E. Oregonians oppose partial ban on motorized vehicles in forest

BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) - Many East Oregonians don't like a proposal to ban motorized vehicles -- except snowmobiles -- from about five-thousand miles of Whitman National Forest's unmaintained roads.

One ATV rider, Wanda Ballard, says ''we all care about the forest.'' The proposed ban would take effect in 2009.

She and about 150 others gathered at the National Guard armory this week. They pored over maps that show the more than two-thousand roads set for closure to four-wheelers and motorcycles.

Ken Anderson, ranger for the forest's Whitman District, emphasized it is only a proposal. Anderson says they know it's a topic that has a lot of interest to a lot of people.

Forest Service officials say engine noise can frighten wildlife, disrupting seasonal migrations and birthing patterns.