Roads closing in Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Starting in June, cars, ATVs and dirt bikes may no longer travel on almost 4,000 miles of roads in Oregon’s largest national forest.

Officials hope that closing roads in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest helps preserve habitat for wildlife and fish.

The Oregonian reports (http://is.gd/XunF47 ) the plan is drawing opposition from people who depend on motor vehicles to go hunting, berry picking, sightseeing or firewood gathering.

People have 45 days to appeal after the plan is entered Friday into the Federal Register.

The motor-vehicle ban would affect roads and ATV trails in a 1.3 million-acre area of the forest in Union, Baker and Wallowa counties.

When the plan goes into effect, only bicycles, hikers and horseback riders will be allowed on the target roads. Violators could be fined $5,000.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com