To the editor:
We would like to thank the U.S. Forest Service for the
opportunity to include public input for Rampart Range Recreational
Area southwest of metro Denver.
My husband, John, and I, along with many neighbors, have great
concerns regarding a U.S. Forest Service proposal or plan for the
Rampart Range area located in the Pike National Forest. We are
greatly concerned about the process the Forest Service has used to
notify the public.
Did you conveniently forget the addresses of the residents who
live here in the town of Sedalia? How did all letters get mailed to
Salida? How could you continue with a meeting when no one who is
directly affected by this forum was notified?
Also, many residents are concerned as to how you handled the
price fee increase for the archery range. In one year the USFS
raised its rent from $250 to $7,000. Wow! What do you think the
people up here are thinking? Do you think we feel we are being
included in due process? Do you think we are feeling that plans and
decisions have been made already and that the U.S. Forest Service
is simply following an agenda to make it seem as though residents
are included?
We would like to explain what it is like to live up here. The
noise of the off-highway-vehicle users begins about 7:30 a.m. and
continues to well past 6 p.m. There are no limitations on the times
or the places these motorized vehicles seem to be able to ride. We
have often chased these noisy vehicles off our private property.
Their reason for trespassing? They want to “explore.”
The trash these people throw on Highway 67 and throughout the
forest is incredible! There is no regard for the wildlife or other
individuals who have a right to utilize this land free of junk. We
have found tires, plugs, beer cans (regularly) and bags of dumped
trash.
Residents here are greatly concerned about fires we have found
burning illegally throughout the forest. Take a hike back here and
look at all the illegal fire pits built within view of the
off-highway-vehicle trails. Remember, the largest forest fire in
Colorado history was set by a Forest Service employee. If your own
employees are not concerned about the impact and dangers of illegal
fires in the forest, do you think that off-road-bikers care? Again,
take a look at the illegal fire pits and this will give you some
idea of why we are concerned.
The Forest Service hired contractors to come through and knock
down trees and build a fire line. These individuals often were
found using our private road for access to and from forest
property. They also drove large equipment on our private property.
We have since chased off trucks and four-wheel cars riding through
the forest behind our home and on our land. Where are the rangers
to catch all these things? Do we need to call them every time we
see something occurring? How much and often are these complaints
documented?
Have you brought in environmentalists to access the damage to
the forest by these vehicles? Not only are trash, noise and
pollution extreme, but have you noticed the three- to five-foot
ruts and erosion made in the dirt by off-highway-vehicles? Have you
assessed the damage to the wildlife population and the environment
in the region since the noisy vehicles have been allowed
here?
We are unequivocally opposed to any and all off-highway-vehicles
at Rampart Range Recreational Area within Pike National Forest. We
welcome walkers, cyclists, horseback riders and all nature lovers
to the region. All individuals who are respectful of the peace and
tranquility of nature and the environment are welcome to share this
environment with us. We feel the land is public land to be enjoyed
by all non-motorized vehicles and people who do not destroy the
land.
Jeanne and John Adams
Owners Inner Connections Yoga and Whole Life Center in Castle
Rock