Post by Wyldcomfort on Dec 16, 2007 12:23:29 GMT -5
To say it has begun is naive - this is happening all over and will continue to happen right under our noses. The Federal lands are closing up shop for ALL OHV use. That means anyone who takes a vehicle into the Forest....even hunters, hikers, bikers, horseback riders tend to drive to a staging area will now be reduced to a very limited "designated area". I am sharing the below article with you because it is urgent we understand this is happening to the whole of Oregon.... all Federal areas are subject to this and are mandated for completion in 2009. Either put in your two cents now or prepare yourself and your kids for a lot of green gates and closure signs!! Please consider getting politically involved in your areas so outdoor enthusiasts have a voice!! Merry Christmas to all - Lindy
Friday, December 14, 2007
By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune
December 14, 2007
One of the most popular dirt bike areas in Jackson County should be off-limits to off-road vehicles, Commissioner Dave Gilmour recommended to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Johns Peak, along with other riding areas such as Lake Creek, Worthington Obenchain, East Howard and Anderson Butte, have high fire risks, sensitive environmental areas and, in some cases, too many conflicts with nearby landowners to continue to be used by off-road enthusiasts, said Gilmour, who based his conclusions on information gathered by Jackson County.
Recommendations and a summary of reasons Commissioner Dave Gilmour opposes or supports areas for off-highway vehicle use.
Johns Peak — Not recommended. 16,375 acres. Extreme fire risk, one critical environmental area, steep slopes and landslides, multiple small, privately owned parcels and four fish-bearing streams.
Elderberrry Flat — Recommended. 3,393 acres. No extreme wildfire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Ferris Gulch — Recommended. 2,222 acres. No extreme fire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Salt Creek — Recommended. 4,692 acres. No extreme fire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Lake Creek — Not recommended. 8,561 acres. Extreme fire risk (Lost Creek fire occurred in 2002), critical environmental area, sensitive wildlife habitat, fish-bearing streams.
Worthington Obenchain — Not recommended. 9,410 acres. No extreme fire risk, areas of critical environmental concern, very sensitive wildlife, multiple small landowners adjacent.
East Howard — Not recommended. 6,812 acres. Heavy equestrian use with Lily Glen barn to the north, and two areas of critical environmental concern: Moon Prairie and Hoxie Creek.
Anderson Butte — Not recommended. 11,742 acres. Extreme wildfire danger on western edge, several areas of critical environmental concern, half the area is located in very sensitive wildlife habitat, fish-bearing streams, adjacent private properties and historic Sterling Mine Ditch and Trail.
Comments on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR) can be mailed to the BLM by Jan. 11, 2008 at Western Oregon Plan Revisions, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, OR 97208. Comments can also be made online at: www.blm.gov/or/plans/wopr
In particular, Johns Peak, which frequently is touted on national Web sites as an off-road destination in Oregon, has extreme fire risks, steep slopes, is prone to mud slides and is opposed by 1,600 surrounding property owners, said Gilmour. Anderson Butte has similar problems, including very sensitive wildlife habitat.
"There are so many negatives for Johns Peak and for Anderson Butte," said Gilmour. "They've been using those areas like private playgrounds for several years."
Gilmour forwarded his recommendations, which weren't endorsed by the two other commissioners, to the Bureau of Land Management, which is considering how to manage 13 off-highway areas totaling 100,751 acres in Southern Oregon.
Of the eight areas in Jackson County being looked at by the BLM, only three would be suitable for off-highway vehicles, Gilmour concluded. These are Elderberry Flat, Ferris Gulch and Salt Creek.
David Lexow, president of the Motorcycle Riders Association, condemned Gilmour's recommendations, saying Johns Peak and others have been recognized as riding areas for more than 40 years.
He accused Gilmour of making a political statement rather than one based on gathering information from all sides.
Jim Whittington, public affairs specialist for BLM's Medford District, said many of Gilmour's concerns are being considered by the BLM. He said that if there are environmental concerns or wildfire risks, they would be part of the BLM's management plan.
The goals are to have better signs showing the trails that can be used, increased patrols and tickets issued to those found off the designated trails, Whittington said.
None of the off-road areas are pristine currently, he said. Off-road vehicle use is also not allowed during times of high fire danger.
Whittington said any management plan will include avoiding sensitive wildlife areas and being considerate of neighbors.
In a draft plan on this issue, some unfortunate errors crept into the document that have alarmed readers, Whittington said. For example, the BLM wrote that it "will designate" 13 areas for off-road vehicle use. But he said that has been changed to "possibly designate."
Johns Peak, at 16,375 acres, is the largest area being considered. But Whittington said the total acreage doesn't give a good idea of the actual number of acres that would used by off-road vehicles. "It won't be a huge 1,000-acre area," he said.
At a recent public hearing, Whittington said the BLM received 124 written comments, with 64 encouraging the continued use of the areas for off-road purposes or increasing that use, and 60 opposing that idea.
The off-highway vehicle areas are part of the BLM's Western Oregon Plan Revisions, known as the WOPR.
Gilmour has been focusing on the off-highway question, but Commissioner C.W. Smith said he has turned his attention more to timber resources that are also part of the WOPR.
Smith said he was aware of Gilmour's recommendation. "I'm not adamantly opposed to it, but I'm not endorsing it either," Smith said.
He said he will defer to Gilmour's expertise on the issue, but does have questions about the BLM's ability to properly manage these off-road areas.
"The biggest problem with the BLM is the lack of enforcement protection for these sites," Smith said.
He said a management plan falls apart if there aren't sufficient funds to enforce it.
Gilmour said that considering the risks, the environmental damage and the disregard for private property, it doesn't make sense that all eight areas be available for off-highway vehicle use in Jackson County.
"The old philosophy that they can ride on open land is no longer true," Gilmour said.
Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.
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1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:41 PM
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On page 4-24 of the state's Recreation Plan linked previously www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdf it's very apparent that our counties are trending towards quieter, more benign uses of our public lands: Day hiking +40% Equestrian +7% Backpacking +168% Nature Study +226% Outdoor Photograpy +238% and that we are trending away from motorized use of these same lands: 4WD use -47% ATV use -20% Dirt bike use -30% Full Message
hardmoneyDecember 14, 2007 05:32 PM
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quirkystuff, I am glad that this forum enables you too speak your mind; because I am certain you know better than to talk that way in public (about the general public) here in southern Oregon. Secondly, Mr. Gilmour if you are going to close down public access to Lake Creek does that mean that Shale City, Condie Divide, Brown Mountain and Buck Prarie will be closed as well. I doubt you even know what roads connect to what and where they go (anyone FROM HERE that actually KNOWS the southern outdoors knows what I am talking about). Thirdly, will this be a year round thing, if so I will tell you right know I will personally rip those gates right out of the ground and deliver them to your... Full Message
1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:29 PM
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the clickable link for the previous comment: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdf Full Message
1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:27 PM
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this debate is essentially about our agencies designation of the public's land to serve the greatest need for the greatest number of users, while still protecting our natural resources.here is a link to an unbiased statewide study conducted by Salem as to the actual number of user occasions by activity on our public lands between 1987 and 2002.http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdfon pages 4-23 thru 4-25 (for Jackson, Josephine, Douglas Full Message
WatchEnergyDecember 14, 2007 05:21 PM
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Americans currently consume petroleum at more than 6 times the average for the rest of the world. Our 5% of the world's population uses 25% of the petroleum extracted each year. We have grown used to a very extravagant lifestyle and become dangerously dependent on imports. Our use of internal combustion for entertainment and recreation reinforces the mindset that we can continue indefinitely in our foolish ways. Why do we act this way? Because we find that we can, at least for a while. Unfortunately the bills are coming due. We are drifting into a period of stagflation -- a combination of recession and high inflation, driven mainly by fuel costs. Has anyone noticed what's happening to the... Full Message
quirkystuffDecember 14, 2007 04:33 PM
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ECA...I don't have a problem with country folk...or those that don't have highbrow educations...as you said, but I have a problem with just plain stupid and rude. In the post about the off road issue, I said that crazygeorge had no business attacking someone with regard to their lack of brain cells because clearly george either never had many or has done something to quickly rid himself of too many. Either way, he was being just rude. And I believe there is a saying that people in glass houses....etc. Redneck tenors...yes, I know I live among those who think that jokes about farting and belching and mullets are knee slappin' funny. Sorry, but I'm not one and I am offended when people... Full Message
jw33December 14, 2007 04:31 PM
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Gilmour....You make me wanna PUKE!!! Full Message
timpi4uDecember 14, 2007 04:04 PM
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I am scratching my head in disbelief! I feel bewildered while reading these posts. Right here in White City you have a 24 hour off road dirt part on Lakeview and Hwy 140. You can't miss it during the summer look for the swirling dust clouds, during the winter look for people stuck in the mud trying to get out. Oh at night just look for the headlights out there! I still don't get how we find a balance between those who live near these places and those who use them. Oh, that right we are just supposed to be annoyed sorry I forgot.
Friday, December 14, 2007
By Damian Mann
Mail Tribune
December 14, 2007
One of the most popular dirt bike areas in Jackson County should be off-limits to off-road vehicles, Commissioner Dave Gilmour recommended to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Johns Peak, along with other riding areas such as Lake Creek, Worthington Obenchain, East Howard and Anderson Butte, have high fire risks, sensitive environmental areas and, in some cases, too many conflicts with nearby landowners to continue to be used by off-road enthusiasts, said Gilmour, who based his conclusions on information gathered by Jackson County.
Recommendations and a summary of reasons Commissioner Dave Gilmour opposes or supports areas for off-highway vehicle use.
Johns Peak — Not recommended. 16,375 acres. Extreme fire risk, one critical environmental area, steep slopes and landslides, multiple small, privately owned parcels and four fish-bearing streams.
Elderberrry Flat — Recommended. 3,393 acres. No extreme wildfire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Ferris Gulch — Recommended. 2,222 acres. No extreme fire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Salt Creek — Recommended. 4,692 acres. No extreme fire risk, no areas of critical environmental concern.
Lake Creek — Not recommended. 8,561 acres. Extreme fire risk (Lost Creek fire occurred in 2002), critical environmental area, sensitive wildlife habitat, fish-bearing streams.
Worthington Obenchain — Not recommended. 9,410 acres. No extreme fire risk, areas of critical environmental concern, very sensitive wildlife, multiple small landowners adjacent.
East Howard — Not recommended. 6,812 acres. Heavy equestrian use with Lily Glen barn to the north, and two areas of critical environmental concern: Moon Prairie and Hoxie Creek.
Anderson Butte — Not recommended. 11,742 acres. Extreme wildfire danger on western edge, several areas of critical environmental concern, half the area is located in very sensitive wildlife habitat, fish-bearing streams, adjacent private properties and historic Sterling Mine Ditch and Trail.
Comments on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR) can be mailed to the BLM by Jan. 11, 2008 at Western Oregon Plan Revisions, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, OR 97208. Comments can also be made online at: www.blm.gov/or/plans/wopr
In particular, Johns Peak, which frequently is touted on national Web sites as an off-road destination in Oregon, has extreme fire risks, steep slopes, is prone to mud slides and is opposed by 1,600 surrounding property owners, said Gilmour. Anderson Butte has similar problems, including very sensitive wildlife habitat.
"There are so many negatives for Johns Peak and for Anderson Butte," said Gilmour. "They've been using those areas like private playgrounds for several years."
Gilmour forwarded his recommendations, which weren't endorsed by the two other commissioners, to the Bureau of Land Management, which is considering how to manage 13 off-highway areas totaling 100,751 acres in Southern Oregon.
Of the eight areas in Jackson County being looked at by the BLM, only three would be suitable for off-highway vehicles, Gilmour concluded. These are Elderberry Flat, Ferris Gulch and Salt Creek.
David Lexow, president of the Motorcycle Riders Association, condemned Gilmour's recommendations, saying Johns Peak and others have been recognized as riding areas for more than 40 years.
He accused Gilmour of making a political statement rather than one based on gathering information from all sides.
Jim Whittington, public affairs specialist for BLM's Medford District, said many of Gilmour's concerns are being considered by the BLM. He said that if there are environmental concerns or wildfire risks, they would be part of the BLM's management plan.
The goals are to have better signs showing the trails that can be used, increased patrols and tickets issued to those found off the designated trails, Whittington said.
None of the off-road areas are pristine currently, he said. Off-road vehicle use is also not allowed during times of high fire danger.
Whittington said any management plan will include avoiding sensitive wildlife areas and being considerate of neighbors.
In a draft plan on this issue, some unfortunate errors crept into the document that have alarmed readers, Whittington said. For example, the BLM wrote that it "will designate" 13 areas for off-road vehicle use. But he said that has been changed to "possibly designate."
Johns Peak, at 16,375 acres, is the largest area being considered. But Whittington said the total acreage doesn't give a good idea of the actual number of acres that would used by off-road vehicles. "It won't be a huge 1,000-acre area," he said.
At a recent public hearing, Whittington said the BLM received 124 written comments, with 64 encouraging the continued use of the areas for off-road purposes or increasing that use, and 60 opposing that idea.
The off-highway vehicle areas are part of the BLM's Western Oregon Plan Revisions, known as the WOPR.
Gilmour has been focusing on the off-highway question, but Commissioner C.W. Smith said he has turned his attention more to timber resources that are also part of the WOPR.
Smith said he was aware of Gilmour's recommendation. "I'm not adamantly opposed to it, but I'm not endorsing it either," Smith said.
He said he will defer to Gilmour's expertise on the issue, but does have questions about the BLM's ability to properly manage these off-road areas.
"The biggest problem with the BLM is the lack of enforcement protection for these sites," Smith said.
He said a management plan falls apart if there aren't sufficient funds to enforce it.
Gilmour said that considering the risks, the environmental damage and the disregard for private property, it doesn't make sense that all eight areas be available for off-highway vehicle use in Jackson County.
"The old philosophy that they can ride on open land is no longer true," Gilmour said.
Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.
HOME
Reader Reaction These discussions and our forums are not moderated. We rely on users to police themselves, and flag inappropriate comments and behavior. You need not be registered to report abuse. In accordance with our Terms of Service, we reserve the right to remove any post at any time for any reason, and will restrict access of registered users who repeatedly violate our terms. Click here if you wish to report inappropriate comments or behavior.
View All Comments
1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:41 PM
report violation
On page 4-24 of the state's Recreation Plan linked previously www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdf it's very apparent that our counties are trending towards quieter, more benign uses of our public lands: Day hiking +40% Equestrian +7% Backpacking +168% Nature Study +226% Outdoor Photograpy +238% and that we are trending away from motorized use of these same lands: 4WD use -47% ATV use -20% Dirt bike use -30% Full Message
hardmoneyDecember 14, 2007 05:32 PM
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quirkystuff, I am glad that this forum enables you too speak your mind; because I am certain you know better than to talk that way in public (about the general public) here in southern Oregon. Secondly, Mr. Gilmour if you are going to close down public access to Lake Creek does that mean that Shale City, Condie Divide, Brown Mountain and Buck Prarie will be closed as well. I doubt you even know what roads connect to what and where they go (anyone FROM HERE that actually KNOWS the southern outdoors knows what I am talking about). Thirdly, will this be a year round thing, if so I will tell you right know I will personally rip those gates right out of the ground and deliver them to your... Full Message
1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:29 PM
report violation
the clickable link for the previous comment: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdf Full Message
1rogueDecember 14, 2007 05:27 PM
report violation
this debate is essentially about our agencies designation of the public's land to serve the greatest need for the greatest number of users, while still protecting our natural resources.here is a link to an unbiased statewide study conducted by Salem as to the actual number of user occasions by activity on our public lands between 1987 and 2002.http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PLANS/docs/scorp/scorp_05_trends.pdfon pages 4-23 thru 4-25 (for Jackson, Josephine, Douglas Full Message
WatchEnergyDecember 14, 2007 05:21 PM
report violation
Americans currently consume petroleum at more than 6 times the average for the rest of the world. Our 5% of the world's population uses 25% of the petroleum extracted each year. We have grown used to a very extravagant lifestyle and become dangerously dependent on imports. Our use of internal combustion for entertainment and recreation reinforces the mindset that we can continue indefinitely in our foolish ways. Why do we act this way? Because we find that we can, at least for a while. Unfortunately the bills are coming due. We are drifting into a period of stagflation -- a combination of recession and high inflation, driven mainly by fuel costs. Has anyone noticed what's happening to the... Full Message
quirkystuffDecember 14, 2007 04:33 PM
report violation
ECA...I don't have a problem with country folk...or those that don't have highbrow educations...as you said, but I have a problem with just plain stupid and rude. In the post about the off road issue, I said that crazygeorge had no business attacking someone with regard to their lack of brain cells because clearly george either never had many or has done something to quickly rid himself of too many. Either way, he was being just rude. And I believe there is a saying that people in glass houses....etc. Redneck tenors...yes, I know I live among those who think that jokes about farting and belching and mullets are knee slappin' funny. Sorry, but I'm not one and I am offended when people... Full Message
jw33December 14, 2007 04:31 PM
report violation
Gilmour....You make me wanna PUKE!!! Full Message
timpi4uDecember 14, 2007 04:04 PM
report violation
I am scratching my head in disbelief! I feel bewildered while reading these posts. Right here in White City you have a 24 hour off road dirt part on Lakeview and Hwy 140. You can't miss it during the summer look for the swirling dust clouds, during the winter look for people stuck in the mud trying to get out. Oh at night just look for the headlights out there! I still don't get how we find a balance between those who live near these places and those who use them. Oh, that right we are just supposed to be annoyed sorry I forgot.