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MUIRNet Weekly News Briefs - 13 Aug 2004

Ed A. Stevens

NAXJA Member
NAXJA Member
Moderator's Note:

The past two months have been very busy with a variety of issues
impacting recreation access to trails (roads, routes, ways, etc) on
public lands.

With the variety of issues, four have risen that are VERY important.

1 -- Sanitation. This is by far the most important issue with
respect to continued access to public lands. Right now, the focus is
on human sanitation and averting the potential for fecal coliform
bacteria. As being discovered along the Rubicon Trail (Spider Lake),
there is a significant resistance by users to packing out their waste.

2 -- Water Quality. While #1 is a "water quality" issue, the major
point of water quality is erosion and siltation. In other words,
trails (roads, routes, ways, etc) that feature standing water are a
point of concern, as are trails (roads, routes, ways, etc) that
feature a water crossing of any type.

3 -- Invasive Species. Much can be argued about the validity of this
as an issue. However, it is being cited as an issue when applying
for use permits. This is not only with horses and the "weed-free"
effort; it is also with motor vehicles and their ability to transport
seeds.

4 -- Human Behavior. Yes, human behavior is a major issue. While it
is nice to think that everyone shares a responsibility ethic, that is
no the case. Where human behavior causes a user conflict, the trails
(roads, routes, ways, etc) is subject to closure in the interest of
public safety.

In short, these are issues that are affecting recreation access.
These are issues that needs a solution.

Trails (roads, routes, ways, etc) are being closed for public health
and safety concerns as well as resource damage concerns.

*************************


California (San Bernardino National Forest)

Subject: National Public Lands Day - Saturday - September 18, 2004

Here is a brief run down of the three projects for Public Lands Day
(Saturday September 18, 2004)

1. Mill Peak Fence restoration - During the fires of 2003
approximately 275 feet of Tahoe style fence vanished along with a
gate. The project consists of rebuilding 33 sections of log fence
(12 foot logs stacked 3 high) and installing a new gate for fire
protection. Lunch will be provided. Since the fence kept
unauthorized vehicles off Mill Peak, this might be good press if we
have an OHV presence.

2. Native Species Planting - Using plants from the Mountaintop
Nursery, replanting in the Arrowhead, Skyforest, Big Bear and Running
Springs area. Sorry I cannot be more specific in the location.

3. Camp Creek National Recreation Trail restoration - Volunteers
using pruning shears and clippers will cut back vegetation and brush
along a 2 mile section, and also removing rocks and gravel from the
trail tread. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact

(Mill Peak and the Native Species)
John Miller
P.O. Box 350
Skyforest, CA 92385
909-382-2788
[email protected]

(Camp Creek)
Alfredo Zarate
34701 Mill Creek Road
Mentone, CA 92359
909-382-2940
[email protected]

*************************

California (Rubicon Trail-Spider Lake Clean Up)

Friends of the Rubicon sponsored a weekend cleanup Spider Lake on
August 7-8. About 60 folks showed up, kids included, as well as Jack
Sweeney, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, and his family, and
Mike Gray, El Dorado County Rubicon Oversight Committee (ROC).

Mark Langford led the charge and organized the cleanup. Great shots
by Jes, the camera guy. :)

Go here; then scroll down to New Stuff and follow the link to Spider
Lake cleanup photos.
http://www.delalbright.com/Rubicon/frameset.htm?=start.htm

*************************

California (Rubicon Trail-10-Point Management Plan Proposed)

Several FOTR folks and organizations have collaborated to release a
10-Point Plan to Manage the Rubicon Trail.

Rumors abound as to more closures and restrictions. Whether they are
true is really irrelevant. It is time for us to take the lead in
managing our trail. It is time for us to be proactive in the future
of our trail. We have the world watching us. So this plan could
have international significance.

Please take a look at our plan.

Here is the link: http://www.delalbright.com/Rubicon/plan_10_point.htm

*************************

Utah (San Juan County Fights for Salt Creek Road)

This was in the news a couple of weeks ago. It's in the Tribune today
because the fight was joined by the State of Utah. There is a bit of
nuance about this that doesn't come through in the Tribune's story.
Formally, the State of Utah "Quiet Title Team" and San Juan County
had slightly different strategies on pursuing efforts to adjudicate
these rights of ways. Additionally, former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt
left roads in National Parks out of the ill fated Memorandum of
Understanding. The fact that the State of Utah now is joining San
Juan County in this fight might indicate a change in thinking. A
welcome change, in our opinion.

This is exceedingly good news for everyone at BRC and USA-ALL. We,
along with United Four Wheel Drive Associations went to court to
fight an effort by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance to close all
backcountry roads in Canyonlands National Park. It was both a great
victory and a tragic defeat, as we were able to keep all the roads
open except for Salt Creek Canyon Road.

We haven't given up though. In fact, BRC, USA-ALL and United are
continuing to challenge the Park Service on the rulemaking that
officially closed the road. Soon, motions in federal court will be
filed. We'll make sure you get the update on that so keep a close eye
on your inbox!

In the meantime, we're pleased as punch that San Juan County and the
State of Utah has joined the fight for this remarkable road. The Salt
Creek Road is truly one of America's National Treasures.

Utah plans to join county suit against feds
http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2392377

*************************

Utah

USA-ALL is pleased to announce the reopening of two key connector trails in
American Fork Canyon originating from the Tibble Fork area.

USA-ALL filed suit against the forest service when they failed to follow
proper procedure in closing those trails. USA-ALL's attorney, Paul
Mortensen handled the case. It's a sweet victory when the forest service
actually reopens a trail.

Please visit <http://www.usa-all.com>www.usa-all.com for the details
of the case. This is only one
of the small victories USA-ALL is working on. We thank you for your
support and encourage you to continue to pledge and make donations as you
can. We can't do it without all of you. Thanks

*************************

09/13/04 Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use

July 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 135)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42381-42395]

Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use

AGENCY: USDA, Forest Service.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to amend regulations regarding
travel management on National Forest System lands to clarify policy
related to motor vehicle use, including the use of off-highway
vehicles. The proposed rule would require the establishment of a
system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use.
The
proposed rule also would prohibit the use of motor vehicles off the
designated system, as well as motor vehicle use on the system that is
not consistent with the classes of motor vehicles and, if applicable,
the time of year, designated for use. The establishment and clear
identification of a transportation and use system for motor vehicles
on each National Forest would enhance management of National Forest
System lands; sustain natural resource values through more effective
management of motor vehicle use; enhance opportunities for motorized
recreation experiences on National Forest System lands; address needs
for access to National Forest System lands; and preserve areas of
opportunity on each National Forest for nonmotorized travel and
experiences. The proposed rule also would conform agency rules to the
provisions of Executive orders 11644 and 11989 regarding off-road use
of motor vehicles on Federal lands.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by September 13, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Proposed Rule for Designated
Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use, c/o Content Analysis Team,
P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT 84122-1150; by e-mail to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected];
or by facsimile to (801) 517-1014

For additional information see: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/

*************************

July 16, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 136)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42636-42641]

Special Areas; State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comment.

SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is proposing
changes to Subpart B of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations,
Protection of Inventoried Roadless Areas (the roadless rule), adopted
on January 12, 2001 (66 FR 3244). This proposed rule would replace
the existing rule with a petitioning process that would provide
Governors an opportunity to seek establishment of management
requirements for National Forest System inventoried roadless areas
within their States. This opportunity for State petitions would be
available for 18 months following the effective date of the final
rule. It is anticipated that this timeframe will be sufficient for
States to collaborate effectively with local governments,
stakeholders and other interested parties to develop proposals that
consider a full range of public input. A State petition would be
evaluated and, if accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture, the
Forest Service would initiate subsequent State- specific rulemaking
for the management of inventoried roadless areas in cooperation with
the State involved in the petitioning process, and in consultation
with stakeholders and experts.

In proposing this rule and seeking public comment, the agency is
responding to the continued controversy, policy concerns, and legal
uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the roadless rule.
Public comments received will be considered in the development of the
final rule.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by September 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments by mail to: Content Analysis Team,
Attn: Roadless State Petitions, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 221090,
Salt Lake City, UT 84122; by facsimile to (801) 517-1014; or by
e-mail at
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected].
If you intend to submit comments in batched e-mails from the same
server, please be aware that electronic security safeguards on Forest
Service and Department of Agriculture computer systems for prevention
of commercial spamming may limit batched e-mail access. However, the
Forest Service is interested in receiving all comments on this
proposed rule. Therefore, please call (801) 517-1020 to facilitate
transfer of comments in batched e-mail messages. Please note that
all comments, including names and addresses when provided, will be
placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and
copying. The agency cannot confirm receipt of comments. Individuals
wishing to inspect comments should call Jody Sutton at (801) 517-1023
to schedule an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Barone, Planning Specialist,
Ecosystem Management Coordination Staff, Forest Service, USDA, (202)
205-1019.

For additional information see: http://roadless.fs.fed.us/


--
John Stewart
Director, Environmental Affairs
United Four Wheel Drive Associations, http://www.ufwda.org
Natural Resource Consultant
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, http://www.ca4wdc.com
Recreation Access and Conservation Editor, http://www.4x4wire.com
Moderator, MUIRNet - Multiple Use Information Resource Network

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