no more trails say its not so
#131
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I was having way too much fun at the Mariposa Folk Festival to get over
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
#132
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I was having way too much fun at the Mariposa Folk Festival to get over
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
#133
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I was having way too much fun at the Mariposa Folk Festival to get over
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
to Wasega.
I was working there as a volunteer and got 'stuck' making bubbles all
weekend. LOL!
I was running the bubble area for the kids right in the middle of 1 main
and 2 small stages.
We are talking serious bubbles here. There were some rope things that I
could spit out a half dozen at a time 3' bubbles and even a few 6
footers that would last a long time. Just had way tooo much fun.
Good concert too. Gordon Lightfoot even showed up and played.
Mike
SB wrote:
>
> Dam eh....
> Well, keep me posted of anything you come across and of any efforts for more
> cleanups.
>
> I've farted around back roads in southern ontario and don't see much for
> wheeling down there.
> I could see the wheeling areas sorta starting in this area and increasing as
> you head north.
>
> Wasn't there someone on here from the London area? Wonder where he wheels?!
>
> Hey, did you make that Wasaga "Blues Fest"??
> I'm taking off to Niagara after work today (parents) then off to Sarnia for
> the next stage of that Blues Fest (ZZ Top/Hip/Colin James/Bryan Adams...).
> Wonder if they'll let me go wheeling around the refineries!! haha
>
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:40F35A7E.C9B17EFA@sympatico.ca...
> > Both.
> >
> > The one area we did the clean is sort of private with absentee land
> > owners and a bunch others, one just east of you near Minden was crown
> > they put to a provincial park with no vehicle traffic and another lake
> > they posted no camping within 100 yd or so, all 'totally' caused by 4x4
> > ********!
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > SB wrote:
> > >
> > > Was that place privately owned Mike?
> > > what was done to "close" the area?
> > >
> > > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:40EDC3F8.B3D5B12@sympatico.ca...
> > > > I agree with them though....
> > > >
> > > > There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
> > > > place is BS.
> > > >
> > > > We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
> > > >
> > > > Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
> > > > Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
> > > >
> > > > A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of
> one
> > > > local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed.
> Bummer,
> > > > it was our 'day trip' area.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
> > > >
> > > > Mike
> > > > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > > > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > > >
> > > > HarryS wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > HarryS
> > > > > JAFGBR
> > > > > JAFTJO
> > > > > "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > > > > > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > > > > > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> > > > > >
> > > > > > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > > > > > STAFF WRITER
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday
> for
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an
> effort
> > > to
> > > > > cut
> > > > > > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas
> around
> > > the
> > > > > > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads
> and
> > > > > areas
> > > > > > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross
> > > country
> > > > > > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack
> > > Troyer,
> > > > > > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain
> Region
> > > and
> > > > > > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide
> conference
> > > > > call
> > > > > > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's
> > > attempt to
> > > > > > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy
> > > regarding
> > > > > > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the
> > > same
> > > > > page
> > > > > > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where
> OHVs
> > > can
> > > > > > travel cross-country unfettered.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home
> to
> > > three
> > > > > > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National
> > > Forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for
> them.
> > > > > > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the
> > > South,
> > > > > > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what
> they've
> > > been
> > > > > > doing" in defining those areas.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > > > > > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have
> already
> > > been
> > > > > > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> > > > > completed
> > > > > > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest.
> The
> > > > > review
> > > > > > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the
> Ocala
> > > > > > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting
> > > unlicensed
> > > > > > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before
> > > sunrise
> > > > > and
> > > > > > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands
> already
> > > have
> > > > > > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules
> vary
> > > as
> > > > > > widely as the areas they serve.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by
> > > preventing
> > > > > > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails
> left by
> > > the
> > > > > > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion
> of
> > > OHV
> > > > > use
> > > > > > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of
> visitors
> > > to
> > > > > > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had
> > > swollen
> > > > > > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > > > > > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > > > > > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> > > > > buggies.
> > > > > > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely
> > > because of
> > > > > > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the
> Forest
> > > > > Service
> > > > > > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala
> > > National
> > > > > > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect
> animal
> > > > > habitat
> > > > > > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who
> > > seek
> > > > > > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such
> comments
> > > may
> > > > > be
> > > > > > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor
> > > Vehicle
> > > > > > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> > > > > 84122-1150.
> > > > > > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801)
> 517-1014.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each
> develop a
> > > > > "user
> > > > > > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those
> > > areas.
> > > > > > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a
> year,
> > > > > > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed
> to
> > > make
> > > > > > its input known for each one.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart
> of
> > > what
> > > > > > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at
> 867-4117
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The purpose of
> > > > > > the new proposal
> > > > > > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> > > > > >
> > > > > > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking
> part
> > > in
> > > > > > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
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