The continuing balancing act between the motorized and non-motorized in the woods evolves, and the more it serves each, while protecting what each treasure, the better for all of us.
Off-roaders lose 1,000 miles of trail in new Eldorado plan
By Matt Weiser - mweiser@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Off-road enthusiasts will have about 1,000 fewer miles of trails to motor across in the Eldorado National Forest next year.
The Eldorado covers nearly 790,000 acres on the southern flank of Lake Tahoe.
It is one of the most heavily used national forests in America and has seen growing conflict over off-road vehicles in areas also used by hikers and other non-motorized visitors.
Forest managers Tuesday designated an official network of off-road vehicle routes within the forest in hopes of minimizing conflicts and protecting the environment. The action comes after a three-year planning process, triggered by a lawsuit filed by environmentalists in 2002.
The Eldorado plan helped launch a national effort to manage off-roading in federal forests. All U.S. forests are now required to complete such plans. The Eldorado plan is the first for the huge Sierra Nevada region.
Getting there was contentious. More than 6,000 people posted comments during the off-road mapping process.
"What people will have out there is a system of routes they know they can ride on," said forest spokesman Frank Mosbacher. "It does enhance the conservation of the forest environment. It increases the likelihood you'll have more quiet recreation."
The plan appears to be a mixed bag for both environmentalists and off-road enthusiasts.
