WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) sent a letter to Dave Whittekiend, Forest Supervisor of the Mark Twain National Forest, echoing concerns that the closure of established roads to motorized access would create conflicts with local interests.

“These roads are part of the way in which nearby residents use the forest for recreation, camping, hunting, as well as a connection to the heritage of our communities in places like family cemeteries within the Mark Twain National Forest,” Emerson said.  “Any attempt to close roads in the MTNF needs to be accompanied by a robust effort to ensure the people who rely on the roads have the chance to help keep them open.  At the very least, the Forest Service must have an open discussion with citizens who use these roads regularly about their importance.”

The roads being considered for closure have been identified at the discretion of individual Ranger Districts, and Emerson is pressing for more consideration of local interests before the Forest Service proceeds with closings.