Contact Lawmakers About Forest Trail Closures

To the Editor:

I was born and raised in the EUP and have been an outdoorsman all of my life. Exploring the trails of the national forests has been a favorite pastime for me since I was very young. As I have grown older and less able to walk like I did as a young man, I have had to depend more and more on my ATV to aid me in continuing to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Upper Peninsula. I am just one citizen, but I am finding that many others share my concerns about recent restrictions in place in our forests. This being the case, I felt I needed to take some kind of action.

The Hiawatha National Forest has many trails that have been used by citizens for recreation for well over 60 years, to my knowledge. They were created by numerous means throughout the history of the forest, such as old logging roads, homesteaders, and sportsmen. They have been access sites for all to use for so long that, in most cases, we don’t even know their origin.

We purchase ATV stickers to use these trails on federal land, yet for some mysterious reason, we are restricted from using them in certain areas.

Some areas apparently are not damaged by the use of four-wheelers, while others are. This is difficult to understand and accept, especially without any notice.

What is really disturbing is the method that is being used to block off selected areas of the federal lands from citizens. There is so much waste, destruction, devastation, and cost to the taxpayer. Topsoil is wasted; large, valuable trees are killed and torn from the earth to create a barrier; smaller trees are damaged along the way, and huge, unsightly messes are left in the wake. Never, ever have I seen an ATV do any such damage. In fact, any small trace of use an ATV may leave behind would be indiscernible in one season’s time or less.

Damage such as this caused by anyone other than the authorities would certainly be severely punishable.

Stores, restaurants, hotels, and national parks have to provide access to all people. How can the forest service close off old, well-traveled trails in our national forest to everything, including foot traffic, for no logical reason? The trails my wife and I saw were left with nothing but top-soil and once healthy uprooted trees to maneuver in. These trails were no longer even fit to walk on. It would seem to discriminate against everyone but an avid hiker.

I am also concerned about the amount of disturbance to the environment in areas that are wetlands. There are four-foot ruts dug right next to the natural habitat of beavers. This would be a serious violation if a citizen had done anything as destructive in this area.

“This land is your land, this land is my land” doesn’t seem to hold up in this instance, and it is a very disturbing situation. I’d really like to see this decision reconsidered, the many trails opened back up, and everyone’s rights respected so that we can all enjoy our beautiful national forests.

If there are others with concerns similar to mine, please let your voice be heard by contacting Steve Christiansen of the U.S. Forest Service at 643- 7900, extension 113, your senator and representative, or myself.

Gary Harwood

Brimley