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Umm 120 days...doesnt make me cry <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> whats the big beef? ANd i dont blame the green party people, I blame the people who don't use a real restroom.


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />Please don't be flippant about recreational access. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

I don't blame the Green Party either (who mentioned Nader?) --- and I do blame the people who don't use a real restroom. That said, OHV users have been mounting an aggressive informational/educational program in this area, and working directly with enforcement agencies to gin up a volunteer trail patrol. This closure was instituted without mind to either of these efforts, and without consultation with the Rubicon Oversight Committee (ROC) or the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), which have proven to be the most effective ways of managing the trail.

This closure SUCKS because it *bypassed* established channels and went straight to the most restrictive form of management: closure. There were MANY intermediary options available, including the volunteer trail patrol, education efforts, and volunteer cleanups -- but the county and its contractor went straight to area closure.

As for *JUST* 120 days, I couldn't disagree with you more. *ANY* closure is undesirable, especially one that skips every less-restrictive form of management. Closure of any kind, even temporary, begs a follow-up question about re-opening. I am very concerned that the area, once closed, will not be re-opened at the end of the 120 day period. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

This isn't just about people not cleaning up after themselves... there's much more involved. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Randii


Sorry to get you upset, I just meant that a little time without people abusing the area might be a good thing. I sure hope in about 4-5 months when I plan to go to the Rubicon, that little area will be open again, and CLEANED up. I can't seem to find many offroading areas close to me other than Hollister. The "offroad park" at Prarie City was dissapointing, so I'll be prepping to head to the Rubicon soon.

The green party thing was meanly aimed at the huggers...which I think were right about closing the area. I have had a few friends bring back pics from the Rubicon and had a couple shots of "piles" by the trails. More rules at the Rubicon keep being enforced and thats because of a few people who mess it up for everyone. It's a shame, but I think it has to be done. Best hopes for the area and offroaders <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />