to: Mike Schlafmann, Attn: Motocross, Mammoth Ranger District, P.O. Box 145, 25000 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 or via email at [email protected].
The Inyo National Forest announced this week that the Mammoth Motocross Track will not be open to OHV use this summer. The Forest Service no longer has the authority to permit the operation of motocross tracks on National Forest land, and the reissuance of the special use permit to operate the Mammoth Motocross Track is on hold while an Environmental Assessment for the permit reissuance is completed and a waiver to this policy is pursued. Work on finding a suitable public or private agency with racetrack recreation programs to manage the track is taking place in the event the Forest Service determines the use of the track is appropriate use of public lands. The scheduled motocross event beginning June 15th will take place as planned.
In March of 2002, the Inyo National Forest notified the public of an opportunity to comment on Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's (MMSA) request for a renewal of a special use authorization for operation of the Mammoth Motocross Track. The existing permit expired in December of 2002. The proposed permit reissuance included a request for a storage facility on-site, a shuttle bus turn-around area, an additional racetrack pedestrian underpass, expansion of the siltation basin network, enhancement of spectator areas, and widening of the track access road.
When MMSA pursued renewal of the track permit, the Inyo National Forest (Inyo) informed them that the Forest Service no longer has the authority to permit use of federal lands for operation of a motocross racetrack. The Inyo has indicated a willingness to take initial steps towards requesting a waiver of this policy, however, for a waiver to be approved, operation of the track would have to occur under the terms of the original authorization. This would require the racetrack to be managed as a developed recreation facility with key management components such as controlled, gated access, restrooms, and maintenance throughout the summer season. Based on this information, MMSA chose not to ask for renewal of the permit at this time.
MMSA has elected to pay for completion of the Environmental Assessment begun in 2002 and to work with the Inyo to find a suitable public or private agency with similar racetrack recreation programs to manage the track, should the Forest Service determine the use of the track is an appropriate use of public lands. The Inyo is not in a position, nor does the agency have the authority to manage the track. Currently the track is not under permit to any operator. As such, prior to June 15th and following this year's motocross event, the track will not be open to OHV use.
The Inyo has agreed to allow this year's motocross event to occur as scheduled. Public commitments supporting the event were made early last year. The Inyo recognizes the difficulty a cancellation of the event would create for event promoters, providers of lodging and service, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Operating conditions and mitigations identified during analysis for a longer-term permit will be incorporated as requirements for this year's event.
The Forest Service will continue the environmental analysis process and make a decision regarding future use of the area as a motocross track. A final decision to authorize continued use will require a waiver of existing policy by the Chief of the Forest Service, in Washington, D.C.
Questions, concerns, or comments can be sent to: Mike Schlafmann, Attn: Motocross, Mammoth Ranger District, P.O. Box 145, 25000 Main Street, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 or via email at [email protected].
