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[RC] Serious trail alert; please read and forward - Lari SheaFriends, we equestrians are in DEEP TROUBLE if this plan is adopted. It is more restrictive than a Wilderness designation. Please read the article below.The BLM regards horses as too "damaging to the environment" to be allowed on these trails. Take a moment to consider the ramifications of that statement, for the future of horse trails ANYWHERE in the U.S.A. To my knowledge, the BLM has no hard science behind this statement, but it isn't stopping them. Of the alternatives in this plan, only Alternative A -- "No action" -- would allow horse use. NONE of the other alternatives consider allowing horses on any trails. PLEASE take 30 minutes to write a strong letter of objecting to the elimination of horseback riding. Some points to mention: This land was bought by taxpayer money and should be managed to allow taxpayers to use what we've paid for. Managed recreational use and protection of the environment are NOT mutually exclusive concepts. Some citizens can only access the wilderness and the out-of-doors by horseback. Many senior citizens or disabled citizens can not hike or ride bicycles but they CAN manage a horse. The Americans with Disabilities Act states that allowances and provisions must be made in public lands to accommodate such persons. Exactly what research and scientific testing has shown that horses need to be excluded from these trails? Please note the short time frame allowed for comments. Letters must be received by November 10. Please send letters to: Brenda Williams, Director # 210, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 66538, Washington D.C. 20035. Send a copy to Gail Norton, Secretary of the Interior, at 1849 C St., N.W.; Washington DC 20240. Thanks....Connie Berto Eureka Times-Standard Final Headwaters plan wrapped up By John Driscoll The Times-Standard Saturday, October 11, 2003 - http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~1692218,00.html# The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has released a management plan for the Headwaters Forest Reserve, leaning heavily toward restoration while going light on recreation. The plan calls for intensive watershed restoration and moderate forest restoration in the reserve, an effort expected to take at least eight years and millions of dollars. The plan keeps visitors largely on the outskirts of the 7,400-acre forest, limits on hiking and biking, and excludes horseback riding. Released this week, the plan, expected to be approved by Congress early next year, will likely be in place for 20 years, said Dan Averill, BLM's Headwaters manager. "Because of its strong legislative mandate, we feel this plan could last longer than most other plans," Averill said. The Headwaters Forest between Eureka and Fortuna was bought by the state and federal governments in 1999 from the Pacific Lumber Co. for $380 million. That purchase, plus $100 million more for smaller groves, also imposed additional restrictions on PL's logging, guidelines which are being litigated. Diane Beck of the North Coast Chapter of the Sierra Club lauded BLM's work. She said the measures planners used should protect endangered marbled murrelets. Keeping bikes off steep hiking trails will prevent conflicts between the two groups, Beck said, and the guided-tours-only policy for the south end of the reserve is appropriate. "To have that controlled is a really good idea," Beck said. It's the lack of access that has roiled others. One historic trail along Military Ridge, through the heart of the reserve, has been dropped from consideration. Some horseback riders hoped to use the trail. Bayside horseback rider Karen Brooks said trails can be environmentally sound, like those in Humboldt Redwoods State Park near Weott. Instead, BLM chose to restrict horses altogether, she said. "I'm going to be really upset if horses are never going to be allowed in there," Brooks said. Miles of roads planned for decommissioning could be transformed into quality trails, she said. Brooks intends to press the issue, perhaps even consider legal avenues. A hiking trail from the Elk River Trailhead into a patch of old-growth forest is planned, and will replace another steep road that has served as a trail for some time. Watershed restoration, like road decommissioning already in progress, is expected to cost $800,000 a year for eight years. Forest improvement, including thinning to promote acceleration of old-growth characteristics could cost $2 million. Averill said the plan can be altered to reflect new scientific, socioeconomic, and fire information. Strict guidelines from Congress prompted planners to be conservative. They decided, "Let's work more on the science and maybe we could accommodate other years later on," he said. Little has changed from the draft plan BLM put out in May 2002. Among the changes are letting bikes on the first three miles of the Elk River Trail. A Wilderness Study Area designation for 4,400 acres inside the reserve will not be assigned, but the area, Averill said, will be managed for wilderness values. BLM has recommended that the Little South Fork of the Elk River and the stretch of Salmon Creek within the reserve be considered for inclusion in the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Hard copies and CDs of the plan are available at BLM's Arcata office and will be available shortly at the Humboldt County Public Library. The plan is also on line at www.ca.blm.gov/arcata or by contacting BLM at 707-825-2300. Protests to the plan may be submitted until Nov. 10. "What unites us all is a love of the out-of-doors, a spirit of adventure, and a passion for horses!" Lari Shea Ricochet Ridge Ranch 24201 North Highway One Fort Bragg, CA 95437 International Riding Vacations Akhal Teke and Russian Orlov/cross horses for sale
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