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Federal court reopens Montana trails

The U.S. District Court for the District of Montana remanded the 2007 Travel Management Plan for some motorized routes in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, according to a press release from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).

The Travel Plan includes Little Belt, Castle and North Half Crazy Mountains. The plan implemented in 2007 was challenged because it possibly could have violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Montana Wilderness Study Act. The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) and the MIC had joined a coalition of recreation groups in filing a lawsuit challenging the plan.

“This is a very positive remedy for ATV and motorcycle riders in Montana as it restores riding opportunities on many of the routes and trails that were closed by the final Travel Plan issued by the Forest,” SVIA and MIC general counsel Paul Vitrano commented in the release. “The remedy is also positive as it shows that, when agencies issue decisions through a flawed process, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and industry can work together to get trails reopened.”

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