Every year there are reports of serious injuries or
deaths at the St. Anthony dunes. The accidents are usually the result of
collisions between ATVs and/or motorcycles. Island Park is feeling the pressure of the increase in ATV riders. Cabin owners surrounded by the labyrinth of
trails may question if they own property on the edge of the Daytona speedway,
not Island Park.
The US Forest Service is in the process of evaluating the
trails available to ATVs. The numbers of 4 wheelers and side by sides have exploded,
as have the spider’s webs of improvised trails. These trails can damage the
environment and facilitate erosion. They can also disrupt wildlife. The disorganized
nature of the trails can also make collisions between unsuspecting riders more
likely.
The Forest Service proposes to create a connected series
of marked trails that will give riders an enjoyable and safe experience. It
proposes to limit riders to the designated trails. Those trails that are not included in the
trail system will be made impassable.
I just picked up a copy of the proposal last Friday and
it appears that there are a few areas that are more impacted than others.
The entire Eccles area east of Last Chance is subject to change.
Many of the spurs and trails are to be removed with the exception of an
expansive oval with 3 or 4 entrances.
Buttermilk to Upper Coffeepot will have a few trails
constructed and many of the improvised trails taken out.
The area north and
south of Mack’s Inn to Big Springs will have organized trails designated and
the improvised trails will be removed.
The Forest Service is accepting written comments until
approximately July 24th.
I would suggest that you visit their web
site: www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ctnf/landmanagement/projects and
look up “Island Park OHV Trails Project”. The proposal and the maps are
available. You can visit the Island Park office of the Forest Service and
review the proposal and maps there. The staff is very helpful.
Look up any areas you enjoy, see how this proposal will affect
them and submit your input to the Forest Service in writing ASAP.
I am planning to make my own submission to the Forest
Service. I would like to see ATV rules
relaxed during hunting seasons for big game retrieval.
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