Letters to the Editor for Aug. 31, 2009

Road closures bad for everybody

To the editor:

“It makes us look bad,” Commissioner Warner said in regards to people possibly misinterpreting Baker County’s position on Travel Management in the Wallowa-Whitman. “Look bad” to whom? Anyone following this issue is well aware of Baker County’s choice to willingly give up roads and the designation of an open forest. Maybe the counties were misled into believing each of their plans would stand alone.

I think it can be said that Union County didn’t want to be associated with Baker County either. Colleen MacLeod, past Union County commissioner, in an initial comment, stated: “We feel that every road closed means one more nail in the coffin of this region ever being able to recover financially.”

Many volunteers spend hours doing road inventory. This inventory could be construed as misleading. Previous bermed roads, roads that could and would have been used if not for the blocks, were inventoried for closure. Retaining an open forest ensures these roadbeds for all forms of recreation, not just the many exemptions.

The ATV community is not the only one going to suffer after Mr. Ellis makes his closure decisions. Closures will hinder access to firewood, berries, hunting, camping, fishing, mushrooms — again, everyone who enjoys the forest.

Even with the presently open forest, gathering firewood can be an arduous chore. Too many roads have been closed as it is. Abundant winter wood supplies are available behind berms. Cords and cords of home heating fuel very likely will be consumed by forest fire.

“It makes us look bad.” Yes it does. Baker County’s position was totally disappointing to the over 6,000 people who signed a petition of “no more road closures.” Baker County should have taken a step back and repositioned. In an attempt to appease the Forest Service, ODFW, environmental groups, seemingly everyone by constituents, the county opted to continue deleting roads, ignoring an overwhelming cry to fight for our culture and historical access.

Travel management is a huge land grab to be followed closely by a forest revision plan and numerous pending wilderness bills. When public domain has vanished, who will look bad?

Wanda Ballard

Baker City