Feds criticize Idaho parks for roiling OHV users

An e-mail exchange between state and federal officials that emerged publicly Wednesday highlights how motorized recreation and wildlife advocates are jockeying for influence in the debate over how best to manage northcentral Idaho's backcountry trails.

Nez Perce National Forest managers are updating rules governing off-highway travel on their 2.2 million acre territory. Their policy is changing from "open unless posted closed" to "closed unless posted open."

In e-mails from November, Forest Supervisor Rick Brazell accused state park officials of trying whip up opposition with a letter to registered off-highway vehicle riders, urging them to weigh in on the potential for losing 24 percent to 78 percent of the forest's 657 miles of trails.