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Boulder-White Clouds Council |
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ATVs: |
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ATV Route Proposed
The Custer County town of Challis has welcomed the proposal, while in Blaine County where many residents recreate and own property in the Big Lost region, the reception has been chilly. The powerful, state funded, pro-motorized IDPR has told us that ATV use is growing and there’s no stopping it and claims a designated trail would help keep the machines in control. Two enforcement officers would be funded to patrol the 460-mile route. IDPR receives funds by collecting a percentage of the state’s gas tax and from off-highway vehicle registration fees IDPR held meetings in February in Challis, Mackay and Arco. Then, because of outcry in Blaine County, hosted a Hailey meeting in March. In an effort to bring sides together, State Senator Clint Stennett of Ketchum, who also has a ranch near Mackay, has proposed that IDPR scale back and starts with a smaller "pilot" ATV route near Challis or Arco. The next step will be for IDPR to ask the U.S. Forest Service and BLM to begin a formal Environmental Analysis of the proposed route within their lands of jurisdiction. Initially, IDPR said they wanted the signed route in place by summer 2004. Trail opponents cite safety concerns, negative impacts to wildlife and to other recreationists, and increased soil damage by ATV’s leaving the signed route, and going cross-country. Also, that this trail will encourage more ATV use, which equals more demand for trails elsewhere. Trail project contact: Dave Claycom, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Falls, 208/525-7121.Comment: Boulder-White Clouds Council shares the concerns of many people questioning rather this publicized, designated route is a wise idea. SAFETY: In Idaho, a driver’s license is NOT required for ATV use on Forest Service and BLM roads. In other words, a 5-year old child could ride much of this 460-mile route. Nor are helmets required. MORE ON SAFETY: IDPR says the proposed trail will use existing roads and not create new ones. The route goes from Trail Creek road through Peck’s Canyon, in the eastern Boulder-White Clouds. Peck’s Canyon road is narrow, with blind corners, and goes up a steep drainage with few pullouts. Accidents would be almost a certainty – especially since most ATV riders go full throttle. More than once, while driving in the backcountry, we’ve had to slam on the brakes, and maneuver to avoid speeding ATV’s, in the middle of the road. ENFORCEMENT: Existing ATV use cannot be controlled on Forest Service or BLM lands, or near towns. Closure signs at the bottom of illegal hill climbs are torn down. ATV’s ride through wet meadows and streams, and are not caught because there’s just too much country for a few law officers to patrol. ATV IMPACTS ON OTHER RECREATIONISTS – The Copper Basin country is noted for washboard, dusty roads. Adding thousands of ATV’s to an area already popular with fishermen, campers, horsemen, hikers and photographers, would diminish their outdoor experience. The Paiute ATV Trail in Utah has over 60,000 ATVs annually. A QUOTE: "We … need more control of the existing use, and to encourage folks to pursue less consuming, disruptive and healthier ways to enjoy nature." F. Carl Pence, Guest Opinion, Wood River Journal, April 2, 2003. A FINAL NOTE: In a 2002 survey conducted by the Sawtooth Society, the top vote getter for what people liked least about the Sawtooth National Recreation Area was motorized recreation. For more pro-ATV information visit these web sites:
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