I realize many of you are probably farther along the curve on this than I, but during my last visit to moab I learned of the term WSA - or wilderness study area. So, I've been bringing myself up to speed (not there yet) on this and been perusing the latest incarnation of the 'New Wilderness Study Area' inventory and related documents. Seems things could get sticky - for us as well as many other lands-users. Granted, we jumpers have little or no impact (no pun intended) on the lands, but how to get there?? I guess this is what some of you were referring to when you mentioned biking/hiking into the areas. Seems to me the interim management plans allow for some 'use' which will not significantly affect the surface of these lands - question is, how narrowly will BLM draw this line and where? I'm not completely familiar with the topography/geography of the area, so I cannot determine (from the maps of the proposed new study areas) where things might change, if at all.
Anybody else doing any reading/watchdogging in this arena? I recall the request for help/aid from the Off-Highway Vehicle users among us. Who was that?? Any moab locals who read this board have any insights? I'm curious what the scope/ultimate effect any of this might have on jumpers as well as other users and what _WE_ can do to eke out a niche for ourselves?? Any sympathetic policymakers out there with ideas to help?
Further, for the guides/concessioners among us, what effect will this Proposed Rule for Cost Recovery (Both the BLM and the US Forestry Service are proposing it) have on you? What effect might it have on us? See:
http://www.ut.blm.gov/NewsReleases/nrmay16a.html
and:
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/perm...t_recovery.htm
Any of you jumpers out there involved/concerned with any of this? I realize that, ultimately, we can/will always fall back on our old ways ;) , but I, for one, appreciate being able to jump in daylight and peace.
bsbd,
Gardner
P.S. send mail to: base311@bellsouth.net if you want to have some private dialog about this off-forum. thanks.
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