Hi all - First, an introduction is in order. My name is Jeff Stevens, and I am the newsletter editor and VP for the Red Rock 4-Wheelers. I just found out about this forum last month, and I have been a lurker since then. I actually have provided quite a bit of the info in this thread (thanks Kurt and Jim for posting for me!), but it is time now that I became a member.
Here are the facts to the best of my (and the RR4W) knowledge concerning Helldorado:
1. We have spoken to the new owners, and they are adament about closing the trails through their property. In fact, they have contacted San Juan County and asked that the county formally close the trails.
2. San Juan County told us that they will not close the trails without first having a public hearing. A preliminary meeting is scheduled for next week, which I will attend. Presumably, the hearing will then be scheduled for a later date.
3. We feel we have a good chance of keeping Strike Ravine open, since it has been in use for over 10 years. However, we have no evidence that Lower Helldorado was ever a road, or has been used as a trail for more than 5-6 years, and therefore our chances are probably slim of saving it. IF ANYONE HAS ANY EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY, PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP.
4. If the hearing results in an unfavorable decision, we are prepared to take further action.
5. In the meantime, it is important that we all obey the landowners wishes and stay off the trail. The San Juan Sheriff will (and already HAS) ticket anyone caught trespassing.
Thanks everyone for caring about this. There has been a lot of mis-information and rumors going around, and hopefully I can help to keep the facts straight. If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them the best I can. See ya -Jeff