The Norbeck Society’s first project, Alliance for Organizing Open Trails, a.k.a. AFOOT, is to participate in the upcoming travel management plan for the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF). The BHNF is one of the most densely-roaded and trailed national forests in the United States and is one of the last to formulate a forest-wide travel management plan. Road densities in some areas exceed 7 miles per square mile. Densities average 5 miles per square mile for Forest Service roads alone (excluding state, county or private), equivalent to road densities found in Kansas City!! Furthermore, according to the BHNF, approximately one mile of unauthorized motorized trails or roads is being created every week by off-road riders.

Excessive road densities and unauthorized roads create resource concerns such as soil and water conservation, loss of wildlife habitat, spread of invasive weeds, impacts to unique plant communities and forest fragmentation. Concerns have reached a more human element, including disturbances to folks who live next to the BHNF, lack of areas conducive to human solitude and peace, and lack of effective enforcement of the few regulations that do exist. Project AFOOT is seeking reasonable human access to and within the BHNF, concurrent with stewardship and sustained use of public resources.

Project AFOOT seeks new members who are interested in participating in a process to designate roads and trails, and areas of solitude and peace, and to advocate conservation and restoration where needed. In the near future, Project AFOOT will encourage suggestions by the public to help coordinate adoption of trails, roads and areas of solitude.

● To advocate a designated roads/trails system for travel management on the BHNF, in line with the proposed national rule.
● To educate the public on sustainable use of public lands, focusing initially on the BHNF.
● To identify and inventory areas that are vulnerable to resource damage from inappropriate or excessive use by mechanized or motorized vehicles, and to assist with signage and barriers for closed or vulnerable areas.
● To assist with restoration of damaged areas.
● To be involved in drafting State off-highway vehicle (OHV) legislation.
● To coordinate and interact with other user groups and the BHNF to establish a travel management plan.
● To promote enhancement of public land aesthetics, including designated areas of solitude and peace.

Located on this Site.
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