This just in from Lassen N.F.

[Pantheus]

I just received this email from the Recreation officer of Lassen N.F.

While taking the Botanists into the High Lakes area, we noticed that the
closure signs past Grassy Lake had been run over and removed (I looked
extensively, but couldn't find the old one). The botanists later reported
that the closure sign past Reese Flat had been sawed off and removed as
well. The signs at the turn off to Saddle Lake are still there. Don't
know about the closure south of Bear Lake.

This type of activity should NOT, and CANNOT be part of us keeping any part of the High Lakes for wheeling.

It must stop, and I know it isn't the 95% of the users, who go up there and act responsibly, but the 5% who just don't give a damn. But we who do care, have to stop those who don't care. Or we'll be learning to knit and selling the rigs.

Vigilante-ism is NOT the answer, as with one stroke of a pen, the whole area can be 'emergency-closed", and let the area rest and recover for 10-15 years, like the Hydrolgist's report says it will take to recover, from abuse and vigilante actions.

Any doubts? Look how easy it was for them to make the last three 'emergency' closures.

Ken,
CA4WDC rep to High Lakes

[Sage]

As usual, it only takes a few to mess it up for the rest of us!

Those responsible probably feel that they have stood up  to the USFS, but they have only weakened our case. If we could assist in their prosecution, we should!

[Pantheus]

I did reply to USFS with an offer to replace the signs. I also reminded them of the offer that they should accept, to enact a Friends of High Lakes, and Trail Patrol (with education, not enforcement), and that we need the Adopt-a-Trail back (which they've agreed to, and I'm putting together) , and THEY need to help educate, and provide proper management, and appropriate enforcement, not closures.

I don't know other ways to stop the 5% element who just don't give a damn.

Ken

[DanosYJ]

Amen to that!!

[porterwagner]

yes, signs do need to be replaced because there is still a bunch of people going up there who are unaware of the closures and if theres no sign, they will go ahead and run it, such is the case for going past grassy, either way. I did not see a sign up there leaving grassy, but when I was up there a few weeks ago to the backside, I did notice the 2 that were already ran over. Just two little red stubs sticking out, that was back before our meeting.