Originally Posted by HotRodOil.com
From what I understand, it is possibly "soon to be closed". I am getting mixed info. I guess we will find out for sure once we get there.
Greg Hoffman (SBNF OHV Coordinator) explained the situation at the AAT meeting last month.
1. The whole area south of 2N61Y, including the abandoned Pontiac and all of Heartbreak Ridge have been zoned as "RW" (Recommended Wilderness) during the 2005 Land and Resource Management Plan (aka Forest Plan) process. The appeal period for the Forest Plan ended in July 2006, so we are stuck with the "RW" zoning for the area until the next plan (10-15 years).
2. According the the Forest Service, The Congress has reserved the authority to make final decisions on Wilderness designation. In the interim, the plan directs that Wilderness characteristics be protected in the areas until Congress takes final action. In other words, the Forest Service treats the "RW" zoning as though it already has been designated as Wilderness.
3. Since the area is being "treated as Wilderness", that trail is designated for hikers only; it is not designated for motorized vehicles (even mountain bicycles are prohibited). Although there is no gate across the trail, I noticed that there are no trail markers either, because it is not an authorized route.
4. There are existing regulations that prohibit motorized vehicle use in the SBNF except on designated trails.
5. Bottom line, this is not a "designated trail" for motorized use because of the "RW" zoning. You could be cited by the Forest Service for operating a motor vehicle on that trail.
Here is a link to the Region 5 FAQ about the Forest Plans; look at items 14-18
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/scfpr/projects/ ... m#fourteen
6. While we are on the subject, the Gold Mountain Rock Garden is zoned "BCNM" (Back Country Non-Motorized). While not as restrictive as "RW", it has the same effect because it removes that portion of the trail from the designated route system.
Posted today by a MJR member.
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