On A Quest.. (Don Quixote) (1 Viewer)

[rubicondon53]

Good morning gentlemen,,
Each and every time we wander into some of Pennsylvania's state forests and we see what might be a really cool unmaintained two track trail, there is a big yellow gate, which, after being out west and recently just down to Virginia, I find even more infuriating than I did a few decades ago. I've often wondered just why we, unless we are hunters, do not have access to our public lands here in PA. So, now that I am retired and have plenty of spare time, I'm on a quest to find out why. During hunting season those gates are flung open for the hunters to have access, but we, do not have access year round. And really, who wants to be out there during hunting season, unless of course you are hunting? I've been very clear that I would not mind paying for an access permit, much like the hunters do, in fact I too am a hunter, I hunt with my camera.. So far I have contacted Jim Cox, state rep, and they handed me off to our local Ranger, Joe Frasetta. It's not the first time a lawmaker has handed me off to an enforcement agency. Typical run around... Politicians just don't like it when we ask intelligent questions of them. I fear I may be beating my head against the wall. The toughest part seems to be finding out who makes the rules.. One thing I do have on my side is time.. I figure I can be productive for at least the next 30 years..

 

[Crusha]

I've run into this on more than one occasion, and in a few different states. Quite frustrating.

Is it actually illegal in Pennsylvania to be on these roads if the gate is closed?

 

[brian]

ultimately you're likely to find out that they are trying to preserve the land in it's most natural form. and that you do have access to it year round, you just have to hike or ride a bicycle.

 

[rubicondon53]

ultimately you're likely to find out that they are trying to preserve the land in it's most natural form. and that you do have access to it year round, you just have to hike or ride a bicycle.

True,, but the gates are open during hunting season, seems just a bit contradictory

 

[rubicondon53]

I've run into this on more than one occasion, and in a few different states. Quite frustrating.

Is it actually illegal in Pennsylvania to be on these roads if the gate is closed?

yup

 

[caz]

A very honorable quest, Don!

I would start by getting in touch with the Blue Ribbon Coalition - although I am not sure how much involvement they have in our neck of the woods.

Another resource might be the Blue Mountain Jeep Alliance. They have a pretty active forum if I recall.

Growing up I spent a lot of time on a motorcycle around the Bald Eagle State Forest. I can tell you that in my opinion a lot of the closures are likely to make the job of the forest service easier. People don't get stranded/lost in remote areas, kids don't party in hidden areas that are off the beaten path, people are not out dumping their trash in the woods, four wheelers and motorcycles are not out ripping up the trails, etc.

Good points for sure, but there has to be a way to allow responsible parties to enjoy these resources!

Andy

 

[caz]

Also, do not know if you have seen this page -

Open road schedule

 

[rubicondon53]

Thanks for the words of encouragement... A ton of folks whine about permits now being necessary in some of our lands out west, but I feel it is the only responsible way to keep access to these lands open, and to keep the trash out. A lot of the local communities in PA and other eastern states love to blame us, the responsible, " leave no trace" crowd, for trashing up the two tracks, but I've always noticed the trash is never in any deeper than what a stock pick up truck can negotiate, therefore, the trash is coming from the locals themselves. In a previous life I was two things,,, a jeep owner, and a "once in a while" donator to the Blue Ribbon Coalition... I'll have to go on the BRC website and see whats up, then maybe get Del Albright's attention via email.. As far as the Blue Mountain Jeep Alliance? I've had a bad experience with that useless bunch, I'll leave it at that... Once Christmas is over, I'll be digging into this issue much deeper than simply scratching the surface and giving up as the BMJA did years ago. Just checked out the "open road" schedule.. All of these roads should be open to anyone with a vehicle permit year round, not just hunters...

 

[joabmc]

I agree. I have spent a lot of time in Bald Eagle as it is just about in my backyard. Still house hollow, Panther Run and a lot of the others should be open. We ran them years ago and I can't really differentiate those to some of the other spider trails that are left open.