More damage at Cottonwood Springs

The FOJF sponsored a hike yesterday from the Bonita Vista trailhead to Cottonwood Springs and back. This 6 mile round trip hike was not only a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, but also an oppertunity to check on local conditions in the Juniper Flats ACEC. As expected, motorcycle traffic is increasing within the cultural area and route proliferation is expanding. Another cut fence was discovered and red route closure markers have been vandalized again. It seems that OHV enthusiasts are'nt satisfied with a single trail through the cultural area and continue to engage in open play and trailburning. The damage to the cultural area is increasing and is now being documented by gps location.

Other users in the area were noted as well. An equestrian group was noted there and a different party of hikers was encountered. No BLM presence was noted and motorcyclists continue to violate regulations prohibiting motorized vehicle use off designated routes within the ACEC. J1299 has never been a designated route within the ACEC and the WEMO plan excludes ACEC designations. Since the WEMO routes have not been formally recognized, continued illegal use of J1299 is causing expanding damage to the cultural area. The BLM managers must be held accountable for this damage as enforcement resources are intentionaly diverted away from this area.

One solution is to fund restoration projects with green sticker money paid from license and fuel tax money collected. Let those doing the damage pay the cost of restoration.