You have agreement here, Katrina.
The only place that the cards can be placed on the table is through a public forum. That has been denied by BLM in the case of the proposed trail through Cottonwood Springs. Potential recreational users must be given the opportunity to present their inputs as required by WEMO. Local residents and holders of private lands must be also be given a voice.
You will likely find much support for your assertion that this trail may be appropriate for non-motorized access to Cottonwood Springs. To date, the interests of those recreational users have been ignored by WEMO.
As you state, the proposed trail also negates the considerable taxpayer funds already spent in the protection and restoration of this area. Why is the BLM not accountable for maintaining direction? And, why has the BLM totally ignored their own Juniper Flats ACEC Management Plan in proposing to open this trail?
Contrary to your inference, there already exists a legal OHV route across Juniper Flats. What the locals object to is the unnecessary and illegal destruction of a valuable and protected public resource without regard for process.