Comments due soon on forest travel plan

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is going to implement a travel management plan to regulate motorized vehicle use on the forest. Anyone who wants to have a voice in the decision the forest supervisor makes has until Thursday to submit comments.

Supervisor Steve Ellis is faced with a momentous and difficult decision. Choosing between the various alternatives, which were determined after a series of public input sessions over the last couple of years, won’t be easy. Ellis has to weigh and balance ecological concerns with the interests of the public, which range from wide-open use to severely restricted use.

As with most debates over controversial topics, there has to be a middle ground. It would be nice to see Ellis choose the alternative that best represents that middle ground. Leaning too far to one extreme or the other would only result in more bitter debate.

But the bottom line right now for everyone who is concerned about the choice Ellis makes, is to weigh in on the issue. Comments are due by Sept. 17. They can be sent via

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No matter what side you are on concerning this issue, make sure your voice is heard. Get your comments in by Sept. 17.