Letter: Forest Service seeks to limit use of land

Camping, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, etc., on Forest Service land is enjoyed by many people, but they may not anymore. The Eldorado National Forest adopted a regulation ("Wheeled Public Motor Vehicle Travel Management Plan") this summer which limits parking to 12 feet off the road, unless in a developed campground. The Forest Service can ticket you for going off the road more than one vehicle length.

I love to camp and ride my horse in the mountains surrounded by fresh air, beautiful trees and flowers. I know that others like to pursue their interests, too, and do not want to be in a developed campground or parked next to a dusty road. Imagine you and your friends having to park your cars and trailers (boat, camping, horse, or what have you) on the side of the road? Can anyone really enjoy camping like this?

Most people don't know this is happening because the regulation pertains to "off-highway vehicles." I don't have an OHV, so I didn't pay any attention. However, others picked up on it and attended the hearings. The U.S. Forest Service changed the definition of "off highway vehicle" from a vehicle for off-roading, (i.e., all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, snow mobiles, dune buggies,) to include any vehicle that pulls off the road further than 12 feet. The Mother Lode Unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California and other users filed an appeal, but it was summarily denied by the Forest Service.

Something is very wrong with this picture. And, it's going to get worse! According to the Forest Service, this regulation will be adopted nationwide. The Tahoe National Forest is currently preparing to adopt it, with its initial report due out this month.

It is time to let the U.S. Forest Service, our congressmen and U.S. senators know that this is an unnecessary and unrealistic regulation and is needlessly restrictive of the use of our forest land.

Corky Layne
Oroville