BLM's dilemma

The BLM is in quite a predicament in regard to J1299. Clearly, this route did not exist prior to the Willow Fire as documented on arial satalite maps published on this website. All motorized routes of travel into the Cottonwood Spring were closed in 1983 as part of the Juniper Flats ACEC management plan. It is a fact this trail has been deeply burned into the heart of the protected cultural area by rouge OHV elements and its continued use is encouraged by a complete lack of enforcement. It has never been designated as a legal open route as of yet and there has been quite the controversey over its creation.

The State Office of Historical Preservation has juristiction over road building on Federal lands within the state. Government agencies and private builders must comply with State and Federal laws protecting known archeological sites before disturbing the soil. These laws were blatently ignored in the creation of J1299. We can only ask the question....why?

The BLM has a dilemma here and it has become a major embarassment. What is going to happen when WEMO is released is anyone's guess. One thing is for sure, investigators from Washington have been sniffing around the Barstow office and this has some officials squirming in their seats. Look for change in the future.