7709.59_50
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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
NORTHERN REGION (REGION 1)
MISSOULA, MT
FSH 7709.59 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 50 – TRAFFIC STUDIES AND OTHER ROAD OPERATIONS
CONSIDERATIONS
Supplement No.: 7709.59-2004-1
Effective Date: June 2, 2004
Duration: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: KATHLEEN A. MCALLISTER FOR
ABIGAIL R. KIMBELL
Regional Forester
Date Approved: 04/02/2004
Posting Instructions: Supplements are numbered consecutively by Handbook number and
calendar year. Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this
supplement. Retain this transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last supplement to
this Handbook was 7709.59, to chapter 50.
New Document
7709.59_50
3 Pages
Superseded Document(s) by
Issuance Number and
Effective Date
7709.59-99-1 (June 4, 1999)
3 Pages
Digest:
52.2 – This is a technical supplement that converts the format and style of this Regional directive
to the new FSH template using the agency’s current corporate word processing software.
Although some minor typographical and technical errors have been corrected, this supplement
contains no changes to the substantive direction in this title.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 7709.59-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/23/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7709.59_50
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FSH 7705.59 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 50 – TRAFFIC STUDIES AND OTHER ROAD OPERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS
52 – COORDINATION OF USES
52.2 – Mixed Use on Forest Development Roads
Outdoor motorized recreation is one of the purposes for which National Forests are managed.
However, increasing numbers of travel restrictions are reducing areas available for motorized
recreation use, such as off road vehicles (ORVs) and snowmobiles. Use is becoming
concentrated in smaller areas which may cause more severe impacts to the land which in turn
may result in additional restrictions. These types of uses are an acceptable form of recreation
and efforts should be made to provide opportunities when consistent with Forest Plans.
Ideally, mixed traffic—street-legal and non-street-legal and licensed and unlicensed drivers—
should not be allowed on the same road. However, in some situations, it may be feasible to
allow a mix of highway vehicles with ORVs or snowmobiles. Some opportunities exist on roads
with low vehicle volume and speeds. Other opportunities exist on short road sections to connect
disjointed ORV four wheel drive ways and snowmobile trails.
The following priorities are to be used to minimize potential conflicts of mixed use:
1. Provide separate facilities.
2. Separate use periods.
Roads may be designated for separate use periods such as season, weekday/weekend, or
day/night. Notify the public of locations, effective dates, times, and duration that roads
may or may not be used. Provide appropriate signs.
3. Manage concurrent use.
Mixing vehicle types such as ORVs and highway vehicles on the same travel route is
possible after an evaluation of the route, designation and approval by the Forest
Supervisor.
A written evaluation should consider functional aspects of the road and recreation opportunities
of mixing traffic types on a route and the acceptable risk. Items that may be factors in the
evaluation are:
1. Road Management Objectives.
2. Traffic speed, volume, and composition.
3. Road standards: alignment, speed, grade, surface, sight distance, and so forth.
4. Alternative routes/options.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 7709.59-2004-1
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/23/2004
DURATION: This supplement is effective until superseded or removed.
7709.59_50
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FSH 7705.59 – TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 50 – TRAFFIC STUDIES AND OTHER ROAD OPERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS
5. Opportunities/facilities accessed.
6. Demand for use
7. Environmental affects.
8. State law and/or FS Regulations.
9. Enforcement mechanism (coordination).
10. Consultation with local county attorney/law enforcement.
11. Proposed signs and markers, public information and education.
12. Mitigation measures (resource impacts and traffic control).
13. Forest Plans, ROS.
14. Risk analysis.
15. Inconsistencies.
This list is not necessarily all inclusive or all necessary for an evaluation of a route. Other
factors may be considered as appropriate.
After a positive evaluation, an implementation and monitoring plan along with a map of the route
and proposed signing and marking shall be prepared and kept on file. Upon designation, the
Forest Supervisor is responsible for appropriately signing and mapping the route such that dual
use is clear to users prior to allowing mixed use.
Where State Law allows such use, no order is necessary. In states which do not allow such
mixed use, an order pursuant to 36 CFR 261.54 (a) is needed to exempt such use.
Law Enforcment and Investigations (LE&I) needs to review each propsed order to ensure the
language meets legal requirements. Additionally, LE&I and other personnel will work with local
law enforcement, county officials, and other appropriate groups and individuals in implementing
the order.