OK Guys, time to get creative.
Let's say hypothetically the BLM wants to create a better 5 mile pass area. What kind of things would you want to see? Let's list some reasonable, practical solutions; in other words, no one suggest moving Little Sahara to 5mp or creating a 5 acre mud bog.
First of all, a complete inventory of the area. The direct area around 5mp (the off-rodeo grounds) is actually (yes, it really is) open to cross country travel. It would be important to know exactly what roads are open, closed, limited, etc.
Second: map and sign all roads/trails. Give trails official names.
Third: create some new trails. I'd love to see about 60-80 miles of single track for mt. bikes and motorcycles. Create some new ATV trails (narrow trails), maybe 20 miles. And of course, create 50 miles of new (or rip up some existing roads to increase difficulty) 4x4 trails. Stuff like RS, but more of it, and stuff like Constrictor.
Fourth: Environmental issues. Possibly fence off or otherwise control areas around tailings. Close duplicate paths and re-seed. Close unnecessary trail braiding and spur routes. *Caution* this suggestion is dangerous. It needs to be used prudently. Organize work parties, have annual trash pick ups, etc. (Like the earth day deal.)
Fifth: Local clubs adopt trails. They do their own trash clean up, and they also patrol trails, ward off illegal switchback cutting, prevent/control new routes, rehabilitate damaged areas, etc. I would suggest quarterly trash cleanups/work days where clubs would do these kind of projects.
Sixth: Infastructure. Kiosks built at trail heads. Signs put up with a trail rating system. Parking lot/unloading points designed and built. Lmited fencing put up where needed.
Seventh: Public shooting range erected on the south side of 5mp. A firing line built, earth burms put up. Make it large enough that people can go there and have a safe place to go shooting, and try to get everyone shooting in a safe direction rather than in every direction like it is today. It would be an un-manned range, and it would be free/minimal, like put your $2 in the can when you enter, on the honor system. I think this is much needed. Plus it would raise enough revenue to pay for its upkeep and maintainance.
Eighth: How is all of this going to be paid for? Remember the *&^%$ booth at the entrance to AF Canyon.......what if the main 5mp parking area became a huge pay lot? But make it reasonable....$1 or $2 to park there, otherwide you gotta park 10 miles down the road in order to use that area. Such a little amount from each person that uses the area could do wonders for all of us.
You ideas?
EZ
Let's say hypothetically the BLM wants to create a better 5 mile pass area. What kind of things would you want to see? Let's list some reasonable, practical solutions; in other words, no one suggest moving Little Sahara to 5mp or creating a 5 acre mud bog.
First of all, a complete inventory of the area. The direct area around 5mp (the off-rodeo grounds) is actually (yes, it really is) open to cross country travel. It would be important to know exactly what roads are open, closed, limited, etc.
Second: map and sign all roads/trails. Give trails official names.
Third: create some new trails. I'd love to see about 60-80 miles of single track for mt. bikes and motorcycles. Create some new ATV trails (narrow trails), maybe 20 miles. And of course, create 50 miles of new (or rip up some existing roads to increase difficulty) 4x4 trails. Stuff like RS, but more of it, and stuff like Constrictor.
Fourth: Environmental issues. Possibly fence off or otherwise control areas around tailings. Close duplicate paths and re-seed. Close unnecessary trail braiding and spur routes. *Caution* this suggestion is dangerous. It needs to be used prudently. Organize work parties, have annual trash pick ups, etc. (Like the earth day deal.)
Fifth: Local clubs adopt trails. They do their own trash clean up, and they also patrol trails, ward off illegal switchback cutting, prevent/control new routes, rehabilitate damaged areas, etc. I would suggest quarterly trash cleanups/work days where clubs would do these kind of projects.
Sixth: Infastructure. Kiosks built at trail heads. Signs put up with a trail rating system. Parking lot/unloading points designed and built. Lmited fencing put up where needed.
Seventh: Public shooting range erected on the south side of 5mp. A firing line built, earth burms put up. Make it large enough that people can go there and have a safe place to go shooting, and try to get everyone shooting in a safe direction rather than in every direction like it is today. It would be an un-manned range, and it would be free/minimal, like put your $2 in the can when you enter, on the honor system. I think this is much needed. Plus it would raise enough revenue to pay for its upkeep and maintainance.
Eighth: How is all of this going to be paid for? Remember the *&^%$ booth at the entrance to AF Canyon.......what if the main 5mp parking area became a huge pay lot? But make it reasonable....$1 or $2 to park there, otherwide you gotta park 10 miles down the road in order to use that area. Such a little amount from each person that uses the area could do wonders for all of us.
You ideas?
EZ
