Deep Creek canyon can be clearly described as wild and scenic for sure. The "wild and scenic" designation applies to many of our free flowing rivers in this fine country. Perhaps Katrina can provide us with an example where this designation has been detrimental to the public enjoyment of our lands.
I am 100% for a Wild and Scenic designation for Deep Creek. Its natural beauty is unique in nature and its free flowing waters need protection for future generations to enjoy. The real threat to the Hot Springs is a water thirsty west with a huge population. Our water resources are exceded by the rate of development already. There has been talk of raising the dam at the forks and this idea is not new. Sooner or later, the water hungry west will want to tap this natural source and the time for protection is now.
This designation will not affect the public enjoyment of our lands here in Deep Creek. Already the motorcycle/OHV crowd is banned from USFS lands from the spillway to the T6 crossing. Today the scars remain from the old road to the Indian campground. OHV tresspass into restricted areas needs to be addressed by law enforcement regardless of who the tresspasser is.
Sorry Katrina...your friend Auggie and his CORVA buddies are out numbered on this one. Nobody is proposing to close Deep Creek. Its all about protecting our wild heritage for the future.