The actions or nonactions of these agencies have created conflict in the area. The BLM did not communicate with the OHV community about the use of J1299 and therefore, they were under the belief that they had a right to use that trail. The BLM suddenly changed the status of J1299. The BLM did not handle the public meeting process very well with regard to J1299 resulting in conflicting groups and highly charged emotions and opinions.

This left the citizens on the ground in a real conflict between two groups. I agree that the comments made in the article by Ty Davis were very threatening. This is a wild west situation where real citizens' lives are at risk. It didn't need to happen.

As a result Laughingbear felt threatened enough to carry a gun as he went out to talk to some of these people. Carrying a gun is a double edged sword as we know. I have no knowledge of how these conversations are handled by either party so I can not say to what extent they are confrontational. However, Laughingbear is carrying a gun.

I have been very concerned about the booby traps and not knowing how they got there and knowing someone who did find one, of course I have been cautious. Whoever did these booby traps is a very dangerous person. I was told there was an ongoing investigation by the BLM.

But look at how this conflict was created and by whom. What is their purpose? Look who has responsiblity to lessen conflict and to provide adequate law enforcement. I think what is needed is a series of public meetings about these issues to hash it all out. We also need random enforcement focused on OHV activities and public education.