Re: DCHS Northern Route Access Issues

Both the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service through their actions, maps, newsarticles and words in their management plans direct the public to access deep creek hotsprings through the Bowen Ranch. With the routes around being maintained in such rough a condition to require a 4-wheel drive vehicle to safely access, the majority of the public is funneled through the Bowen Ranch.

The BLM even pretend that there are public facilities for camping provided by the Bowen Ranch. There are no facilities to support camping by the public. At the very minimum there should be outhouses.

The problem is that the residents at the Bowen Ranch are operating a violent criminal operation that preys upon these members of the public by threatening anyone who attempts to go around through alleged vehicle vandalism, chasing of vehicles, confrontations with guns, blocking the road, both verbal and physical threats, discharge of weapons toward members of the public, assaults, etc.

Both the Bureau of Land Management and U. S. Forest Service are quoted in the LA Times article as endorsing Mike Castro as enforcing their laws and regulations. Even though, Mike Castro is not authorized by any law to conduct law enforcement.

In addition, the residents are trespassing in a building they do not own, taking money without giving any receipts, exposing the public to a huge public health hazard, directing the public to trespass and camp on other's land.

Does this sound safe for the American public? Does this sound like reasonable public access? Does this sound like reasonable public facilities are being provided? Does this sound like the agencies are providing adequate security for the area?

These agencies do receive funding to provide facilities and law enforcement. These agencies have a responsibility to make sure that their facilities meet building and safety and health and safety codes.