I want to respond to some of the points being expressed in this blog.  My name is Denise Rains and I am the public affairs officer for the National Forests in Florida.  I thought I might be able to shed some light on some of the comments being made here regarding Rick Lint and the Ocala National Forest.

First of all, Rick Lint is a District Ranger in every sense of the word.  Our agency grooms people in all resource areas for leadership positions.  We have hydrologists, foresters, recreation specialists, and ecologists and, yes, wildlife biologists that eventually become Rangers.  District Ranger is the title given to anyone who is the manager of that particular district.  There is no requirement for a particular background or degree, only that the person have a natural resource background.  In Rick’s case, he happens to be a wildlife biologist by profession and has earned the position of District Ranger on the Ocala National Forest through his leadership ability and natural resource management expertise.

Because of his position, Rick and all of our District Rangers must be affiliated with different groups and organizations.  Management of a National Forest requires collaboration with many different groups, agencies, and individuals.  Many of our employees maintain certifications with their particular expertise, such as foresters who are members of the Society of American Foresters.  That in no way predisposes them in decision-making. 

I find it interesting that theories abound suggesting that managers of the Ocala don’t support OHVs.  Currently the Ocala and the Osceola National Forests offer more designated routes for OHVs than any Forest in the southern region. That does not include trails that will be added after the current study for the Phase II area on the Ocala National Forest is complete or any trails on the Apalachicola National Forest. 

The scoping period for Phase II route designation recently ended and we will be going through the comments.  Issues and alternatives will be generated for the analysis for a decision to be made.  Information can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/projects/documents/nepa/oca%20access/scopingletterPhaseII_oct2006.pdf and http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/ .

The proposed Scenic Byway on the Ocala National Forest has very little to do with access or OHV trails.  We are engaged with those interested in the scenic byway to ensure it meets forest standards and is compatible with other forest users.  We don’t anticipate any conflict with OHV use and the scenic byway.

Thank you for your interest in the Ocala National Forest.  Only through input can the managers make sound decisions.  We will continue to work with you and others who express interest in our decision making process and management of the forest.

If you have any questions, please contact me at drains@fs.fed.us .

Denise Rains