Uwharrie Revised Land Management Plan from USFS

If i read this right, there will be some trail closures, but mostly on the equestrian and bicycle side ride? some of the spider trails, and paths leading to the river.
 
In Alternatives B and C there is no minimum or maximum OHV trail mileage stated, however, the
goal is to have a well designed, well located and sustainable OHV trail system. These alternatives
would also prevent new motorized trails within 100 feet of perennial streams and 50 feet of
intermittent streams, except for at crossings. New non‐motorized trails would not be constructed
within 33 feet of streams, except for at crossings. A minimum of one mile of unauthorized trails per
year would be closed and rehabilitated. Additionally, Alternative B proposes to move toward a
designated system of trails and areas for mountain bikers and equestrians. In order to designate
the systems, a thorough design process and site specific analysis would be conducted after the
Forest Plan Revision is completed if Alternative B is chosen. This process would ensure that the
trail systems would minimize impacts to watershed and soil resources.
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That is the paragraph I found that best sums it all up as far as the trails are concerned.

I wouldn't say the OHV System is "safe". The key words here are a well designed, well located, and sustainable. Any time that those requirements aren't met the plan can be amended and the OHV System could be removed from the plan. The mission of keeping the OHV System is an on going battle that has new hurdles to get over around every corner.

There are 2 immediate hurdles facing the OHV System.

1.)Archeological Sites (also listed in the plan): There are trail sections that run very close (too close in a lot of cases) to archeological sites. Looting/raiding of archeological sites is common, and close trail proximity makes this an even bigger problem. Arch sites are a big reason why Saw-Mill was re-routed.

2.)Trail(s) Running Near Streams: The big one here is the Dutch John trail. A portion of the trail runs near streams with multiple stream crossings. This portion of the trail needs to be re-routed. And keep in mind this isn't the first time Dutch John has been re-routed, there are old sections of Dutch John you can still hike.

There are many hurdles beyond that but right now those are the big ones.
 
Another thing to consider, on the brighter sides of things for those probably thinking I am too cynical. If it weren't for Head Ranger Deborah Walker (and her husband James), Recreation Specialist Terry Savery, and the rest of the very OHV supportive Forest Service (Janet,Pete, Rodney, Drew, Jeff, and others) things could be much worse. Having especially Deborah and Terry support us and work with us makes a huge difference. Even though a lot of people have their issues with the Forest Service (especially with Tellico etc) we are very fortunate to be working with the people in the Forest Service that we are.
 
DRaider90 said:
That is the paragraph I found that best sums it all up as far as the trails are concerned.

I wouldn't say the OHV System is "safe". The key words here are a well designed, well located, and sustainable. Any time that those requirements aren't met the plan can be amended and the OHV System could be removed from the plan. The mission of keeping the OHV System is an on going battle that has new hurdles to get over around every corner.

There are 2 immediate hurdles facing the OHV System.

1.)Archeological Sites (also listed in the plan): There are trail sections that run very close (too close in a lot of cases) to archeological sites. Looting/raiding of archeological sites is common, and close trail proximity makes this an even bigger problem. Arch sites are a big reason why Saw-Mill was re-routed.

2.)Trail(s) Running Near Streams: The big one here is the Dutch John trail. A portion of the trail runs near streams with multiple stream crossings. This portion of the trail needs to be re-routed. And keep in mind this isn't the first time Dutch John has been re-routed, there are old sections of Dutch John you can still hike.

There are many hurdles beyond that but right now those are the big ones.
Click to expand...

What's in the arch sites that makes them lootable? I know its history, but what specifically? I didn't realize the looting was an issue.


DRaider90 said:
Another thing to consider, on the brighter sides of things for those probably thinking I am too cynical. If it weren't for Head Ranger Deborah Walker (and her husband James), Recreation Specialist Terry Savery, and the rest of the very OHV supportive Forest Service (Janet,Pete, Rodney, Drew, Jeff, and others) things could be much worse. Having especially Deborah and Terry support us and work with us makes a huge difference. Even though a lot of people have their issues with the Forest Service (especially with Tellico etc) we are very fortunate to be working with the people in the Forest Service that we are.
Click to expand...

100% agree.
 
Benjie said:
What's in the arch sites that makes them lootable? I know its history, but what specifically? I didn't realize the looting was an issue.
Click to expand...

They are looking for anything they can make some quick $$$ on. I haven't been told what all has been taken, the Forest Service is very tight lipped about it all. They don't advertise that the arch. sites are out there (they are only mentioned when trails get re-routed or when we are blocking access to them), and aren't sharing about what is being found/taken. But what I have been told is these people are destroying the arch. sites in the process of looking for artifacts. You can find arrowheads and pieces of other tools fairly easily out there (we have found some on workdays) just by happenstance. I can only imagine what other artifacts at the campgrounds/living areas (or even burial grounds) that they are finding (utensils, weapons, wares). They find an arrowhead by accident camping (this has happened on Dutch John), and then they go looking for other artifacts.
 
And i think legally you can not take anything from there that you find like that. If i remember correctly.
 
krzyabncanuck said:
And i think legally you can not take anything from there that you find like that. If i remember correctly.
Click to expand...

That is correct, in National Forests (and other govt owned properties like battlefields etc) you cannot remove artifacts from the grounds. Its illegal, so if you get caught you will be prosecuted.
 
Thanks guys. I was not aware of that.
 
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