Re: Juniper Flats needs your help!

Thank you, Laughing Bear for calling this to our attention.

Juniper Flats has had a history of non-compliance by OHV riders and the trail you speak of was a result one rider creating a new trail and others following. In the space of two years, it is now deeply rutted with other trails leading from it. We only have to look at Arrastre Canyon (which is on the left as you proceed up Bowen Ranch Rd.) to observe the consequences of inaction on our part.

With the new fee schedule on the open riding areas, we can expect increased OHV impact to the ACEC (Area of Critical Environmental Concern) adjacent to the Hot Springs. BLM is already caving to pressure from the OHV community. This is apparent from their attempted inclusion of this trail, a contradiction of their published management plans and a negation of the expensive post Willow Fire restoration effort at Cottonwood Springs. This trail has escaped public scrutiny as it was thrown in at the last minute in violation of the BLM's own requirement for process.

The West Mojave Plan does not adequately address concerns in the Juniper sub-region. It has been recently proposed that planning to be separated from WEMO to allow the various recreational users to work out an acceptable plan for the Juniper Sub-region.

It would be appreciated if you would voice your support for a separate and comprehensive planning effort prior to OHV route designation in the Juniper Sub-region. This consideration has already been given to the El Paso Sub-region, which is characteristically similar as it contains an ACEC and is adjacent to a highly populated area. In their case, the status quo will remain the same until planning is completed (outside WEMO).

We deserve equal consideration.

Mojave