[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by SunFuCru

... fine land abusers when they are found? Can't errosion be dealt with? Cant damage be repaired?

It seems to me that you haven't spent much time in the remote areas of the West. These areas are so remote there hasn't been a FS or BLM employee on these trails in years. Fining an abuser is simply not possible and certainly isn't a deterrent. As for repairing damage & errosion, again these are very remote and difficult to get to areas. Not easy to get a dozer or a backhoe into some of these places and costly to repair the damage done.

Originally Posted by SunFuCru

Can't new trails be blazed responsibly?

Yes, if by "responsibly" you mean with the cooperation of the BLM or FS or whoever controls the land. We have a new BLM area they have recently opened near Socorro, NM that has been designated for OHV use. The BLM is encouraging local clubs, ATV, motorcycle, and 4wd enthusiasts to build trails. We are trying hard to build trails in a logical and controlled manner before the irresponsible "Fawk 'em, I'll blaze my own trail" idiots get in there and start ruining the place.

Originally Posted by SunFuCru

Shutting down a trail is big government stomping on citizens.

While I share this sentiment in general, you have to remember there are 2 sides to every argument. Sometimes shutting down a trail is the only option left to the land managers if the irresponsible users cannot be controlled. The concern about the over-use of the Rubicon trail is an example. People crapping all over the place... trail blazers... drunks... environmental damage... improperly equipped vehicles... fluid spills... All this starts giving the land managers reasons to close the trails.

-B-