Katrina's argument is reinforced by the fact that Moss Mill Rd. was excluded from emergency closure of routes as recorded in Dec. 93 despite having been blocked by Mike Castro in 1992. If Moss Mill Rd. was not open following the enduro event, the closure was illegal.

Subsequent closure of Moss Mill Rd. by BLM after the Willow Fire was not subjected to public review.

Similarly, Moss Mill Rd. was taken off the table in WEMO.

Here is my speculation:

Moss Mill Rd. was acquired in a land exchange to provide public access to Deep Creek Hot Springs. The easement was blocked by the leaseholder (Castro) because it conflicted with his toll business. Lacking resources for visitor control to the hot springs, BLM decided to cooperate with Castro. They created a new, circuitous and more difficult route to provide connectivity. In the event that Bowen Ranch closes, the public will demand easier access to the hot springs. At that time, there will be pressure to re-open Moss Mill Rd. and to provide a ranger for visitor control.

Full-time BLM Ranger presence on Juniper Flats and controlling hot springs access seems to be highly desirable considering recent events.