Re: Juniper Flats needs your help!

For those readers who are unaware of the area being discussed here, the Juniper Flats ACEC is located west of the powerline road. There is a hidden spring out in Juniper Flats that is a quiet refuge for the wildlife in the area. The WEMO plan provides multiple access routes in the area for OHV enthusiasts but leaves nothing for those who seek solitude for hiking, equestrian use, wildlife observation or just soaking up some rays with peace and quiet.

After the Willow Fire, fences were erected to restrict vehicles from entering the Juniper Flats ACEC and extensive erosion control work was done to rehabilitate the land back to its natural state. These efforts are working and the old road into cottonwood springs is overgrown with native plants. All is not perfect in paradise however as an illegally created OHV trail has been created by local motorcycle activists and enforcement of laws against this behavior has been non existant.

The fact that this trail was never included in WEMO planning and was only included AFTER the public comment period closed illustrates that someone is trying to sneak this through without the public being aware. Because it was added later, the public has a short amount of time to comment on this specific amendment. This is a quiet,out of the way kind of place but it really needs some attention now if it is to remain so. Please help save this magical oasis in the desert and write the BLM before Sept 12.