Valley County officials, residents press Forest Service on roadless areas, NEPA and species rules

Valley County commissioners and residents on Monday discussed coordinating formal comments to the U.S. Forest Service about management of roadless areas, the National Environmental Policy Act process and recent species-designation remarks that residents said could restrict snowmobiling and grazing.

The discussion, prompted by a letter from the Farm Bureau and requests from commissioners, centered on whether the county should submit an official comment and how residents should file responses before the April 11 deadline. Larry, a local resident who spoke at the meeting, said a district ranger had warned that “if we don't stop snowmobile incursions in a certain area, he's gonna use the Wolverine to cut snowmobiling out,” language Larry characterized at the meeting as a threat tied to species protections.

County Commissioner Sherry said the Forest Service often reports actions after decisions are made rather than seeking local input. “They don't come in and say, 'here's what we're think we're doing. What do you…