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Proposed Bill Pits Wilderness Enthusiasts Against One Another
A bill proposed by California Senator Barbara Boxer has pitted two groups that love California's wilderness against one another.
Under the terms of the bill, 2.5 million acres would be declared protected wilderness. That would put the land off limits to motorcycles, ATV's and, in some cases, bicycles.
Those who use dirt bikes and other mechanized devices to get into the back country contend the bill simply ignores their rights. "It will close a lot of trails and roads that the recreation community has been using for 20 to 30 years," said Don Amador of the Blue Ribbon Commission, an organization supporting diverse use of public lands.
A map of proposed wilderness sites looks like a patchwork quilt, with virtually every county in California being affected.
Supporters of the bill say it's vital to protecting California's natural resources. "There are small fractions of the land that's left untouched and we're trying to protect those small pieces that are still pristine," said Jessica Rios of Friends of the River.
Critics of the measure fire back that small town economies that depend heavily on recreational visitors could lose a substantial source of income. "We were stunned at the size and scope of this bill," said Amador. "Months ago, many of the environmental groups told us they weren't going to target areas that we use and then when we finally see the bill, they are proposing to close many of our favorite roads.
Those opposed to the bill also say fire management is an issue. Once land receives wilderness protection, the U.S. Forest Service would not be allowed to use anything mechanized to clear brush.
According to Rios, there's a good reason for banning all motorized devices within the wilderness areas. "We need more places to get away, to experience serenity and peace of mind," she said. "When you get done with the work week and you're stressed out and want to get away these are places for that."
The two sides have managed to forge some minor compromises, such as having bicycles exempted from the proposed regulations in several areas. However, there is still a wide gulf separating the groups on most of the issues.
The bill hasn't been scheduled for a committee hearing in Washington.
http://www.kxtv10.com/storyfull.asp?id=2669
Proposed Bill Pits Wilderness Enthusiasts Against One Another
A bill proposed by California Senator Barbara Boxer has pitted two groups that love California's wilderness against one another.
Under the terms of the bill, 2.5 million acres would be declared protected wilderness. That would put the land off limits to motorcycles, ATV's and, in some cases, bicycles.
Those who use dirt bikes and other mechanized devices to get into the back country contend the bill simply ignores their rights. "It will close a lot of trails and roads that the recreation community has been using for 20 to 30 years," said Don Amador of the Blue Ribbon Commission, an organization supporting diverse use of public lands.
A map of proposed wilderness sites looks like a patchwork quilt, with virtually every county in California being affected.
Supporters of the bill say it's vital to protecting California's natural resources. "There are small fractions of the land that's left untouched and we're trying to protect those small pieces that are still pristine," said Jessica Rios of Friends of the River.
Critics of the measure fire back that small town economies that depend heavily on recreational visitors could lose a substantial source of income. "We were stunned at the size and scope of this bill," said Amador. "Months ago, many of the environmental groups told us they weren't going to target areas that we use and then when we finally see the bill, they are proposing to close many of our favorite roads.
Those opposed to the bill also say fire management is an issue. Once land receives wilderness protection, the U.S. Forest Service would not be allowed to use anything mechanized to clear brush.
According to Rios, there's a good reason for banning all motorized devices within the wilderness areas. "We need more places to get away, to experience serenity and peace of mind," she said. "When you get done with the work week and you're stressed out and want to get away these are places for that."
The two sides have managed to forge some minor compromises, such as having bicycles exempted from the proposed regulations in several areas. However, there is still a wide gulf separating the groups on most of the issues.
The bill hasn't been scheduled for a committee hearing in Washington.