Ranger Nelson's OHV Bias

Wizard writes

<<In an article from 7-20-2002, done by Emmett Berg, titled " Not everyone gets into Deep Creeks Pools ". In that article we see that BLM enforcement ranger Barry Nelson ( for the DCHS area ) states " We hear that Castro has taken a " VERY " hard line in enforcing Forest Service and BLM rules ".>>

This is a clear example of Ranger Nelson's dual nature in meting out law enforcement. In a November 21 BLM meeting (last Friday), Nelson spoke to a group concerned over route proliferation and OHV non-compliance. He advised residents to be "very warm" in their confrontation with dirt bikers tearing up the local landscape. He also advised us that he would be unable to respond to complaints by local residents against such illegal activity because of limited BLM resources. He suggested that we call the S.B. Sheriff's Office and start building a basis for their response.

Nelson is outspoken in favor of promoting OHV use at the expense of resource protection. Despite historic OHV non-compliance, he promotes a single-track OHV trail system that he himself acknowledges to be unenforceable. He supported the creation of illegal route J1299 through the Cottonwood Springs cultural area. He uses intimidation to silence opposition as in the case of the two local residents who were cited on false charges because of voiced objections to J1299.

Thank you, Wizard, for pointing out Nelson's obvious bias in supporting Castro's in hard line on enforcement of Forest Service and BLM rules while advising us to back off on his OHV buddies.

Just for the record, I also support Mike Casto's hard line against those who would do damage to the Springs. I consider his work to be a public service for which he receives no payment and little acknowledgement.

Ranger Nelson should gather some resolve and take similar action against those who are tearing up public lands in Arraste Canyon and on Juniper Flats. At the very least, he could support the public in their efforts to contain this destruction. That is the reason he is paid a generous salary as a public servant.