BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is pleased to announce a significant victory for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access in the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. After months of engagement—including comments during public comment periods, the submission of a formal objection, and multiple resolution meetings from BRC and the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW4WDA)—BRC has officially withdrawn our objection to the Carbon River Landscape Analysis (CARLA) project. Every concern we raised was addressed, corrected, and incorporated into the updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and forthcoming Decision Notice (DN).
This outcome demonstrates the power of persistent, informed advocacy and the importance of working collaboratively with local groups to protect responsible motorized recreation.
How We Got Here
From the start, BRC expressed serious concerns about proposals that would have converted 13.17 miles of Evans Creek OHV routes into Maintenance Level 1 administrative roads—routes typically restricted from public motorized use. As originally written, the project introduced contradictory definitions, unclear management intent, and inconsistencies that could have diminished OHV access.
Our objections centered on several key issues:
- Contradictory and unclear OHV language
- Lack of a final decision map, which is required for NEPA transparency
- Sediment delivery analysis concerns
- Failure to address new information, including emerging recreation mandates
- Potential impacts to dispersed camping
We also emphasized that Evans Creek OHV trails are not abstract lines on a map—they are routes maintained, cherished, and actively stewarded by local volunteers and user groups. Clarity in designation, access, and intent is essential.
Collaborative Resolution
In response to our objection, the U.S. Forest Service invited BRC and PNW4WDA to an objection resolution meeting, followed by a supplemental meeting last week to finalize outstanding concerns. We appreciate the professionalism and receptiveness shown by the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest team throughout this process.
In a formal communication, the Forest Service committed to multiple revisions and clarifications, including:
- Aligning OHV width and vehicle language with Washington State law, federal regulations, and past Evans Creek decisions.
- Removing statements prohibiting highway-legal vehicles when those vehicles meet the trail design and intended use.
- Clarifying that reclassified ML1 routes within Evans Creek will remain open to OHV use except during temporary implementation closures.
- Ensuring that highly valued OHV trails are not converted to haul routes or temporary roads where hauling is impractical.
- Adding project design criteria requiring slash removal and protective implementation practices to reduce impacts to OHV trails during timber operations.
- Requiring the Forest Service to notify and consult partner OHV groups—including BRC and PNW4WDA—prior to timber-related activities that could affect trail access.
- Providing a clear and accurate final decision map showing only the road changes addressed in the decision.
These revisions directly address every concern we raised. The draft language changes we reviewed show meaningful, substantive improvements that will protect Evans Creek as a premier OHV destination.
A Victory for Recreation Access and Good Governance
Because all objections were resolved, BRC submitted a formal notice to withdraw our objection—a step we only take when we are fully satisfied that access has been protected.
The result is an improved, legally defensible plan that protects recreation, responds to public input, and strengthens partnerships between user groups and land managers.
Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters
We want to thank Deputy Regional Forester Merv George, the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, and the Snoqualmie Ranger District for their willingness to engage deeply with the OHV community. We also acknowledge PNW4WDA, the local volunteers, clubs, and organizations—especially those who maintain and steward the Evans Creek area—for voicing their concerns and supporting this effort.
This victory reinforces what BRC has long advocated: public lands are best managed when agencies work collaboratively with the communities who use and care for them.
Looking Ahead
BlueRibbon Coalition will continue monitoring implementation of the CARLA project and maintain close partnerships to ensure commitments made in the EA and Decision Notice are fully upheld. We remain dedicated to defending and expanding responsible motorized access nationwide.
Thank you to every member and supporter who makes this work possible.
