More Two Tracks are going to be closed by the Forest Service in Michigan

[Paul Hittie]

More Two Tracks are going to be closed by the Forest Service in Michigan.

Your favorite National Forest trails may already be officially closed. Even though there is no sign or gate at the beginning of a trail, it still may be illegal for you to drive there. If you are caught there you may be cited with misdemeanor charges and fined. Unless you consult a GPS and a current Motor Vehicle Use Map at each and every turn, you won't know if it is legal to be there or not

Congress has given the US Forest Service the task of closing as many Forest Roads as possible to reduce the costs of maintaining the roads. According to 36 CFR 112.5(b) :  "For each national forest, national grassland, experimental forest, and any other units of the National Forest System (§212.1), the responsible official must identify the minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System lands."

The purpose of my post here is to get you to help him decide that the 'minimum road system'  is bigger than they currently have due to roads they have already closed.

The Huron-Manistee National Forest managers have begun the closure process. The notification to the public can be found here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hmnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3823719

That means, soon, it will be illegal to drive on even more of the Two Track trails in the Huron or the Manistee National Forests than it is now.

I am asking you to follow this link to the Great Lakes Four Wheel Drive Association website to learn more about why they want to do it, why it's a bad idea, and what you can do to help us keep the trails open.

What we need is an overwhelming response from the public telling the Forest Service we need those two tracks kept open. You can call them, write them, or email them. Following this link to GLFWDA.org will give you ideas on what to put in your letter or email. You can cut and paste directly from there if you want. Once you decide you want to email them, it will only take you 5 minutes or so.

It is important to act soon. Comments will only be accepted till February 15, 2015.

Driving through the public forests has been a historical part of the culture for generations of Michigan families. So many people and groups continue to use the Two Track trails in Michigan. These include:
•   Hunters
•   Fishermen
•   Berry Pickers
•   Photographers
•   Recreational Drivers
•   Wildlife Watchers
•   Mushroom  Pickers
•   Campers
•   Firewood Gatherers
•   Geocachers
•   Artists
•   Hikers
•   Joggers
•   Families on picnics
•   Botanists
•   Biologists
•   Fall Color Tours

Please feel free to repost this message (with links intact) to anyone you think wants to keep the trails open. If you are facing similar closures in other states, feel free to use any of this material in your own fight. Good Luck!

If the hyperlinks are broken, please go here:
http://www.glfwda.org/showthread.php?13521-1-More-Two-Tracks-are-going-to-be-closed-by-the-Forest-Service-in-Michigan

GLFWDA needs your help!

[NewRide]

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