From staff reports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has decided to authorize a 12.9-mile, two-way all-terrain vehicle trail and enhance a wetland in Jenks and Howe townships.
The Forest Service had accepted public comments for the Marienville ATV Connector and Wetland Restoration project in Allegheny National Forest, and based its decision on the comments and environmental analysis, according to a news release.
With the designation of about 5.1 miles of Greeley Farm Road as a dual-use road by Jenks Township, the decision to authorize construction of the 12.9 miles of trail on National Forest System lands is intended to establish an 18.1-mile ATV connector route that will provide access from the center of Marienville to the Marienville/Timberline ATV Trail system, the release said.
It also falls within portions of the forest’s management for late structural linkages (Management Area 2.2) and even-aged management (Management Area 3.0).
After receiving public comments, the forest made modifications to the proposed route in order to reduce the potential for stream sedimentation and to address concerns where the trail is in close proximity to summer residences, the release said. This included trail relocation, as well as sound and speed tempering design features.
For more information, call Rob Fallon, district ranger, at (814) 927-5799 or email rob.fallon@usda.gov.
