The Forest Service recently agreed to make changes to Operating Plans which the agency had drafted and provided to outfitter/guides on the Bob Marshall Wilderness for signature. The outfitters pointed out that, under the terms of their permits, the outfitters and not the Forest Service are required to draft their Operating Plans and then present the plans to the agency for approval. In addition, the Operating Plans drafted by the agency contained unusually prescriptive but also vague requirements such as mandating that the outfitters use “sound, well-maintained vehicles” and provide “wholesome, well-prepared food in sufficient quantity and variety” to their guests. The proposed Operating Plans also sought personal information regarding the outfitters’ employees which was not necessary for any administrative purposes. When the outfitters presented their concerns about these terms to the responsible agency officials as well as their concerns about the appropriate process for developing an Operating Plan, the agency agreed to collaborate on an appropriate Operating Plan which was satisfactory to both parties.
