Just received a response from the FS regarding my inquiry. I will let the email speak for itself. It is disheartening to have my fears confirmed.
On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 10:32 AM, Walker, Deborah L -FS <deborahwalker@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Attached is a recent closure order for the Rocky Mtn Loop OHV trail that you asked about. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Deborah Walker
District Ranger
Uwharrie Ranger District
910-576-6391 ext 100
789 Highway 24/27 East
Troy, NC 27371
-----Original Message-----
From: donotreply@fs.fed.us [mailto:donotreply@fs.fed.us]
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 9:02 AM
To: Walker, Deborah L -FS
Subject: Scanned from a Xerox Multifunction Device
Please open the attached document. It was scanned and sent to you using a Xerox Multifunction Device.
Attachment File Type: pdf, Multi-Page
Multifunction Device Location:
Device Name: pr1110001
For more information on Xerox products and solutions, please visit http://www.xerox.com
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
From: Chuzie
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 11:39 AM
To: Walker, Deborah L -FS
Subject: Re: Forest Closure Order for Rocky Mtn Loop OHV trail
Ms. Walker,
I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly and am glad my inquiry could help expedite the paperwork formality. There are a lot of rumors within the community regarding the Rocky Mountain Loop trail closure. I would like to take this opportunity to acquire the correct information from the most reliable source in an effort to educate our community. Are you in a position to address my questions about the closure?
If so,
Why exactly was this portion of the trail closed (erosion, abuse, archaeological impact, etc.)?
What needs to be done to get the trail reopened (impact study, trail modification, trespass deterrents, excavation, etc.)?
When, if ever, does the FS expect to reopen the trail?
Is there anything us trail sponsors can do to help the FS open the trail?
As I am sure you are aware, an open dialogue between the community and the FS is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive issues as trail closures. Any information you can provide will go a long way to aid in dispelling rumors and likely reduce the number of duplicate inquiries the FS and related agencies receive regarding this closure.
Many of us within the offroad community are more than willing to do whatever it takes to help the FS in an effort to have this portion of Rocky Mountain Loop reopened.
Warm regards,
Chuzie
On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 2:50 PM, Walker, Deborah L -FS <deborahwalker@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Yes I can probably dispel some of the rumors. This section of trail was closed due to archaeological impacts. There is a very large âquarryâ site on that mountain that we are bound by law to protect. Riders not staying on the trail resulted in the closure. We installed guard rail to keep the trail users on the impact area but some riders felt the need to run through the woods to get to the top from the side. This resulted in additional impacts off the main trail which resulted in the closure.
We are in the process of surveying the site and collecting data and working on options. No date to provide on when/if that section of trail will reopen. Once we have a final plan and if the plan involves reopening, then we may need the help of volunteers to get some of the work completed. There are still several steps for us to cover before we get to that point.
Off-trail riding is one of the biggest problems we have in the Badin OHV trail area. Most of the issues can be resolved IF riders respect the area and stay on the designated trail system. Otherwise, those few can jeopardize the trail system for all.
Deborah Walker
District Ranger
Uwharrie Ranger District
910-576-6391 ext 100
789 Highway 24/27 East
Troy, NC 27371
On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 10:32 AM, Walker, Deborah L -FS <deborahwalker@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Attached is a recent closure order for the Rocky Mtn Loop OHV trail that you asked about. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Deborah Walker
District Ranger
Uwharrie Ranger District
910-576-6391 ext 100
789 Highway 24/27 East
Troy, NC 27371
-----Original Message-----
From: donotreply@fs.fed.us [mailto:donotreply@fs.fed.us]
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 9:02 AM
To: Walker, Deborah L -FS
Subject: Scanned from a Xerox Multifunction Device
Please open the attached document. It was scanned and sent to you using a Xerox Multifunction Device.
Attachment File Type: pdf, Multi-Page
Multifunction Device Location:
Device Name: pr1110001
For more information on Xerox products and solutions, please visit http://www.xerox.com
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
From: Chuzie
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2014 11:39 AM
To: Walker, Deborah L -FS
Subject: Re: Forest Closure Order for Rocky Mtn Loop OHV trail
Ms. Walker,
I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly and am glad my inquiry could help expedite the paperwork formality. There are a lot of rumors within the community regarding the Rocky Mountain Loop trail closure. I would like to take this opportunity to acquire the correct information from the most reliable source in an effort to educate our community. Are you in a position to address my questions about the closure?
If so,
Why exactly was this portion of the trail closed (erosion, abuse, archaeological impact, etc.)?
What needs to be done to get the trail reopened (impact study, trail modification, trespass deterrents, excavation, etc.)?
When, if ever, does the FS expect to reopen the trail?
Is there anything us trail sponsors can do to help the FS open the trail?
As I am sure you are aware, an open dialogue between the community and the FS is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive issues as trail closures. Any information you can provide will go a long way to aid in dispelling rumors and likely reduce the number of duplicate inquiries the FS and related agencies receive regarding this closure.
Many of us within the offroad community are more than willing to do whatever it takes to help the FS in an effort to have this portion of Rocky Mountain Loop reopened.
Warm regards,
Chuzie
On Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 2:50 PM, Walker, Deborah L -FS <deborahwalker@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Yes I can probably dispel some of the rumors. This section of trail was closed due to archaeological impacts. There is a very large âquarryâ site on that mountain that we are bound by law to protect. Riders not staying on the trail resulted in the closure. We installed guard rail to keep the trail users on the impact area but some riders felt the need to run through the woods to get to the top from the side. This resulted in additional impacts off the main trail which resulted in the closure.
We are in the process of surveying the site and collecting data and working on options. No date to provide on when/if that section of trail will reopen. Once we have a final plan and if the plan involves reopening, then we may need the help of volunteers to get some of the work completed. There are still several steps for us to cover before we get to that point.
Off-trail riding is one of the biggest problems we have in the Badin OHV trail area. Most of the issues can be resolved IF riders respect the area and stay on the designated trail system. Otherwise, those few can jeopardize the trail system for all.
Deborah Walker
District Ranger
Uwharrie Ranger District
910-576-6391 ext 100
789 Highway 24/27 East
Troy, NC 27371
'77 351w- Explorer EFI, 4R70W, 4-link, lockers, 4.56, 35" MT/Rs with a severe rock addiction.
mokin:
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.
![[Image: sig2.jpg]](http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll176/mchuzie/sig2.jpg)
mokin:Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.