RENO, Nev. (Legal Newsline) – Several organizations are challenging decisions that allegedly limit the routes for a motorcycle trail riding event on public land.
Sierra Trail Dogs Motorcycle and Recreation Club, Pine Nut Mountains Trails Association, and American Motorcyclist Association, District 36, et al. filed a complaint on Dec. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada against United States Forest Service, Humboldt Toiyable National Forest, and Forest Supervisor William Dunkelberger citing the National Forest Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs challenge the forest's Greater Sage-grouse Bi-State Distinct Population Segment Forest Plan Amendment Final Record of Decision (ROD) dated May 16, 2016, and accompanying final environmental impact statement special recreation permits issued to them.
"The decisions impose signification restrictions on long-existing recreational access, preventing the agencies from considering permits for off-highway vehicle events in or near habitat for Bi-State sage-grouse," the complaint states.
The plaintiffs allege the ROD changes will impact the Mystery 250 ride event by limiting the options for routes.
The plaintiffs seek an order to declare unlawful and set aside the final ROD and/or permits; remand the applicable matters in the final ROD and/or permits for further review; fees, costs, and other further relief the court may find just. They are represented by John C. Boyden of Erickson, Thorpe & Swainston LTD in Reno, Nevada and Paul A. Turcke of MSBT Law, Chartered in Boise, Idaho.
U.S. District Court for District of Nevada case number 3:18-cv-00594-MMD-CBC