Good news for OHVs from an unexpected judge.
Judge rules against Mojave OHV closures
Written by Friends of Jawbon
Wednesday, 02 February 2011 15:23
Judge Rules OHV Closures “Not Appropriate” and “Not in the Public Interest”
A federal judge Saturday declined to restrict public access to some 5,000 miles of roads and trails in the West Mojave desert.
A coalition of environmental groups had asked United States District Judge Susan Illston to allow only the use of street legal vehicles across the 9.3 million acre planning area of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) West Mojave Plan (WEMO). Illston ruled that restrictions would "significantly reduce the opportunity for OHV recreation," and wrote that a request for full closure was "not in the public interest." An additional request by environmental groups to close three popular recreation areas to all motorized use was ruled by Illston as being "not warranted."
The decision also paved the way for the BLM to redesignate the motorized route network in the West Mojave, and directs them to immediately install route signs and update their maps.
Mike
Court backs OHV use
Re: Court backs OHV use
While this is good news for OHV riding, the second part of the news release barely touched on the fact that the BLM has to basically do the route designation all over again, this time with many more route closures. The good news with that one is the public should have ample involvement, and the process doesn't have to be completed until 2014. Let's stay informed and involved on this one!
Lee
Lee