Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Washington Washington members that live to wheel

Wildman said:

BlueRibbon Coalition Secures Major Win for Evans Creek OHV Access in Carbon River Landscape​

Nov 23, 2025

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Categories: Completed Project | Off-Roading | SXS | USFS | Washington | Western Phoenix Project

Why you should submit here, even if you already have elsewhere!​

BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is pleased to announce a significant victory for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access in the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. After months of engagement—including comments during public comment periods, the submission of a formal objection, and multiple resolution meetings from BRC and the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW4WDA)—BRC has officially withdrawn our objection to the Carbon River Landscape Analysis (CARLA) project. Every concern we raised was addressed, corrected, and incorporated into the updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and forthcoming Decision Notice (DN).

This outcome demonstrates the power of persistent, informed advocacy and the importance of working collaboratively with local groups to protect responsible motorized recreation.

How We Got Here​

From the start, BRC expressed serious concerns about proposals that would have converted 13.17 miles of Evans Creek OHV routes into Maintenance Level 1 administrative roads—routes typically restricted from public motorized use. As originally written, the project introduced contradictory definitions, unclear management intent, and inconsistencies that could have diminished OHV access.

Our objections centered on several key issues:

  • Contradictory and unclear OHV language
  • Lack of a final decision map, which is required for NEPA transparency
  • Sediment delivery analysis concerns
  • Failure to address new information, including emerging recreation mandates
  • Potential impacts to dispersed camping
We also emphasized that Evans Creek OHV trails are not abstract lines on a map—they are routes maintained, cherished, and actively stewarded by local volunteers and user groups. Clarity in designation, access, and intent is essential.

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Collaborative Resolution​

In response to our objection, the U.S. Forest Service invited BRC and PNW4WDA to an objection resolution meeting, followed by a supplemental meeting last week to finalize outstanding concerns. We appreciate the professionalism and receptiveness shown by the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest team throughout this process.

In a formal communication, the Forest Service committed to multiple revisions and clarifications, including:

  • Aligning OHV width and vehicle language with Washington State law, federal regulations, and past Evans Creek decisions.
  • Removing statements prohibiting highway-legal vehicles when those vehicles meet the trail design and intended use.
  • Clarifying that reclassified ML1 routes within Evans Creek will remain open to OHV use except during temporary implementation closures.
  • Ensuring that highly valued OHV trails are not converted to haul routes or temporary roads where hauling is impractical.
  • Adding project design criteria requiring slash removal and protective implementation practices to reduce impacts to OHV trails during timber operations.
  • Requiring the Forest Service to notify and consult partner OHV groups—including BRC and PNW4WDA—prior to timber-related activities that could affect trail access.
  • Providing a clear and accurate final decision map showing only the road changes addressed in the decision.
These revisions directly address every concern we raised. The draft language changes we reviewed show meaningful, substantive improvements that will protect Evans Creek as a premier OHV destination.

A Victory for Recreation Access and Good Governance​

Because all objections were resolved, BRC submitted a formal notice to withdraw our objection—a step we only take when we are fully satisfied that access has been protected.

The result is an improved, legally defensible plan that protects recreation, responds to public input, and strengthens partnerships between user groups and land managers.

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Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters​

We want to thank Deputy Regional Forester Merv George, the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, and the Snoqualmie Ranger District for their willingness to engage deeply with the OHV community. We also acknowledge PNW4WDA, the local volunteers, clubs, and organizations—especially those who maintain and steward the Evans Creek area—for voicing their concerns and supporting this effort.

This victory reinforces what BRC has long advocated: public lands are best managed when agencies work collaboratively with the communities who use and care for them.

Looking Ahead​

BlueRibbon Coalition will continue monitoring implementation of the CARLA project and maintain close partnerships to ensure commitments made in the EA and Decision Notice are fully upheld. We remain dedicated to defending and expanding responsible motorized access nationwide.

Thank you to every member and supporter who makes this work possible.
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So happy to see this. Hopefully we get it back. That’s been my go to for many years.
 
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You guys should remember this... What my Jeep looked like long time ago...

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The spot not the Jeep

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And almost the same spot but one month after I'd bought the Jeep..

firsttrip6.jpg
 
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bbaldwin237 said:
I need mini Rubicon redemption after getting hung up. Honestly probably wouldn't have happened even just with the 35s, but the 33's left a lot of clearance to be desired.
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It was your spotters fault.... Wait that was me...

I was on 33" Boggers in the bottom picture & 35" Toyo M/T's in the other two...

Here's Funny Rocks with everyone YELLING "Rick you've got a Dana 35 rear axle"

firsttrip18.jpg



I put a Warn Full Floater kit & Detroit locker in it not too long after that.
 
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Wildman said:
It was your spotters fault.... Wait that was me...

I was on 33" Boggers in the bottom picture & 35" Toyo M/T's in the other two...

Here's Funny Rocks with everyone YELLING "Rick you've got a Dana 35 rear axle"

View attachment 657797


I put a Warn Full Floater kit & Detroit locker in it not too long after that.
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In your defense, I was already in a poor spot before you ever got out.
 
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And a little history about the town of Liberty.... When I was in high school in the late 70's they had the last one room schoolhouse still in operation in the state of WA.. That of course isn't the case anymore but it was still COOL....
And if we planned a trip to wheel here we could run into Roslyn to go to the Brick. It's the longest operating tavern in WA. Since the late 1800's. That's about 30 minutes away.

Established in 1889, the legendary Brick Saloon is Washington’s oldest continuously operating bar.
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https://www.bricksaloon.com/
 
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