couesobsession Report post Posted October 3, 2011 So its getting to the time of year that I like to go dig out my camera and take some nice aspen shots in the high country. My go-to spot was Escudilla Mountain due to the variety of landscape in that area to photograph. Of course, it was burned badly in the Wallow Fire. So my second favorite spot is the majestic Inner Basin of the SAn Francisco Peaks. And get this, the closure that has been in effect since 2010 has recently been extended, until SEPTEMBER 2013! Let me just say this, I recently hiked Humphreys peak form the Snowbowl Approach and when I looked in at the area shut off for "Public Safety" I found an appalling lack of burn area. All the Schultz fire did to the Inner Basin was burn a small hillside at the edge of the Basin, nothing more. For petes's sake, if a certain area is unscathed, open it up! I'm not saying open the whole daggum burn area, but at least open up Lockett Meadow and the rest of the are which is UNSCATHED in every since of the word. I know I could just hike up to the saddle again, but its not the same as being IN the inner basin. I also want to say I unsderstand the need to protect idiots from themselves. I know they are concerned about someone wandering off over a ridge and having a tree crush them, or a flood wash them away, but just make it clear that your entering the area at your own risk, and the actual burn is not open to ANYBODY. Patroll the area, buat for the love of god dont deny those who live to see the Aspens light up in their gold grandeur the ability to do so just to cover you @$$. Portions of the Wallow Fire burn area that are MUCH,MUCH worse are already open, a mere few months after the fire. Sorry for the rant and all the grousing, I just needed to vent. But honestly, am I looking at this the wrong way or does anybody else feel this way? I dont mean to anoy anyone, but shouldnt we be allowed in the Inner Basin? I can post pics if anyone doesnt realize how well preserved that area is. The fire ddint burn almost anything along that area. Here is the new order, dated Sept. 24 2011 http://www.redrockcountry.org/about-us/orders/04-11-13-r.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues7 Report post Posted October 4, 2011 I would recommend you contact your county and local representatives.....on top of all that contact the USFCirus and demand answers. This is simply the government keeping the citizen/taxpayer out of "their forest" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted October 4, 2011 From what I understand, they are working on the road that washes out through the burn area. Road is open to horses, mountain bikes and boots. One can still hike/pedal to the inner basin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesobsession Report post Posted October 4, 2011 From what I understand, they are working on the road that washes out through the burn area. Road is open to horses, mountain bikes and boots. One can still hike/pedal to the inner basin. I could definately be wrong, and if the road is washed out, then that makes sense. But still, that timeframe is unacceptable. It shouldnt take that long to get a few earth movwers in there and make the road passable again. And barring the availability of money for said machinery, put a couple of them desk jockeys to work with a couple of shovels. A group of men should be able to fix that road by now. But look at this, I'm not so sure the wording implys anyone can go into the inner basin, seems to basically say "KEEP THE HEYLL OUT" PROHIBITIONS: 1. Possessing or using any type of motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads; 36 CFR § 261.56 2. Going into or being upon any area which is posted closed; 36 CFR § 261.53(e) 3. Being on any road posted closed; 36 CFR § 261.54(e) 4. Being on any trail posted closed; 36 CFR § 261.55(a) EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order: 1. Person(s) with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission. 2. Any Federal, State or Local officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. 3. Over the snow vehicles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robertramsey61 Report post Posted October 5, 2011 Its not just for the road, there was a city water main that went up the mountain and the well is located in the inner basin that was washed out as well, so the construction staging area is up there and they dont want a bunch of people in the area messing with stuff so they closed the road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swwildlife Report post Posted October 5, 2011 I think its just another way to close the forest to everyone. one small chunk at a time in the name of public saftey. Remember Bushnell Tanks. Been closed since the fire of ???? I don't even remember the name of that one. I thinks at least 10 years ago. Don't be fooled they (USFS) want us out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted October 5, 2011 I think its just another way to close the forest to everyone. one small chunk at a time in the name of public saftey. Remember Bushnell Tanks. Been closed since the fire of ???? I don't even remember the name of that one. I thinks at least 10 years ago. Don't be fooled they (USFS) want us out. EDGE fire officially closed since october 2005 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gearsnagger Report post Posted October 6, 2011 The FS people probably got drawn and are using this area as their private hunting preserve! It's happened before! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
