I like going out in the forest, and in the mountains,,jeeping, fishing, etc. Here’s a fun game for next time you go out there. Stop and think how much we wouldn’t have if the people in the 1930s, ‘40s, and 50s thought like this bunch today.
Think there would be a Golden Gate Bridge? Not on your life. Think there would be a road and a train you could take up Pikes Peak? Think all those Ski Areas would be there? Carlsbad Caverns with a road and paved walking tril with handrails?
Environmentalists are convinced those places only belong to those who have the money, time, and health to backpack out there for 6 weeks at a time. If you are 70 or 80, worked all your life, and want to drive out to the woods, take a few photos, and see some sights, they only have the big finger for you. Damned extremists,,and outrageously selfish.
If you go to some hiker websites, the feeling is widespread that these forests, created to be long-term wood, water and mineral reserves available for mining and forestry, are their “sanctuaries.” They get ticked off if they hear other voices or if campers who don’t live by their rules have campfires, drink alcohol in small groups, or have groups larger than four. They want snowmobiles, ATVs, mountain bikes, foresters all banned from our taxpayer purchased and supported national forests. They have had great political success in converting former industrial areas into “Wilderness.”
I know it’s laughable to walk into a Wilderness and find bridge supports, railroad ties, rusty soup cans, old saws, etc., but they look you right in the eye and say it’s a Wilderness.
I would say, that the National Forests, Monuments, Wilderness Areas, etc, are not in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. For starters, they aren’t wheelchair accessible.
Wyoming and the Colorado Mining Association argue the rule violates the 1964 Wilderness Act, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not follow National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, regulations.
Wyoming attorneys argue the definition of roadless lands is synonymous with wilderness lands. The 1964 Wilderness Act states only Congress can designate wilderness lands.
More than 1 million comments were received, and the comment period lasted 69 days. NEPA requires a minimum of 45 days, but Wyoming Senior Assistant Attorney General James Kaste said comments periods usually last years longer.
Kaste said Wednesday that the USDA shortened the comment period because it was rushing the plan through before the end of the Clinton administration.
In the interim, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was given sole decision-making authority over proposed forest management or road construction projects in roadless areas.