KDRV ABC News

Andrea Calcagno

NEAR JACKSONVILLE, Ore. -- According to a new BLM report, off-highway vehicle trails in the Timber Mountain area could be significantly reduced.

The Bureau of Land Management released a draft of an environmental impact statement that proposes a 60 to 90 percent reduction of trails in the Timber Mountain area, also known as John's Peak. The plan is designed to protect BLM recreational land from negative environmental impact.

"We are reducing the ones that are causing the primary environmental damage and we are also reducing trails to reduce social conflict," says BLM Field Manager John Gerritsma.

Many of the ATV trails were made on private property, and BLM representatives say trails have been made by the public in places that are not environmentally sound.

"We don't have permission from the private land owners for those trails, and the BLM doesn't manage private lands, but we are working with owners to see if some of those trails can be used," says Gerritsma.

Those who sell off highway vehicles say a drastic reduction in the number of trails at John's Peak could hurt business.

"Just about all of the dirt bike and ATV customers that we sell to use the John's Peak riding area. It's a pretty important area for our local economy as far as our dirt bike shops and things like that. A lot of people buy bikes here so they can ride in that area," says Gerritsma.

BLM representatives say some of the trails may be re-routed instead of eliminated.

The BLM is accepting public comment for 45 days before a plan is finalized. They will hold an open house on March 5th at the Ramada Inn. There will also be a public forum for the community to give verbal feedback about the plan on April 2nd at the BLM office in Medford.

Source: http://kdrv.com/page/92839

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