By Jami Lundahl

The winter forest plan revision is out for the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and some locals aren't happy. The plan, which is set to have its final decision made in 2002, may include the closing to snowmobiles in three canyons located in Logan Canyon.

Logan Canyon is one of the major parts of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It is considered a high recreation area. The canyon is used for recreation year round. The other two areas of the forest include the north and west slopes of the Uintah mountains and mountains in parts of Idaho, including Monte Cristo.

The three canyons in question of closing in Logan Canyon are Garden City Canyon, part of the Limber Pine trail and Bunch Grass Creek which is near Tony Grove. The closures would deny access to all snowmobiles in these three areas. The canyons would remain open to all other kinds of recreationalists such as snow-shoers and cross-country skiers.

Local snowmobilers believe the forest service is discriminating against them.

Greg Hunsaker, a Logan resident and avid snowmobiler, said, "The forest service wants to do everything they can to keep us out of the canyons."

However, this is not the case, according to Fred Housten of the Logan Ranger District.

The decision is not final to close the canyons to snowmobilers and according to Housten, "The best alternative is yet to be generated."

One reason the canyons may be closing is because of the Canadian lynx that lives in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

The lynx is not the official reason the canyons may be closing, but according to Housten, "the lynx has potential to cause grief."

All three canyons will remain open to all recreationilists during the summer months. The summer season usually lasts from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

For more information on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest plan revision contact the Logan Ranger District at (435) 755-3620 or visit their website at www.fs.fed.us/wcnf.

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