Re: Disaster in Arrastra Canyon

The State OHV commission was greatly concerned to learn that rehab projects paid for with grant funding awarded by that agency had once again been completly destroyed by an angry and militant element within the OHV user group.

A discussion was then held about strengthing efforts to combat illegal non-compliant offroaders who cant seem to follow a legal trail. The State OHV Division and the OHV Commission discussed options and it was suggested that a field trip be conducted to the region in the near future.

With illegal Off-roaders continuing to ride roughshod over the entire area, taking advantage to the funding shortages that limit law enforcement, the options are limited as to how best to handle the increasingly lawless situation. Some of these riders are packing guns and are shooting everything in sight, including thier own trail markers. All signs are pointing to an emergency closure of the area to unlicensed off-road vehicles until the BLM can adequatly manage the OHV chaos that is destroying the scenic beauty of the area.

Public safety is an issue. Please be aware that there have been several near misses on Bowen Ranch Road as OHV riders tear around those blind corners at a high rate of speed. One local resident was involved in a head on accident with a speeding unlicensed dune buggy not long ago. When diving the road, it is wise to go slowly and watch for oncoming vehicles. Bowen ranch road is a county maintained road. Unlicensed vehicles and OHVs are prohibited by law.