Bucksnbulls08
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For those of you that are unaware, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is closing approx. 95% of all the roads on the Dutton Unit. Other forests are or will be under the same attack. I just spent the last 2 weeks traveling the unit and a vast majority of the roads are already closed while many more are marked for destruction. Many of us feel that this is an arbitrary attempt to limit the public use of a public resource and complete and blatant discrimination against handicapped and elderly persons.
I spoke with a USFS representative for the Powell Ranger Dist. in Panguitch. This individual identified the criteria for the selection of roads to be closed and many of the roads that are being closed do not meet the criteria. I was advised that Washington has dictated that each forest is allowed so many miles of road for every sq. mile of forest, roads need to be closed to achieve that goal. I was also advised that the intent was to closes less than 75% of the roads. When I questioned about the high percentage for the Dutton area, I was advised that the Powell Ranger Dist. in comprised of the Dutton and the Paunsaugunt, because the Paunsaugunt receives more publicity and public use by hikers and bicyclists that the decision was made to transfer a portion of the closures to the Dutton instead of the Paunsaugunt.
The USFS will allow vehicle travel off the roadway to a camp site, no more than 150' from the center line of the road, this includes woodcutting travel also.
As a hunter, I can see the benefit to the wildlife with the road closure. In reality, the benifit will not be there as much because so many people ignore the closures and travel where they please anyway. The overall detriment will by far out weigh the benefits.
The USFS representative advised me that this was driven by the environmentalists in Washington and has no merit locally. The specific roads to be closed were decided by the Dixie Forest Supervisor Rob MacWherter, who has never stepped a foot on the Dutton nor does he have a clue about the area. I understand he has made the comment that no one uses wood for primary heating any longer, in regards to wood cutting for heating purposes, that is how far out of touch he is.
If many thought the Southern units were over crowded before, look out The congestion is going to get worse, with the only camping and parking being on the main road.
Currently the road from Antimony to Cottonwood is open and a small portion of the East and West Hunt Creek roads are open. These are closed not too far into the hills and all spur roads off these are closed.
I hope you are as disappointed as I am with our government agency that should be the steward of the land for the benefit of the public instead of limiting uses for the public. They are managing for the few special groups instead of the majority of public.
I urge everyone that is concerned with this situation to call the Dixie National Forest office in Cedar City or the Powell Ranger Dist Office in Panguitch and verbally file a complaint. We can only slow down this loss of public land by making our voices heard.
USFS advertises the "land of many uses", it is now the land of few uses.
USFS is quickly becoming Public Enemy # 1.
The forest nearest you will be next if not currently in action, so please go forth and scream!
JoeBucksnbulls08
Posts: 19
Joined: Sep 18, '08, 9:08
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I spoke with a USFS representative for the Powell Ranger Dist. in Panguitch. This individual identified the criteria for the selection of roads to be closed and many of the roads that are being closed do not meet the criteria. I was advised that Washington has dictated that each forest is allowed so many miles of road for every sq. mile of forest, roads need to be closed to achieve that goal. I was also advised that the intent was to closes less than 75% of the roads. When I questioned about the high percentage for the Dutton area, I was advised that the Powell Ranger Dist. in comprised of the Dutton and the Paunsaugunt, because the Paunsaugunt receives more publicity and public use by hikers and bicyclists that the decision was made to transfer a portion of the closures to the Dutton instead of the Paunsaugunt.
The USFS will allow vehicle travel off the roadway to a camp site, no more than 150' from the center line of the road, this includes woodcutting travel also.
As a hunter, I can see the benefit to the wildlife with the road closure. In reality, the benifit will not be there as much because so many people ignore the closures and travel where they please anyway. The overall detriment will by far out weigh the benefits.
The USFS representative advised me that this was driven by the environmentalists in Washington and has no merit locally. The specific roads to be closed were decided by the Dixie Forest Supervisor Rob MacWherter, who has never stepped a foot on the Dutton nor does he have a clue about the area. I understand he has made the comment that no one uses wood for primary heating any longer, in regards to wood cutting for heating purposes, that is how far out of touch he is.
If many thought the Southern units were over crowded before, look out The congestion is going to get worse, with the only camping and parking being on the main road.
Currently the road from Antimony to Cottonwood is open and a small portion of the East and West Hunt Creek roads are open. These are closed not too far into the hills and all spur roads off these are closed.
I hope you are as disappointed as I am with our government agency that should be the steward of the land for the benefit of the public instead of limiting uses for the public. They are managing for the few special groups instead of the majority of public.
I urge everyone that is concerned with this situation to call the Dixie National Forest office in Cedar City or the Powell Ranger Dist Office in Panguitch and verbally file a complaint. We can only slow down this loss of public land by making our voices heard.
USFS advertises the "land of many uses", it is now the land of few uses.
USFS is quickly becoming Public Enemy # 1.
The forest nearest you will be next if not currently in action, so please go forth and scream!
JoeBucksnbulls08
Posts: 19
Joined: Sep 18, '08, 9:08
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