Re: The reality of political influence

Interesting points Katrina and I aggree with you on many of them. The Friends of Juniper Flats has always encouraged responsible use of public lands by all user groups. We are currently working as a non profit group to establish a coperative aggreement with the BLM in order to assist them with education efforts. We also have volunteered to assist with route designation markers and help monitor route compliance as well.

The BLM WEMO route designation project has been hijacked by individuals who are more interested in creating exclusive single track motorcycle routes than resource protection. A prime example is the contrioversial J1299 that was illegaly created through an area of critical environmental concern in violation of its management plan. Is it sound planning that an exclusive single track motorcycle trail go through the heart of a riparian area known for its cultural resources? What happened to the recomendations of Casey Burns, the BLM biologist? They were altered by Mike Ahrens (formerly of cal 4 wheel) the BLM OHV program coordinator and WEMO project lead. As soon as Casey left the BLM, the project was without a biologist leaving the OHV intrests to do whatever they want. There was no archeological consideration given whatsoever. No archeologist was on the project nor were there any recent studies of substance done.

There are many private citizens familiar with the area who are vocaly opposed to this blatant disregard for resource protection. The BLM did what they were going to do regardless. Unfortunatly, the local residents have to live with these decisions on a daily basis. Of course, my wife pointed out that this is the same agency that practiced genocide upon her relatives so we should expect nothing good from the Department of the Interior. I aggree with Katrina about the reality of political influence. It effect is to silence the voice of the people