The forum is gettin' hot...but I'm glad to see the issues being presented and would also like to recommend that we all proceed with an attempt to resolve the issues and to avoid rehashing past controversies, airing personal agendas, etc.

Like others here, I have considered Mike Castro a friend, have appreciated the times that he came to my and others' aid, and have felt that his presence was an asset to the hot springs, especially in light of what I have heard about former Bowen Ranch operators. I still have these appreciations and am saddened to find myself deeply angry over some of the comments recently attributed to Mr. Castro concerning his neighbors, private property, and public property.

His comments as posted on this forum must be considered to be hearsay out of fairness, despite the fact that many of us trust the sources. To add to this hearsay, I have also heard some of his comments and share the frustration expressed by AZ Mike over being cut off and not listened to when attempting to discuss the matters with Mr. Castro.

Here is my view of the situation:
1. Mike Castro is opposed to efforts to close an illegal trail through the ACEC, while I am in favor of keeping it closed and enforcing that closure. This difference of opinion would not warrent hatred, enmity, or even a mention on this public forum.
2. A neighboring property owner and friend to Mr. Castro drew a comparison between Moss Mill Road and the trail in the ACEC. His comments were overheard and repeated to Mr. Castro. Mr. Castro reacted in anger at this hearsay and made comments against his neighbor. These comments were repeated to the neighbor...and so on.
3. I made attempts to get Mr. Castro and his neighbor to talk, feeling that angers could be cooled, differences settled, and a positive relationship fostered once both of their words were being addressed to one another directly and not through a third party...where translations might change or the intent of the comments get twisted. My efforts failed.

I have been accused of having an inordinate sense of fairness, and will not dispute it. I am angry, but trying to temper my anger by reminding myself that all these hard feelings began by people reacting to hearsay. With that in mind, I will try to stick to the issues at hand.

I am in full agreement with Mojave Green, Laughing Bear, Paul P., Blue Corn, and others in their comments about OHV destruction and BLM complicity in that desthe ACEC, while I am in favor of keeping it closed and enforcing that closure. This difference of opinion would not warrent hatred, enmity, or even a mention on this public forum.
2. A neighboring property owner and friend to Mr. Castro drew a comparison between Moss Mill Road and the trail in the ACEC. His comments were overheard and repeated to Mr. Castro. Mr. Castro reacted in anger at this hearsay and made comments against his neighbor. These comments were repeated to the neighbor...and so on.
3. I made attempts to get Mr. Castro and his neighbor to talk, feeling that angers could be cooled, differences settled, and a positive relationship fostered once both of their words were being addressed to one another directly and not through a third party...where translations might change or the intent of the comments get twisted. My efforts failed.

I have been accused of having an inordinate sense of fairness, and will not dispute it. I am angry, but trying to temper my anger by reminding myself that all these hard feelings began by people reacting to hearsay. With that in mind, I will try to stick to the issues at hand.

I am in full agreement with Mojave Green, Laughing Bear, Paul P., Blue Corn, and others in their comments about OHV destruction and BLM complicity in that destruction in this area. I am hopeful that the efforts of Friends of Juniper Flats will be effective in that regard. I am optimistic that, regardless of how long lawless riding has occured in the area, it will not continue. Anyone who shares these concerns should consider joining Friends of Juniper Flats and helping us to protect our public lands for multiple usage in the future.