Zinke Opens Up 7 Miles to Fat-Assed ATV Riders.... Making America Great Again

[JoseCuervo]

In an anti-Jobs announcement for America's makers of boots and hiking poles, Zinke has now decided that it is more fun to see important archaeological sites on your ATV.

Date: April 10, 2017
Contacts: [email protected]
[email protected]

MONTICELLO, Utah – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced expanded recreation opportunities for motorized and non-motorized trails in the Recapture Canyon area located in San Juan County, Utah. The travel management plan includes nearly 7 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and/or traditional vehicle access to this area while protecting important archaeological sites and natural resources.

"Recreation on public lands is a big part of what we do at the Interior Department and the BLM, but for many persons with disabilities or for people who just don't get around like they used to, our public lands aren't accessible without motorized vehicles," said Secretary Zinke. "Allowing ATVs and other vehicles in Recapture Canyon will open up opportunities for people to enjoy our public lands while still protecting the cultural and natural resources that make the place special. On my first day in office I prioritized public lands access; I'm happy to continue that mission."

Recapture Canyon is home to cliff dwellings of the ancient Pueblo peoples that were built more than 800 years ago. These archaeological sites and related artifacts are essential to understanding the story of the earliest inhabitants of the American Southwest. Additionally, Recapture Canyon contains important habitat for animals, including sensitive riparian areas for the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher and crucial winter range for mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk.

Recognizing how important the area is for motorized recreation, the BLM approved the use of a system of trails at the north end of the canyon near Recapture Dam and above the canyon on the west rim for ATV and full-size vehicle use. A total of 6.8 miles of motorized trail has been designated, including 5.6 miles specifically for ATVs and 1.2 miles to accommodate full-size vehicles. The new designation enhances the already extensive network of motorized trails including more than 31 miles of ATV-specific trails with just over 2,800 miles available for motorized use in the BLM Monticello Field Office area. Visitors to Recapture Canyon will continue to enjoy horseback riding and hiking to explore and learn about the cultural resources unique to the area.

The BLM had previously closed 1,871 acres of the Recapture Canyon area to motorized vehicles due to damage caused by unauthorized trail construction and damage to the archaeological sites. This new decision will lift the closure order within the area. Trail design and other measures highlighted in the decision were incorporated to restore and protect archaeological sites and natural areas important to wildlife.

The BLM is committed to increasing recreational access to public lands across the country and will continue to work with the OHV community and other recreational groups in the Recapture Canyon area to enhance opportunities for responsible recreation on our public lands.

The Decision Record, environmental assessment, maps, and other supporting documents can be found on the project page at BLM’s ePlanning websit

 

[Irrelevant]

No mention of how is will prevent the actions the lead to the closure to begin with.

 

[Goatshoes]

Fat lives matter.

 

[MJE2083]

I'm no fan of ATV's but I'm hard pressed to get too bent out of shape over 7 miles of trail. Hopefully whatever steps they took will cut down on the problems, if not, close it again.

 

[elkduds]

Brilliant plan to reward and encourage the law-abiding off-road community in San Juan County and all of UT for their voluntary compliance w federal land-use regulations. Imbecile.

 

[teamhoyt]

I'm Going to buy an atv.

 

[elkduds]

The real history of ATVs in Recapture Canyon: closure protest led by UT elected officials, court orders hefty fines for the guilty officials.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/04/recapture-protest-convictions/26893235/

Before that, Feds convicted several prominent citizens of San Juan County of stealing Indian artifacts for decades on federal lands, including some from Recapture.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/21/us/21blanding.html

 

[esracerx]

What gets me is he says this is for the "persons with disabilities or for people who just don't get around like they used to"...If that truly was the case, why not make it like a crossbow where you can ride an atv there so long as you have a permit that says your old, fat, lazy with the possibility of having a disability and therefore need the atv.

I'm all for more access, but this is an area that has proven ATV and motor vehicle use is detrimental to what makes it so wonderful.

 

[RobG]

Wonder what he will give to the Bundys.

 

[Jwill]

http://www.sltrib.com/news/5161338-155/blm-approves-motorized-trails-for-recapture

A little different take.

 

[Carnage2011]

http://www.sltrib.com/news/5161338-155/blm-approves-motorized-trails-for-recapture

A little different take.

Good article. Sounds like several people worked together to reach this outcome.

 

[MJE2083]

What gets me is he says this is for the "persons with disabilities or for people who just don't get around like they used to"...If that truly was the case, why not make it like a crossbow where you can ride an atv there so long as you have a permit that says your old, fat, lazy with the possibility of having a disability and therefore need the atv.

I'm all for more access, but this is an area that has proven ATV and motor vehicle use is detrimental to what makes it so wonderful.

I agree totally but there would also have to be thorough enforcement.

 

[OriginalOscar]

http://www.sltrib.com/news/5161338-155/blm-approves-motorized-trails-for-recapture

A little different take.

Jose don't understand multiple use planning. Jose doesn't know what he don't know; and worse he knows what he knows! Living in his own reality.

So hateful during the season of lent. Sad.

 

[Bugle 'Em In]

I agree totally but there would also have to be thorough enforcement.

Agreed, but enforcement is tough. The fines need to be so high / excessive that very few would want to take the chance to lose so much if caught riding off established trails. My dad was an "ATV Ranger" for the FS and his fight to stop riders from cutting their own trails was endless. No different than wardens trying to stop poachers, there will always be a few bad eggs that give a group a bad name.

Having said this, I'm encouraged that Zinke is managing OUR public lands for multiple use. Not all of us enjoy walking "X" miles nor do all of us enjoy riding our "fat" asses on an ATV...luckily for me, I enjoy both and will have the opportunity to continue with Zinke.

 

[Gr8bawana]

 

[mtmiller]

Jose don't understand multiple use planning.

Multiple use does not equate multiple use in all areas.