Personally, I think it would be a win-win if the Forest Service (FS) took over access.I've got nothing against Mike, but many others have had a variety of issues with him.There's a long history as regulars on this forum are so well aware. And I'm sure Mike is tired of dealing with all the hassles he faces from visitors not playing by his access rules etc.On the down side, he would obviously lose a revenue source.

With that being said,I don't yet see specifically how the FS would implement access. I thought most of the adjacent property around Bowen Ranch is BLM, not FS.I don't know all of Mike's property boundaries except for the one adjacent to the Freedom Trail Road, so I would assume the FS would have to go around Mike's property or else get permission from him to provide access across parts of his property. I suppose another option would be to improve the bad dirt road to the Freedom Trailhead, but again I believe this is BLM property not FS.

Katrina, please let us know if you find out anything more from the FS.

And Wizard or others really familiar with the area, what are you're thoughts on how access could be publicly provided?