Political Notebook

Conservation groups are keeping an eye on a proposed budget amendment that would bar any federal funds from going toward Forest Service travel plans adopted under the Bush administration.

Rep. Wally Herger, R-Calif., introduced the amendment on Monday that would prohibit the Forest Service from spending funds to enforce or implement the motorized road, trail, and area designations made in off-road vehicle management plans.

That would include the travel plan adopted by the Gallatin National Forest in 2006, according to local Wilderness Society representatives.