Court order closes 42 off-highway routes in Eldorado forest

The Eldorado National Forest will close 42 popular off-highway-vehicle routes that cross meadows due to a February court order, Forest Supervisor Kathy Hardy announced this week. The routes could be closed through this year's recreation season while the U.S. Forest Service conducts an environmental analysis ordered by the court. U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Karlton said the Forest Service had failed to comply with the National Forest Management Act when it designated routes as open for motor vehicle use, according to a release from the Forest Service. Online discussion groups for off-roaders have attacked the closures as senseless, and State Senator Ted Gaines (R-Rocklin) has added his voice to the criticism. "Closing these trails for a solid year or more is absolutely the wrong approach," said Gaines, in a prepared statement. "Off-roading is a major hobby enjoyed by people from across the country and is a contributor to our state and region's economy. I don't see why these trails, which have been used for decades, can't remain open until the environmental study is complete."...more