BLM Trail Closure Update..Roads closed by feds near Moab will stay closed

[DiehardTory]

— for now A federal judge on Wednesday rejected another request from off-roading advocates to keep road open near MOAB
Wednesday when a federal judge decided that roads recently closed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) should remain that way.
“We are disappointed in the decision released today,” said Ben Burr, executive director of the off-road recreation advocacy nonprofit BlueRibbon Coalition, in a statement. “Our motion for preliminary injunction was a first step to keep these beloved trails open, and we will continue to press forward with our legal challenge to the decision to close these roads.”
In their plan, the BLM closed 317 miles of routes that were previously open to motorized use. These closures rankled off-roading enthusiasts, who claimed that the federal government blocked off some of the most popular off-roading routes in the area.

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[Alpine Warthog]

IT's insane how much is getting shut down.. And I work for a state agency. It's amazing the mindset of some of the people when it comes to public being in the woods. At the same time, I've seen the crap left behind too. so at times I get it.

I just wish they'd be more receptive to groups that want to sponsor trails

 

[JTGuy]

I have seen land closed here out west for years. Once it's closed, it's closed. When they decide to close it no amount of phone calls or letters will change their minds. They just try over and over till they win. They win once and we loose forever.

 

[chorky]

IT's insane how much is getting shut down..

It seems like it yes. But then if anyone actually attends a management action meeting and looks through EA/NEPA projects and sees what other comments have been you will realize that the off road community is doing themselves a disservice by not participating in these NEPA processes. The squeaky wheel gets the grease (well not always). But in my area there is little to no representation of the off road community (excluding dirt bikers), so therefore managers see it as nobody cares if roads get closed. MOAB is a whole different situation. But alls I'm saying is if people actually care about access, they need to start speaking up. Environmentalists win all the time because they put forth the effort to fight for what they see is right. That's not an argument in favor or against - and let me be clear I am NOT taking a political stance. But it's just a fact that they speak up, they file lawsuits, they nit pick and tear apart the details of projects by filing FOIYAs and finding problems in the data where they can get a foothold. Most off road groups couldnt' care less about doing that - Benjamin and his program being one that does stand out of course. If people don't speak up, take the time energy and effort to offer valuable information comments and suggestions (as opposed to just complaining) then roads will continue to be closed.

The WO has, I'm pretty sure it is public, made a statement that they fully intend to reduce roads - meaning close and decommission them, in favor of environmentalists and the fight in favor or 'connectivity' for wildlife. And some of this is backed up by 'science'. So, since they have pre-determined they are fully intending to manage lands by closing roads - unless people fight hard and consistently and together, then it is a loosing battle.

 

[JTGuy]

OK,,, you have an area with a system of 4x4 trails. Some don't get used a lot so you close them due to non use. Others are overused so you close them to preserve the area. The ones that remain open get overused so you have no choice but close them to protect the area. Case closed. If that doesn't work there is always an endangered something or it's the breeding ground of something. The list of reasons to close land is endless.

 

[chorky]

OK,,, you have an area with a system of 4x4 trails. Some don't get used a lot so you close them due to non use. Others are overused so you close them to preserve the area. The ones that remain open get overused so you have no choice but close them to protect the area. Case closed. If that doesn't work there is always an endangered something or it's the breeding ground of something. The list of reasons to close land is endless.

Yeah it is super irritating. I felt compelled to speak up wondering if I was going to get shut down at a meeting the other day for a project area where a lot of roads (mostly overgrown pointless jammer roads) are being decom'ed. One person suggested decoming an additional 1 mile of road because of a ford for an aquatic concern that is valid but not critical - one of maybe a dozen total fords on this forest. Instead of offering a suggestion of a concrete ford or bridge (but budget is an issue too though). I got so tired of hearing that consistent 'lets close this, and that, and that over there' I spoke up and said you know there are disabled people like me and others whose only joy in life anymore is driving on roads that they otherwise would not walk on to see something cool they would otherwise never experience. All these road closures essentially discriminate against those who are not in perfect health. Surprisingly I think some folks finally understood that but it is a perspective and viewpoint that very few people talk about and share. Which is why I am always advocating that people speak up and give their opinions, and reasons for. Otherwise, theres no justifiable way to complain later if you don't speak up now when management actions are being decided on. It just boggles my mind how all the 4x4 communities around want to whine and complain about closures, but then looking at commentary of various projects around the nation there is very few people in the 4x4 community submitting comments. So, slitting their own throat basically.

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