For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dan Boren praised today the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to extend the public comment period to Friday, July 27 for proposed motor vehicle route designations in the Ouachita National Forest. In a letter earlier this month to the Chief Gail Kimbell of the U.S. Forest Service, Boren asked the department to consider holding additional public meetings and extending the comment period for Oklahomans in the Ouachita area. 

 

“My constituents have expressed to me the great importance of access to the Ouachita National Forest,” said Boren. “It is best to make sure everyone has ample time to express their views and provide their desired proposal routes. I am pleased there will also be additional public involvement opportunities after the U.S. Forest Service releases its first specific proposal in 2008.” 

 

The U.S. Forest Service proposed a set of vehicle routes for the Ouachita National Forest at previous public meetings to open the discussion on implementing a rule that calls for the designation of public access routes for various types of vehicles. 

 

“As an avid sportsman, I believe it is critical to strike a balance between the protection of our natural resources for the benefit of future generations, and the protection of our rights as Oklahomans to have access to these public resources,” said Boren.

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