Negativity has no place

For five years Sequoia National Forest has been working with the public on a Travel Plan to determine which roads and trails will continue to allow multiple use or motorized use. About four years ago in an effort to close more roads and trails, a local group called the Sequoia ForestKeepers started a campaign encouraging people to submit letters telling about conflicts or negative experiences with Off Highway Vehicles.

The ForestKeepers agreed to pull their negative campaign when the Forest Service told them it was inappropriate to solicit negative comments during a collaborative trail planning process.

Thanks to many of you, the public has spoken out overwhelmingly in favor of keeping existing trails open to multiple use and the Sequoia National Forest has responded with a plan keeping many roads and trails open to everyone.

Some existing roads and trails will be closed under the new plan, but apparently not enough closures to satisfy ForestKeepers. They are unhappy the public process did not close more trails and prohibit traditional lakeside access. They have renewed their campaign through their website and through hiking web forums.

The ForestKeepers attempting to pit recreation groups against one another has no place in our valley. Now more than ever is a time to work together to help keep our roads and trails open so everyone can enjoy their pubic lands and bring more recreation dollars into our struggling local economy. There is enough Forest for all of us to enjoy.

Chris Horgan

Stewards of the Sequoia

Editor’s note: The accuracy of the claims alleged in Mr. Horgan’s letter have not been verified.