Moab Trail Closures

[contented]

Anyone else been following BLM’s proposed trail closings in Moab? Looks like bad news to me. https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/blms-labyrinth-rims-travel-plan-closes-28-of-ohv-routes. I can’t seem to find a proposed effective date. Has anyone seen anything?

We’re planning a trip to Moab and Colorado for 2024 and want to be fully informed.

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[Durangatan]

"According to the BLM, the travel plan keeps open 91% of Easter Jeep routes within the 300,000-acre management area."

You should have plenty to keep you busy.

 

[jzweedyk]

Effective date is October 31, however appeals will be filed and that will delay the date.

 

[orion]

"According to the BLM, the travel plan keeps open 91% of Easter Jeep routes within the 300,000-acre management area."

You should have plenty to keep you busy.

It's not about that, they take some this year, some the next, etc and before you know it, it's all taken away!

 

[Durangatan]

It's not about that, they take some this year, some the next, etc and before you know it, it's all taken away!

And if the environment can’t handle the load, if tourons are driving where they shouldn’t, then BLM should be closing areas to motorized traffic.

Personally, I see staff out there posting areas that were never open to motorized traffic, only to see the signs rolled over the next week. If tourons can’t behave like respectful adults,I am all for cutting off access.

Every part of this continent has been explored by human power. If you want an adventure, if you really want to see these areas, shoulder a pack and start walking, or acquire the skills to run the rivers.

 

[jzweedyk]

If you want an adventure, if you really want to see these areas, shoulder a pack and start walking

That is nice if you can do it. I also agree that people do stupid things and it can harm the environment. But punishing everyone who can't "hike" because of a few stupid people is not right. We don't allow discrimination against handicap people anywhere else, except out in the wilderness. The closed trail "area" is like .01% of the total area the trails run through. So saving the "environment" is a misnomer, it is "saving" .01% of the area, and closing it off to people who can't hike. Also, you may not know, but they are also closing it to climbers and also some hiking areas. They are doing to save it for future generations, but if it is closed how can they see it. And if it is then opened, why are future generations better than us?

 

[Durangatan]

That is nice if you can do it. I also agree that people do stupid things and it can harm the environment. But punishing everyone who can't "hike" because of a few stupid people is not right. We don't allow discrimination against handicap people anywhere else, except out in the wilderness. The closed trail "area" is like .01% of the total area the trails run through. So saving the "environment" is a misnomer, it is "saving" .01% of the area, and closing it off to people who can't hike. Also, you may not know, but they are also closing it to climbers and also some hiking areas. They are doing to save it for future generations, but if it is closed how can they see it. And if it is then opened, why are future generations better than us?

I agree that it is a few stupid people. IME as a river guide and high level WW kayak instructor in summer, an alpine ski instructor in winter, and a former SAR professional, the off-road and hunting community does a shit job of policing its own - this forum group is a prime example. Admin should be all about awareness of promoting trail etiquette. Instead this site is largely about people pumping their rigs to look boss going through a drive-through.

It is a tough deal with mobility disabled. However Horse packing is alway an option. So is paddling. How do we allow access for everyone, and preserve the environment?

And yes, I am aware of other closures and fully support it. And by “environment “ I am not referring to the greater ecosystem, but rather those micro environments that may make a basin or slot canyon unique. We, as outdoor users, should have the wisdom to see that responsible stewardship is on us.

 

[jzweedyk]

I don't mind temporary closures. But we are fed an enormous amount of false information. I have been told it takes centuries to restore the "crust" covering the ground in some areas. I have witnessed damaged cause by thoughtless people, that has almost completely come back in as little as two years. Public lands should be public, and if better enforcement of the rules is needed (and I agree it is) then hire the people to do it and go after the offenders. As one who spends a lot of time going around the western US, I can attest there are HUGE tracks of unspoiled land where all kinds of eco systems thrive. Closing .01% of an area, especially where there are still HUGE areas not assessable, makes no sense to me, and as a taxpayer it bothers me that I can not go on public land. We will not change each other's mind, so I am through with this discussion. Understand that I am helping the people who are challenging this closure, and I think it is not good for the area and the rights of taxpayers.

 

[Bmadda]

I don't mind temporary closures. But we are fed an enormous amount of false information. I have been told it takes centuries to restore the "crust" covering the ground in some areas. I have witnessed damaged cause by thoughtless people, that has almost completely come back in as little as two years. Public lands should be public, and if better enforcement of the rules is needed (and I agree it is) then hire the people to do it and go after the offenders. As one who spends a lot of time going around the western US, I can attest there are HUGE tracks of unspoiled land where all kinds of eco systems thrive. Closing .01% of an area, especially where there are still HUGE areas not assessable, makes no sense to me, and as a taxpayer it bothers me that I can not go on public land. We will not change each other's mind, so I am through with this discussion. Understand that I am helping the people who are challenging this closure, and I think it is not good for the area and the rights of taxpayers.

When you think about it that way I think you touch on the real root of the issue! Word on the street is this is mainly a power play to get BLM a budget increase...has nothing to do w/any supposed "environmental impacts". It's a common theme in these situations...more money needed (or wanted) for "trail maintenance" and if the budget doesn't cover it, trails get closed, under the guise of irresponsible citizens ruining it

 

[Merc4x4]

And if the environment can’t handle the load, if tourons are driving where they shouldn’t, then BLM should be closing areas to motorized traffic.

Personally, I see staff out there posting areas that were never open to motorized traffic, only to see the signs rolled over the next week. If tourons can’t behave like respectful adults,I am all for cutting off access.

Every part of this continent has been explored by human power. If you want an adventure, if you really want to see these areas, shoulder a pack and start walking, or acquire the skills to run the rivers.

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