In the debate over Four Mile quarry access and the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Management Plan, several disturbing things come to light, in my opinion.

The first is that the Forest Service seems to have lost sight of the fact it is supposed to manage the forest for multiple uses for all people, not set exclusionary policies that reduce forest access unnecessarily with closures of existing roads. Further, by not posting or physically closing the roads, they are setting traps for the uninformed, confused or just curious people who like to explore the forest. The forest maps are sorely lacking in detail and, upon occasion, when navigating a “new-to-me area,” it can be challenging knowing exactly where you are, even with a detailed fire map.

Next comes the enforcement issue. We hire people to enforce the laws, not to advocate for the closure of certain areas because they have to work and expend resources. We hire them to go after the “ne’r-dowells” who are always with us and apparently their efforts in enforcement have paid off in a reduction of incidents. If they have to spend too much time out there that is exactly why we pay them.

Steve Rapalyea

Chiloquin