FOREST WILL CLOSE ROADS FOR WINTER

JONESBORO, Ill. -- All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, will be prohibited on Shawnee National Forest dirt and grass-surfaced roads Monday for the remainder of the winter.

"Grass and dirt roads will be closed for the winter season," said Rodney K. Sallee, forest supervisor. "This annual regulation prevents natural resource damage when `two-track' roads are wet or soft due to freezing, thawing and spring rains."

A number of roads will be closed until May 10 of next year," noted Sallee, who added that it also insures additional solitude for hunters during most of the state's spring turkey season, which will end May 12, 1993.

The forest service will post signs about the road closings at visible locations, said Sallee. "Drivers of motorized vehicles who cause damage to roads and road signs, or leave roads to travel cross-country, will be issued violation notices."

Under guidelines in the recently-amended forest plan, a number of recreational improvements are proposed. Included will be a system of roads and trails which will allow people to ride horses, hike, camp and ride ATV's and drive through may parts of the National Forest. Trails will be constructed and improved with special emphasis on the River-to-River Trail.

The forest will eventually have a system of 286 miles of roads and trails designated for ATV use. This system, will include interconnected travelways, allowing riders to select the distance and degree of challenge they prefer.

But none of the trails are open to motorized vehicle use yet, he added.

The first of several, suitable all-terrain vehicle trails is expected to be designated next spring.

Previously only foot and horse travel have been permitted year-around in the wilderness areas.

The forest plan's new philosophy aims at expanding recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, said Sallee. "It also restores plant and animal communities native to Southern Illinois and protects endangered and threatened species," he said.

The amended land and resource management plan, which was proposed last sprint, is contained in a 400-page publication issued by the forest service.

The Shawnee National Forest consists of 265,135 acres stretching from the Ohio to the Mississippi rivers in Southern Illinois.

"The entire forest was within the 22nd Congressional District before redistricting," said Sallee. "It is now split between the 12th and 19th districts."

The forest includes seven Wilderness areas. The new plan also provides for unfragmented forest areas for migratory songbirds, areas for tourism and economic development and development of wildlife habitat.

Sallee said anyone with questions about the plan may call Shawnee Forest headquarters at Harrisburg, 618-253-7114, or district offices at Jonesboro, 618-833-8576; Murphysboro, 618-687-1731; and Vienna, 618-658-2111.