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USFS is trying to close more in Slade KY

57K views 189 replies 42 participants last post by  5/8ton 
#1 ·
#2 ·
Please call this guy if you ever want to wheel here in KY:

Dave Manner
District Ranger
Daniel Boone National Forest
Cumberland Ranger District
2375 KY 801 South
Morehead, Kentucky 40351
606-784-6428 Office
davemanner@fs.fed.us


Tell him to propose the Sandlick/Big Bend Area an official OHV Trail System since i's been open to OHV use for decades and is listed as open on the motor vehicle use map. He is trying to propose a ban without ever recognizing the cultural tradition and public desire to use the land as an OHV system. He is also going in the backdoor by hiding the correct status of his project all year, listing it as "on hold" until this past Friday when I called him on it and he says basically, "Oh, my bad, that was funded, we have data and analysis... nope, no plans for an official OHV Trail System there... reserve your comments for the comment period (when I ban OHV's)".

Help!



 
#9 · (Edited)
They USFS needs to hear that people will come to an official OHV trail system in Slade, KY with their money, voters, and stewardship. This area is really unique, it has sandstone arches, slickrock trails, and forest diversity rivaling any on other place on earth.

He is planning to propose "something" in September, of which he says does not include a plan to officialize the OHV area. He needs to hear from as many people as possible, hence my whistle blowing early in the game.

If he proposes the area with an OHV ban, we have to "comment", in other words plead our case to reverse that proposal. He can ignore the comments and take the action. Or... we can convince him to propose the area to be what it has been for decades, what it is listed as in the MVUM's, and what we, the end user groups want it to be... a well maintained and sustainable multi-use OHV trail system in concert with the community and USFS officials that simply injects money into the local economy while giving us a place to ride.

So yes, there still is time :flipoff2:
Just trying not to behind the eightball for once :D
 
#10 ·
Nice work on being proactive.

I got his voicemail, and left him a very nice message encouraging him to add an official OHV Trail System in the Sandlick/Big Bend area. I noted that I enjoy taking 4-wheeling vacations with my family, and it looks like an incredible place to visit, and to enjoy responsible OHV recreation.

Good luck and keep me posted if I can comment more!! :beer:
 
#12 ·
I don't have time to wrench nightly. :(
My rig will wait, my kids are growing before my eyes, and my #1 priority is spending time with them.

I don't have time not to send letters and place phone calls.
My kids are growing before my eyes, and I want them to have the same recreation opportunities I have--and would love for them to have the opportunities I had when I was a kid!! Our country is getting overrun with Socialist greenies. We all have to fight back--together!
 
#14 ·
I'm planning on emailing Mitch Mcconnell and Jim Bunning(yeah I know he is on his way out but it can't hurt) before the week is out about this issue. Also planning on sending out an email to Yarmouth....hey why not, it can't hurt.....
 
#16 ·
Have you talked to any small businesses in the Sandlick/Big Bend area? Grocery stores, gas stations, campgrounds, motels, service stations/mechanics?

Letters from the businesses affected by this area not being a legitimate OHV area and the economic impact they will suffer during this extremely negative economy......
 
#18 · (Edited)
I've been in contact with them all year on this issue and last I heard from them, Dave Manner emailed me Monday morning, likely before people started contacting him. Now it seems they clammed up? Not sure what to make of it. All I know is that if we don't hear something soon I'm thinking we may need to request a status update with something legally binding.

Again, he cannot propose the area with an OHV ban or we are in a bad way with regards to the ultimate decision on the trails.
 
#28 ·
thanks to everyone!

The update is this: they are working on the scoping notice and I we are bringing together a strong coalition of clubs, individuals, and orgs to ensure we get a Pro Access Alternative. We will then need loads of supportive comments further down the process...

stay tuned!
 
#29 · (Edited)
Jeffrey,

The ohio4x4 club goes down atleast once a year for a ride in Slade and has been doing this since before the Natural Bridge closing. (Another group is going down the beginning of November) We also ride Booth's place for a day, as well.

Shoot me a pm or post up on the Ohio4x4.com site as to what we can do to help.

Thanks.

Steve
 
#30 ·
same here let us know if our club can help. we've got the petition rolling through our club, jeepin wv, mountaineer offroad, and everyone through all the forums i'm on, and other members of our club is on. we have many members that love to wheel down there, and others who really want to go, if there is anyway we can help, post up on our site, or send me a pm on here. we can most likely get labor, or whatever we need to do to keep this trail system open.
 
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