Land use issues

[SARMARK]

I received this email today (very discerning) and wanted to pass on the informaiton. I will try to attend and let everyone know when and where when I hear. Mark
************************************************** ****
Dear CPA Newsletter Subscriber,

The USFS – Bridgeport Ranger District (BRD) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which describes the environmental effects of a proposal by the Bridgeport Ranger District to restrict motorized use to designated routes within the BRD. There is a 45-day comment period. The USFS anticipates holding a public meeting in Hawthorne, Yerington, Smith Valley and Bridgeport in August.
The DEIS and maps can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/projects/bridgeport/tm_bp_index.shtml Note: for dial-up internet connections the files are large. The DEIS document will take 3-5 minutes to download and the largest map will take 7-10 minutes to download.
The Forest Service proposes the following actions:
1) Identify those roads and trails designated for motor vehicle use on a motor vehicle use map. Motor vehicle use that is not consistent with the designations will be prohibited under the terms of 36 CFR 261.13.
2) Reclassify certain existing Forest Transportation System (FTS) roads as FTS trails;
3) Make specific changes to vehicle class and season of use on certain existing FTS roads;
4) Add certain existing unauthorized routes to the FTS; and
5) Close approximately 900,000 acres to cross-country motorized travel and retain one 85-acre area where cross-country motorized travel would still be allowed.
Our federal government has decided that access to and use of our public land should be significantly restricted. No longer will anyone be allowed to travel by motorized means off of a designated route/road. Travel by motorized means to your favorite campsite or area to be explored will not be allowed unless it is on an approved route. ATV’s, dirt bikes and high-clearance off-road vehicles will be restricted to these approved routes.
Communities and businesses that depend on visitors to these public lands for economic benefit may want to review the DEIS; it states "VISITS TO NFS LANDS AND MOTORIZED RECREATION ON THE DISTRICT ARE NOT EXPECTED TO CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT". Cross-country travel for ATV’s and dirt bikes will be restricted to one 85-acre area near Wilson Canyon and there will be 20 miles of single-track; in a 900,000 acre public land area.
The Coalition for Public Access (CPA) will be sending additional emails over the next 3 weeks as we review the DEIS and maps in greater detail.
Thank you,
Board of Directors, Coalition for Public Access

[spressomon]

There's the hammer for the Sweetwater Mountain Range that's been in the works for sometime now. "Non-motorized use" for the "Northern portion..." See pg 11.

It's A-OK if you want to mine the shit out of a mountain with exponential pollution of various limited and precious resources (air, water, soil, etc).

But God help us if someone just wants to enjoy the beautiful landscape from some form of motorized/mechanical means.

It just isn't right. We've become a people that fears our government.

Who was it that originally said: "Government should fear its peoples"?!

This just sucks.

[locrwln1]

Originally Posted by spressomon

There's the hammer for the Sweetwater Mountain Range that's been in the works for sometime now. "Non-motorized use" for the "Northern portion..." See pg 11.

It's A-OK if you want to mine the shit out of a mountain with exponential pollution of various limited and precious resources (air, water, soil, etc).

But God help us if someone just wants to enjoy the beautiful landscape from some form of motorized/mechanical means.

It just isn't right. We've become a people that fears our government.

Who was it that originally said: "Government should fear its peoples"?!

This just sucks.

After driving back and forth from Reno to Elko for the last two weeks, you got that right. As long as big money needs and wants access, then its ok, but if we just want to see it, well then no vehicles for us.

I agree about the sucking part.

So much for "Public Lands for Public Use."

Jack

[chicago]

Originally Posted by spressomon

There's the hammer for the Sweetwater Mountain Range that's been in the works for sometime now. "Non-motorized use" for the "Northern portion..." See pg 11.

It's A-OK if you want to mine the shit out of a mountain with exponential pollution of various limited and precious resources (air, water, soil, etc).

But God help us if someone just wants to enjoy the beautiful landscape from some form of motorized/mechanical means.

It just isn't right. We've become a people that fears our government.

Who was it that originally said: "Government should fear its peoples"?!

This just sucks.

AMEN to that brother!
Mark sent this to me in a PM, and I said the exact thing. We have given the govornment too much power.
The thing is, with the mining, there is monitary gain. That seems to be all that matters in the world anymore.

Im disgusted.

[NVFJ60]

I guess that answers my question on the Mt Patterson thread. I went to every meeting they held in SV. They have one big problem in this and that is they have no way of enforcing this "ban" on motorized vehicles. As per the last meeting I attended, the shefiffs dept. in Lyon County said they will not respond to any calls to this violation. They don't have the man power or funding to chase down offenders. The sherifs dept. is opposed to the closure. Practically the entire population of that region was opposed. I am speaking of the Nevada portion. I can't say what is what for Cali. Guess i better start writing letters again. Everybody should at least call their representatives. Let your voice be heard or our sport will be limited to oofroad terrain parks. Ever been to Jawbone on a busy weekend? No thanks.

[lacruiser]

I've been into offroading for 14 years now, I've written many letters to my reps, they ALL have either been sent to the circular file, or in a couple of instances, answered by staff reiterating my "representatives" views about land closure issues. Funny how my "representatives" views always differ from mine.

It seems that no matter how many letters are written, how many public hearings are attended, that we just keep fighting this same damn battle over and over and over again, ad nauseum. They are winning the war by attrition. It's really disheartening.

I'm glad to hear that the NV authorities won't enforce this, but the USFS will. I don't know what the penalites are for violating a closure order, but perhaps what we need to do is collectively defy such orders. I seriously doubt CA authorities will look the other way, however.

Maybe an updated checklist of required equipment for our rigs should include a cutting torch and bigger fire extinguisher. The biggest gates they can erect out there (and I've seen some that are massive enough to restrain a bulldozer) would not be able to withstand that!

Cut the damn thing town, yank it off into the woods somewhere, and enjoy the road!

When they re-erect the gate: rinse, repeat.

I'm so sick of this bs.......

[NVFJ60]

Funny that you mention tearing out the gate and dragging it off. I had mentioned that toa buddy who attended the last meeting we went to about the Mt. Patterson closure. Big tow strap and Chevy power. I did just buy a huge set of bolt cutters for a job. I think I will throw those in as well. I am sorry to hear that your representatives aren't listening. SoCal is a whole different animal that Northern Nevada. Are people usually listen. The people who want the closure(s) are not regular people. They have no hobbies. This is their hobbie! In some cases, like the people who work for PATAGONIA, it is their job as well. Its hard to fight because we all have regular jobs and families and a hobbie that takes a lot of time. So sitting down and writing a letter to some elected official is deemed a waste of time, but it isn't. Let them know that a vote is at stake here. let them know that you are going to spread the word to all you know about their stance on that certain issue. Trust me it works. Maybe not in Barbara Boxer's case. She is too busy cramming her head up Obama's a** . My 2 pennies.

[SARMARK]

This is the most recent email I receivedDear CPA Newsletter & Alert Subscriber,

The 45-day comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) regarding a new Travel Management Plan (TMP) for the Bridgeport Ranger District (BRD) will end on September 14, 2009. There are three remaining Open-House meetings (see below for details) where the public can see the document, maps and ask questions.

CPA recently met with the BRD and it is imperative the public realize that once the new TMP becomes effective, all motorized travel in the BRD will be restricted to authorized routes only. Aside from those who use the forest for OHV recreation there could be a significant impact on those who camp or ride horses. If your favorite camping spot or parking spot is not identified on the map you will be limited to being no more than one vehicle length off of an authorized road or trail.

The BRD wants to identify all the favorite camping and parking spots so that the public will be able to continue to enjoy their recreational experience; however, the BRD must balance the needs of the public with their obligation to protect the forest resources (plant, animal, habitat, archeological, water, etc.). As long as road "spurs" or "turn-outs" are not in a sensitive area it is expected that the campsite or parking spot will be added to the TMP during this phase of the project. We also have been assured that the FS will develop a process where additional locations (or locations that were missed during this phase) can be added on an annual basis.

CPA would like to know your thoughts regarding this DEIS and TMP (by Reply to this email). Remember, the BRD is required by our federal government to eliminate cross-country travel and establish a TMP with authorized routes. It is best that we participate to maximize the opportunity to enjoy the forest whether on foot, on a horse, in an automobile, on an ATV or dirt bike

The remaining meetings are:

Hawthorne, Wednesday, August 26. 5-7 pm. Mineral County Public Library. 1st and A Street.
Smith Valley, Thursday, August 27. 5-7 pm. Smith Valley High School - Multi Purpose Room. 20 Day Lane.
Bridgeport, Friday, August 28. 5-7 pm. Memorial Hall. 100 Sinclair Street.
.

[NVFJ60]

Try and get to a meeting and sign the petition. This land closure crap is getting old. I was just up in Hope Valley and saw that they have blocked off a camping area with about 4 great spots on the meadow right off Blue Lakes Rd. Totally pissed me off. I have been camping there for 30 plus years. My mom used to take my brother and I there when we were kids. The road is as close to permanent as it gets without pavement. These A***oles will just keep closing down roads and trails until its all gated and closed.