Temporary closure for Rocky Mountain Loop OHV trail

[chuzie]

According to the attached document, the closed portion of Rocky Mountain Loop should have reopened in March. Does anyone have any info on the status of our favorite trail?

I am going to fire off an inquiry to the Forest Supervisor. If anyone is a member of NC4x4 or Friends of Uwharrie, please see what you can find out.

The rumor mill is always turning. Half the folks say it is closed for archaeological items found near Kodak while other cite abuse of the area. I sure would like the correct answers.

mokin:

[broncosbybart]

It is still closed. You won't get a straight answer. The archaeologist was supposed to come and talk about it on the Feb workday. Guess what never happened....

My opinion is that the trail got too wide there. There may very well be a manmade formation or artifact nearby but I don't think anything archeological was being destroyed. Put the two together and the Trail is closed. I can guarantee that if the trail was only 2 or 3 vehicles wide, it'd still be open

[chuzie]

Well if Kodak is never going to reopen, I wouldn't mind looking at a change of venue for next year's events. Hoping Tim's assessment of Tellico2 comes back positive!

[chuzie]

Just got an email from the FS with a new closure notice attached. Looks like the closure is effective for another year boys. I am still probing for more answers from the FS so stay tuned.

[chuzie]

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

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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 “quarry” 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