FReepmail me to be added or removed to the ECO-PING list!
Busy Eco-morning...but another solid article!
Posted on 10/05/2005 7:38:42 AM PDT by george76
"GMUG" stands for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Combined, they encompass some 2.9 million acres of National Forest lands in Central and Western Colorado. These three forests are home to some of the most outstanding recreational opportunity in the West. Right now, the forest's are revising their Forest Plans. These management plans provide broad guidance on what activities may or may not occur on these lands.
The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), a national recreation advocacy group that champions recreational access and responsible use of public and private lands, is growing increasingly concerned about the influence several anti-access groups are having on this process. Although it is early in the planning process, we have seen a slow and steady movement on the part of the Forest Service to bend to the demands of these groups.
This is especially alarming because the proposal these groups are pushing is very similar to the extreme "Wildlands Project." Complete with "core reserves" and vast areas closed to motorized and mountain bike use, this plan is very bad for recreation! Sadly, it appears the U.S. Forest Service may be seriously considering adopting parts of this dangerous plan.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU
Under normal circumstances, BRC does not focus on these kinds of "way-out" type of proposals. In this instance however, we aren't leaving anything to chance. The recreational opportunities existing in "GMUG" are too important for complacency. If even half of the extreme proposals of the anti-access groups are adopted, Colorado will loose much in the way of recreational access.
And not just motorized trails are at risk. Epic mountain bike loops, world class hiking trails (hiking and equestrian trails will be limited by this proposal!!), access to blueribbon fly fishing, hunting, and other uses is threatened.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
(Excerpt) Read more at sharetrails.org ...
What I need to do?? Get a Subaru Forrester and go check it out!
I went to the Grand Canyon last year and had the MOST wonderful trip. Already heard the "watermelons" are trying to take away permits, helos, this and that....... do they even go there? or just want me not to be able to go there?
Dear George76:
Thank you for the information.
If most of Colorado forest is off limits to bikes areas like Crested Butte and others would lose money like crazy.
Its not that they are rolling in dough anyway.
I am a mountain bike rider, and this would be my luck.
I just move to CO get a good bike and get fit, and then they close the trails...
I sent them an email from the
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/plan_rev/index.shtml
page contact link (on the left side of the page).
Anything else I should do?
Please keep me advised.
Thanks again.
Isn't that what was on Monica Lewinsky's blue dress?
While waiting for you to reply to my question: "What else can I do?" I joined the sharethetrails.org group for $20.
Not too sure why you pinged, but "Hiya."
The first time one sees the Grand Canyon it is beyond words, and in a flash one realizes Something's out there a little bigger than us.
As far as "watermelons," they are just drawing paychecks. The "conspiracy" is not a theory, but a reality, regardless of how many accept or understand that. Ergo, though we believe those lands are ours, those lands are theirs legally, with the greenie-weenies just doihg what their bosses tell 'em to...
Thanks for the follow up.
I wrote them a letter choosing number five.
"Theme 5" is preferred because it allows for management flexibility that will best protect the backcountry character important to us all.
It allows for trail maintenance, trail construction and development of needed recreational infrastructure.
It also allows for some timber harvest, although not without ridged environmental safeguards.
This is important in order to prevent devastating wildfire, insect infestation and provide the agency with tools to protect adjacent communities as well as recreational opportunities. Massive fires pollute the air...it is not just smoke. Then the ash will pollute the water, kill fish and other wildlife. A hot, long fire will also kill the soil.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/plan_rev/themes/index.shtml
The public lands should be accessible to older and challenged Americans who can no longer hike 30 miles per day with a full pack.
"The Lands of Many Uses" should be continued as it is a this long and important tradition.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/plan_rev/index.shtml
And not just motorized trails are at risk. Epic mountain bike loops, world class hiking trails (hiking and equestrian trails will be limited by this proposal!!), access to blueribbon fly fishing, hunting, and other uses is threatened.
'r2_GMUG_Planning@fs.fed.us'
FReepmail me to be added or removed to the ECO-PING list!
Busy Eco-morning...but another solid article!
Much thanks.
I already got a reply back from the folks over at fs.fed.us
I just read an article in DirtRag mag that said pressure on the local officials who pressure the congressional reps is another way to go.
Keep me informed...
Thanks again.
bump
This land is not my land, this land is not your land, from the gulf stream waters, to the New York Isles.....from the red wood forest........to the whatever......this land was made NOT FOR YOU AND ME..............Sing to the peter,paul,mary song.
Here is a related group trying to keep public lands open to the public.
Nice for the fall/winter/spring rides and hikes.
http://www.seuohvclub.org/
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