BLM Route Designation

I just returned from the BLM Juniper Sub region meeting in Apple Valley where the almost final route designations were presented to us interested parties. DCV was well represented with 5 members in attendance along with a variety of others representing multiple intrests. The BLM did their best to be all inclusive in their decisions while biting the bullet on some tough and controversial issues.

I am happy to report that the BLM recognizes the need for a free public access route to the trailhead for Deep Creek. The current JF3 -JF4_route will remain open and a staging area is marked upon the map where the road becomes impassable for 2wd vehicles. This means the BLM recognizes people park at this location to access trails into Deep Creek. Route numbers have been changed for maping purpuses to RJ2024 and RJ 2015 and will be marked as so on the new maps.

The BLM also recognized the sensitivity of the Juniper Flats ACEC and decided to protect it by closing the controversial J1299 to motorized vehicle use. Its number is now designated RJ1057. As a compromise to the motorcycle users, the BLM established a network of single track routes in the area with the thought in mind that a combination of established routes combined with public education would help deter non compliant motorcycle riders.

All in all some tough decisions had to be made and not everyone is going to be happy. I believe the BLM did their best to come up with something everyone could live with. Its been really interesting to be involved in the whole process and I would like to thank all who wrote letters in support of protecting the Juniper Flats ACEC.

Many of the routes on the border of the USFS lands were closed as well to preserve the status of the Deep Creek non motorized vehicle area. The area surrounding the Hot Springs remains a refuge from the noise of the internal combustion engine.....an experience that is becoming increasingly rare in this day and age.