It's super frustrating especially when the reasoning behind that decision is questionable. But at least you didn't sink thousands of dollars into those maps, right?
Is anyone working for forests/parks elsewhere who could say that it works really well in *** and good for locals and tourism and that they were hoping to visit Missoula for orienteering in the future?
Do they allow hunting in these forests? hard to argue against off trail use when hunting is allowed.
I find these decisions double difficult. 1) because I love to orienteer (like you) and 2) because as an environmental scientist I know these decisions are not being made by looking at the science.
Let me know if I can help in any way Boris.
Maybe check with your club members/participants and see if anyone knows someone at the NFS offices.