A draft plan to manage the White Mountain National Forest considers all-terrain vehicle use, but recommends against it, forest officials said yesterday.

The plan is updated every 15 years. The existing plan, finalized in 1986, allows for the designation of ATV trails, although none exist, said forest supervisor Thomas Wagner.

"We're proposing for the next 15 years not to allow that use," he said.

The topography of the forest is very steep, and the soils are of a sensitive nature, Wagner said. The use of ATVs could lead to "resource degradation,"he said.

Two alternative proposals examine possible ATV use in the Conway area and the Landaff area.

The forest management plan by law must look at recreational uses, allocation of resources, environmental impact and management of timber harvests and wildlife.

It is subject to a 90-day comment period, and the public also will be able to attend a series of "open houses" scheduled in Gorham, Plymouth, Conway, Bethlehem and Laconia, Wagner said.

The comment period ends Dec. 16, and officials plan to release a long-term plan by next fall.

Nashua