Moab Utah, Trail Closure - PLEASE HELP!

[zuksofhazzard]

I've Copied this from a Zukiworld post. (it is not mine, but I agree with the content.)

Please take appropriate action.

Those of you that have been to Moab will understand this is Definately Worth Fighting For!

Those of you that have not been to Moab, I strongly suggest you offer your assistance. We still need your Help.

You will not want to lose this place. It is a Must See for any Outdoor Enthusiast!

It offers so much to all Hobbies and Skill levels.

Please Help.

Thank You! 

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If you have ever been to Moab, Utah, you know this is a must do trail.  Please help out, and lets get this trail back open!

Original Post/thread found here:
http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=60284

Help us re-open Coyote Canyon

Background: Coyote Canyon is one of Moab’s premier rock crawling trails. With the implementation of the BLM’s new Moab RMP, it is now closed to vehicle traffic.

Why it was closed: The new RMP limits motorized travel to “designated” routes. Any route to be considered for travel had to be included on the BLM maps prior to December 30, 2003. While we were successful in getting several previously un-mapped trails on the list (such as Rusty Nail, Where Eagles Dare, and the Pickle) prior to the deadline, Coyote was not submitted. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, Coyote did not exist prior to this date. It was, however, created in an area that was designated “open” at the time of creation, which technically made it legal. Since the trail was not included, it was never considered, and was therefore closed.

How we can get it re-opened: The new RMP allows for the designation of new routes. However, the BLM has not yet created a procedure for this. Moab Friends-For-Wheelin’ wants to gather information, letters of support, etc. now, so we can submit our request for designation as soon as the BLM allows.

What we need: I would like everyone that has an interest in seeing this trail re-opened to write a letter of support, and mail or email it to me. I will collect the letters, and then submit them to the BLM along with other documents (photos, GPS data, our “Adopt-A-Trail" proposal, etc.). At some time in the future, I may also ask for letters to be sent directly to the BLM, but at this point we need to wait for their “procedure” to be put into place.

What to say in your letter: Please address your letter to “BLM, Moab Field Office, 82 E. Dogwood Ave, Moab UT 84532.” Some ideas include: Tell them why you think Coyote Canyon should be re-opened. Why is it important to you and your family? Why is it important to Moab’s economy? Why do we need a legal, “hardcore” rock crawling trail? How can a trail such as Coyote Canyon help take pressure off of other existing trails such as Pritchett Canyon or Moab Rim? What would you personally do to help insure that Coyote Canyon and the surrounding area remains clean and free of abuse?

Thank you! Please email letters to me at drtsqrl|removethispart|@frontiernet.net.  I believe that we have a pretty decent shot at this, but we need your help!

Jeff Stevens

Moab Friends-For-Wheelin’
RR4W
U4WDA Southeast VP
BRC
USA-All
UFWDA
Tread Lightly!

[sammi_davis]

 I will write a letter this weekend , if you can take a few minutes to help keep an awesome trail open please do .

[oneal]

 Hell Ya

[aftermarket4x4]

We need to keep this going! Cross-post on to the Chit-Chat section to get more signatures!

Here is the link to the Pitate 4x4 board info thread:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=824178

Here is the info:

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http://blogs.4wheeloffroad.com/65633...ver/index.html

Congress to Vote on H.R. 1925 America's Red Rock Wilderness Act This Thursday!

Moab Might Be Gone Forever!

Posted Today 01:35 PM by 4WOR Web Editor

Filed under: Miscellaneous, Jason Gonderman



The Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has scheduled a hearing on October 1 to consider H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009.

This legislation -- which will ban off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to public lands to those who live and recreate in
Utah -- was introduced by New York Representative Maurice Hinchey.


However, not a single Representative from Utah is supporting H.R.1925.

Specifically, H.R. 1925 would designate more than nine million more acres as federally protected "Wilderness," and directly affect the Moab, San Rafael Swell and Chimney Rock areas (to name a few) in Utah.

These popular OHV areas represent some of the most important remaining OHV recreation areas in Utah, and are some of the most popular with responsible OHV riders. The proposed Wilderness designation would also make the land off limits to ATV riders, mountain bikers and horseback
riders.

Coming on the heels of the recently enacted Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which closed 2 million acres of public lands, this vast Wilderness bill will take away additional recreation opportunities currently enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.

The AMA needs your help now to stop H.R. 1925. The fastest way to reach your U.S. Representative is to call them. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your zip code on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, clicking on "Rights," then "Issues and Legislation." Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your Representative immediately by following the "Take
Action" option and entering your information.

Please contact your Representative right away and urge them to oppose H.R. 1925.

It's VERY VERY SIMPLE! Just click here...


http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/al...ertid=14061961

... and you will be taken to the AMA's (American Motorcycle
Association) website. Enter your zip code and a letter will be sent to your representative urging them to vote NO on this bill.

Do it NOW! please


Everybody help this Bill Fail!!!

Sean

[Yankee Tim]

While I support this and sent my letters (thanks Sean for the easy clicky), it begs to wonder this?

Why is there sooo much support from east coasters (in particular, the NE) for western public land access support, why isn't the love shared back?

Here in NY (the 4th largest OHV economy in the nation), we get no support from BRC and other traill access groups when combating the NYSDEC over establishing a trail network.  Yes, there are no legal ATV or OHV trails on state or federal public in NY other than for snowmobiles.

Frankly, I love Moab, but even if the wheeling out there became limited to pay-for-play private parks like the NE has, I'd still go.

Here's a compromise.  Allow access only to those with BLM OHV access permits, charge like $500 a year, and raise revenue.  Isn't wheeling Moab, Rubicon or JV worth $500 a year?  If wheeling is to be allowed, why shouldn't tax payers look to that as a possible revenue stream?  Why should going to Yellowstone to camp cost money but wheeling on public lands be free of charge?

While my opinions are mine and prolly not widely shared, its something to think about.  Maybe if we approached this as a money maker rather than a "rights" issue, we'd get further.  Otherwise, I do not see this battle being won by the OHV community, but rather, slowly lost as is has been since the Clinton era.

One thing is for certain, get your wallet out and be ready for pay-to-play, as that is the future of this and most all OHV sports.  Or better, start a private club with private lands (see www.rok-freekz.com) and this isn't an issue.  Or best, buy your own rocks to wheel! 

[Durney]

Although I agree with the sentiment that this may be a compromise issue, the rights of the tax paying average American are under such attack these days I think its time to take a firm stand and stop the erosion (pun intended) of such rights.

[Yankee Tim]

Not to be a devil's advocate (which I sometimes am).  What rights?  We have a right to drive on federal lands?  Really?  Just having a driver's license is a priviledge in most all states, not a right.  So if just driving an auto is a priviledge, then so is driving on public lands.

To press it further, the vast majority I speak with do NOT want 4x4's driving around public lands.  So in a country where majority rules, then I would have to agree, close the trails and let the majority have the public lands the way they want them... auto free.

or better, charge.  Nothing wrong with a, say, $1000 a year trail access permit for driving on BLM lands and such.  Heck, raises much needed taxes.

Or better, drive on pay-to-play and then they can't say a thing.