No reason to designate Rock Creek as wilderness

...They are right, however their contention that the area is threatened by illegal ATV use and only a Wilderness designation can save it from that fate is incorrect and misleading. The Wilderness designation will not increase enforcement over what is in place today, either in dollars or people. On the contrary, such a designation would exclude a large and growing segment of the public that enjoys the pleasures of mountain biking. It is not allowed in a Wilderness area. This popular activity currently contributes economically and culturally to Johnson County as well as to the larger American public. They do not deserve to be excluded from responsibly enjoying Rock Creek. A Wilderness designation would negatively impact livestock grazing. I understand that "grazing would be grandfathered in," so permit holders have nothing to worry about with these new restrictions. In reality, that has not been the case in past experiences for Wyoming ranchers. This becomes a "comfort phrase" to mislead people. When the shouting minority takes over, the path of least resistance leads to no grazing. "Grandfathered in" is a phrase that has a warm, fuzzy and misleading connotation. First, its subliminal message is that ranching is part of the past of the American West, something to be tolerated until it dies a quiet death. This should never happen...read more