Proposed change

I would suggest your consideration of the following changes:

<<"It is with this in mind that we are against legalizing of an OHV trail right through this area.">>


It is with this in mind that we are against the legalizing of a redundant OHV trail that threatens the Cottonwood Springs cultural and riparian area."

<<Juniper Flats Rd. and other current open roads already provide adequate access to most areas.>>

Juniper Flats Rd. and other current open roads already provide adequate access across Juniper Flats.

<<This trail in particular crosses areas that have been previously closed to all vehicles to allow the vegetation to grow back. The fences and signage that were installed as part of this restoration process were funded by taxpayer money.>>

Cottonwood Springs is the key Juniper Flats resource and is protected by an ACEC. A closure, route obliteration, fence construction, and parking lot project was recently completed at that location at taxpayer expense.

<<Having a legal route will only increase this abuse. The Cottonwood Springs area is even more environmentally sensitive than the rest of Juniper Flats due to its cultural and riparian areas. This trail that did not exist prior to the Willow fire will cross right through that area. The tire tracks of these vehicles are visible even after all vegetation grows back following the winter storms. The noise they produce also affects many animal species in the area.>>


J1299 is already deeply rutted and is the result of OHV non-compliance to the closure following the Willow Fire. Legalizing it would send a signal to the OHV community that non-compliance will be rewarded. There are already new trails proliferating frpm this illegal route resulting in erosion, weed proliferation and increased threat of wildfires. OHV noise is disruptive to animals and to recreational users who have hiked in from the parking lot.

<<We encourage the BLM to consider this proposal and ask that you please remove this trail and all OHV access from the Juniper Flats area with the exception of existing Juniper Flats Rd. Perhaps there is an alternative area that is less environmentally sensitive and more appropriate for OHV use that your agency could make available for just such use. >>

We request that OHV access be limited to the present open routes (Juniper Flats Rd., Powerline Rd., and Bowen Ranch Rd.) We understand that Juniper Flats is designated as a limited use OHV area and that several nearby areas have already been provided for unrestricted OHV use.

We appreciate your consideration of our request and would welcome the opportunity to be involved in any future planning effort that involves Juniper Flats and Deep Creek Hot Springs.