upinit
08-23-2005, 08:08 PM
I just saw this on the news and pulled it off the KCRA website. The El Dorado National Forest website does not mention any specific roads. Does anyone have any input?
:mad3:
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- Starting this week, there are some new rules in place for the El Dorado National Forest. Visitors will see some restrictions on where they can drive and where they can't.
Rangers are talking to visitors this week, explaining the new rules, following a lawsuit that accused the Forest Service of inadequately managing its roads and trials. A court has ordered the El Dorado National Forest to close all roads and trails that are not officially identified as part of the forest's road system.
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The roads will be closed until an environmental impact report is complete, which means more than 700 miles of roads and trails will be off limits to all motorized vehicles. Officials expect the roads to be closed for more than a year. During that time, the forest service will determine which roads will be re-opened, and which will be closed permanently.
Visitors can still camp and picnic outside designated campgrounds but with some restrictions.
"People can still camp off the road. They can drive off the road two car lengths. And they can park, and they can carry their gear in," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Frank Mosbacher.
Rangers said they will not be issuing tickets to violators for now, just handing out warnings.
There are some exceptions to the road closures. Snowmobiles, mountain bikes and horses will be allowed on all roads.
The Forest Service is asking for public input on the road closures. For more information
:mad3:
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- Starting this week, there are some new rules in place for the El Dorado National Forest. Visitors will see some restrictions on where they can drive and where they can't.
Rangers are talking to visitors this week, explaining the new rules, following a lawsuit that accused the Forest Service of inadequately managing its roads and trials. A court has ordered the El Dorado National Forest to close all roads and trails that are not officially identified as part of the forest's road system.
Story continues below ad
The roads will be closed until an environmental impact report is complete, which means more than 700 miles of roads and trails will be off limits to all motorized vehicles. Officials expect the roads to be closed for more than a year. During that time, the forest service will determine which roads will be re-opened, and which will be closed permanently.
Visitors can still camp and picnic outside designated campgrounds but with some restrictions.
"People can still camp off the road. They can drive off the road two car lengths. And they can park, and they can carry their gear in," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Frank Mosbacher.
Rangers said they will not be issuing tickets to violators for now, just handing out warnings.
There are some exceptions to the road closures. Snowmobiles, mountain bikes and horses will be allowed on all roads.
The Forest Service is asking for public input on the road closures. For more information