Currently the enforcement presence in these area is almost non-existant. Given the budget shortfalls facing the state, I tend to doubt that any meaningful funds will be put forth to provide more for enforcement rangers, BLM or USFS. I think Laughing Bears approach of documenting and reporting illegal activity as related to OHV travel in these sensitive areas will be the best way to bring a more focused light to the agencies of the scope of this problem. The public who visit and recreate in these beautiful lands represent a collection of people who, in my opinion, represent the force that can induce a change in the current situation of increasing illegal OHV travel in areas east and west of the Bowen Ranch Road, and also along the northern rim of Deep Creek in the areas around DCHS. Documention in the form of video, photos, citizens reports to the appropriate agencies will be the means to convey evidence of what any regular visitor to the area has noticed through the years. Those of us who have a special concern about these destructive OHV activities, represent the group that is most likely to see the illegal incidents, and report on it. A ranger that travels through the area on seldom occasions, many times never getting out of thier vehicles to inspect the lands, are likely not going to truly understand the extent of this problem. Also the BLM, who cover a large section of these disturbed lands appear to be more supportive of the OHV community, than those that oppose the illegal OHV travels, that some in this community choose to do. For my part, I will be watchful on my hikes in the area and will try to document images with my camera, and do a report of some form when the occasion arrises. This is a contentious issue, finding people with strong feelings on both sides of this subject. I do hope that no physical harm comes to anyone, due to any confrontations that will very likely occur due to the increased attenion being focused on this situation.
