Comments

Wendy wrote on Feb 26, 2010 8:48 AM:

" Mac, what you may not realize is that the majority of anti-access groups aren't demanding closure of just motorcycle trails, just on the basis of noise. They are actively pushing for Wilderness designations all over the country, in places that don't meet the definition of Wilderness. This means they want the areas closed to OHVs, street vehicles, horses, bicycles, airplane landings, etc. Essentially, only foot traffic would be allowed. I ride a very quiet bike so stricter regulations wouldn't affect me, but it seems every time we give an inch they take another mile of trail. "




Mac wrote on Feb 25, 2010 7:36 AM:

" Back on topic - would there be a problem with expanding use for bikes under a certain decibel level? The quieter bikes do exist and it seems it would be a compromise that might satisfy most people. "




Mac wrote on Feb 25, 2010 7:31 AM:

" Well, you thanked him for "showing most of these crooked people have found a way to live off their 'good works'". Mr Rhodes mentioned something he found out about ONE GUY. I'm just wondering how that translates into "most of these people"??? "




Truth wrote on Feb 24, 2010 7:42 PM:

" Mac, please refrain from commenting on any of my writings, your comments make no sense regarding any issue and you just end up sounding "rambling and personal" about everything I say, try thinking about "the big picture" for a change! Hey, think like Cathy Perfect does! "




Mac wrote on Feb 24, 2010 9:05 AM:

" Hey Barb, how do you translate one person into being "most progressives"? If you want I can dig up some shady conservatives, but that doesn't mean all or even most of them are. "




Truth wrote on Feb 23, 2010 9:06 PM:

" Holy Cow! Here is the first proof of the progressives being on the "take" and setting up "good deed groups" which they use for their own income! Praise God, Robert Palmer Rhoads you are a good guy and thank you for your diligence and intelligence in showing us that most of these crooked people have found a way to live off the "good works" and ways for them to lobby for taxpayers money also!!! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Sequoia Forest Keepers, you a phoney! "




Robert Palmer Rhoads wrote on Feb 23, 2010 4:12 PM:

" FYI:
I did some research on SEQUOIA FORESTKEEPER and their funds.

In 2008 they (AKA: ARA MARDEROSIAN) claim on their (his) 990-EZ (short form with NO itemization of funds) that they received $110,073 and from that they paid out $126,141 for salaries, other compensations and employee benefits. Of that ALMOST HALF was paid to MR. MARDEROSIAN. $60,000
I think that in itself speaks volumes.
Source:
guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2008/912/154/2008-912154817-051abb03-Z.pdf

Signed
4th generation native son to Kern River Valley "




John Perry wrote on Feb 21, 2010 7:55 PM:

" Local One, please accept my apology. My post was aimed a local in the know.
To spread unseemly gossip and then hide behind a screen name is cowardly and ignorant.
It is my opinion that Hayduke, Sasquatch and local one are probably members of the SFK.
It's been my experience that preservationist groups will do whatever is required to accomplish their agenda.
Don't buy into the published SFK rhetoric. Go to their website, find out what they are really about.
It's my opinion after studying their website that THEY WANT TO CLOSE THE FOREST TO ALL HUMAN USE. "




Jill Dey wrote on Feb 21, 2010 2:52 PM:

" It cracks me up how many organizations and infighting between them are involved in our forests and recreations. What it boils down to, perhaps, is the almighty dollar. Why else would there be so many agendas? The forests are for the public and no restrictions should be imposed. Period.

Prove to me that the environmentalists really care. Or is it just another way to bring in funds and line pockets? "




Local One wrote on Feb 21, 2010 2:33 PM:

" WOW, Again,amazed at what is allowed to b posted here. John Perry, I am amazed that you imply that 'other' people are uneducated, or LIE. I think it's the bible that (in brief) says pull the beam out of your own eye b4 pulling the splinter out of your neighbors. Such childish replies you offer. If this was an issue I planned on dedicating a great portion of my life to, I would post my name, but people like you, in a town like this, are not mature enough to respond responsibly. "




Wendy wrote on Feb 20, 2010 9:03 AM:

" I just want to make sure I understand you correctly, Sierra Clubber: Motorcycles have access to <0.5% of public lands. You have access to, or left pristine, is the other 99.5%. You want OHVs to have access to roughly 0% of the public lands so you can have 100%. And we are selfish? Did you see the incredible amount of trail maintenance SOTS volunteers did while you were enjoying Whiskey Flats? No, of course not. Tunnel vision is a terrible thing. (By the way, I do in fact live & work in this valley.) "




John Perry wrote on Feb 19, 2010 10:53 PM:

" Sierra Clubber instead of casting baseless aspersions why don't you site the actual problems with names of the people so we can contact them? Where is your proof? Anyone can post anything.
There are very few that have ridden more miles than myself in the Piutes. I've met two gentlemen on horse back, one hiker on a road. The horsemen asked directions, we had nice 20 minutes conversation. The hiker smiled and waved as I drove by slowly.
Have the courage to sign your name or are you a coeardly member of the SFK?
In my opinion,you lie. "




Sierra Clubber wrote on Feb 19, 2010 6:26 PM:

" There is no such thing as "multiple use" with motor cycle riders. They drive everyone else away and make it impossible for others to use the trails and enjoy our forest. These people are no "Stewards." They are destructive and selfish individuals who do not belong on forest trails. They are a public nuisanse and the Forest Service should stop coddling them and send them packing. Chris Horgan's diatribes are wearing thin in this community and he and his out of town cronies should ride to - well you know where..... "




Wendy wrote on Feb 18, 2010 10:01 AM:

" I think Local One has the right idea, but unfortunately enjoying our public lands responsibly and volunteering isn't enough any more. The OHV opposition is very loud, very well funded, and very organized. If you want to preserve your (and future generation's) ability to responsibly ride OHVs on public lands, it's time to get involved. Support groups like S.O.T.S., the Blue Ribbon Coalition, and AMA, who are out there on the front lines fighting anti-OHV legislation and the quiet stripping of our rights. They work for us on local, regional, and national levels to keep riding legal. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 16, 2010 10:22 PM:

" Local, if you are going to cast off topic aspersions at least have the courage to sign you name. Or are you the coward I think you are?
Your statement is typical of under educated zealots.
If you cannot argue a point in an intellectual manner with facts you attempt to destroy those you disagree with by casting aspersions and juvenile name calling.
Are you a member of the SFK or are you other names Hayduke or Sasquatch? "




Local One wrote on Feb 16, 2010 4:26 PM:

" It amazes me of what is allowed to get posted here-Helllllo, Jerry Springer! Back to the article. Bottom line is, We all live up here, Off roading is a fun sport, but if people abuse the sport, we will damage the environment that makes living up here so beautiful.Let's try not to be the selfish, ignorant Americans that we are, ok. Let's enjoy ourselves without having to destroy everything in our path to have a good time, Pick up your stinkin trash before you leave! And, Volunteer or Zip it! "




Wendy wrote on Feb 16, 2010 10:00 AM:

" Local: "noisy, gas hogging machines"? The average motorcycle gets between 40-100 miles per gallon. How does that compare to your vehicle(s)? OHVs must be <96dbA. That's about the same as a large truck. However, that's measured 20 inches from the exhaust, so unless you are hiking within kissing distance of a motorcycle you aren't going to hear noise anywhere near that level. Also bear in mind that motorcycles have access to <0.5% of our public lands, so there's always the option of you just hiking in the other 99.5%. That's not "truth", those are FACTS. "




Paul Adley wrote on Feb 16, 2010 7:54 AM:

" On average I donate two weekends per year to maintaining multiple use trails in the Piutes, Greenhorns & Brekenridge. To do so, I drive over 130 miles to do back-breaking trail work on my own time. Where are the ForestKeepers when the Stewards are conducting trail maintenence? They are at home cooking up lawsuits and hate campaigns to divide the community while we toil in the hot sun. Which is more productive? Let the readers decide.
Chris, here comes a $100 bucks to help you look after my trout stocking, trail riding, hot springing, lake-side interests in Kern Valley. "




local in the know wrote on Feb 14, 2010 4:13 PM:

" sorry to burst the bubble of the off road religious zealouts but Chris Horgan is not a saint. Some locals know him as a "dead beat dad" which, in my book, is not a real man. Come on ask the wife and daughtor he left, I dare you.

The off road noisy group is the most selfish group I've met. They buy noisy, gas hogging machines and make us hikers eat their dust when they go by.

Sorry but someone had to tell the truth. "




Robert Baldwin wrote on Feb 13, 2010 6:04 PM:

" The thing I find most ironic about all of this is we all (sans extremist on either side of the discussion) want the same thing from the standpoint that we love this forest, and we all love being in it, and that none of us who are sincere about that would ever do harm to it and would take actions to protect it.

That protection can only come with access. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 12, 2010 6:44 PM:

" I would ask that all of you that support multiple use of the forest go to the Sequoia Forest Keepers website.
Look at all the appeals they have filed virtually every time the SNF has attempted to manage our forest.
Each of these has to be answered by the SNF at great expense in time and money.
I wonder how much tax money this has cost us and the SNF.
I think it is time for all of us to ask this group where their money comes from and what is their expertise in Forest Management. "




Scott Atchison wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:11 AM:

" Cris Horgan you are a Saint. You work your butt off for my four kids every day! If these wackos get there way my kids will be fenced in the city so they can control every move they make. I'm not a big manufaturer just a little guy trying to enjoy what is ours and my $100 is on its way to line your pockets. Keep up the great work. "




mtnmomma wrote on Feb 10, 2010 8:55 AM:

" OHV's have been using designated trails within the SNF for years. Because of Sequoia Forestkeeper and similar groups, larger and larger areas have become off-limits, so trail users are forced into a smaller and smaller area of trails, which creates a safety hazard. A hazard that would not exist if the original trail network had been left intact. We sure owe you one on that account. As for pavement driving, so much for riding a gas-saving motorcycle anywhere. The road is too crowded with gas guzzling SUV's full of Sierra Club members! "




Agree with Stewards wrote on Feb 9, 2010 1:35 PM:

" Forestkeeper is a group of the same nutcases that have stopped stocking of trout. On their website they say

"Access by humans, including the Forest Service, and mechanical equipment increase the chances for human-caused fires."

That pretty much sums up their philosophy.

Trees aren't for people. Nature isn't for people. KEEP OUT.

And by the way, Forestkeeper often SUES WITH the Center for Biological Diversity that STOPPED the TROUT STOCKING. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 8, 2010 3:45 PM:

" EDITOR.
You did not answer my question.Why?
I think we all have seen less than Factual statements published in your paper and you did nothing to verify the statements or post an editors note.
I asked Cathy Perfect about this one day and she responded that they were not responsible for statements made on the blogs nor did they have time to verify them.
Are the ForestKeepers now making editorial decisions for your paper or do you have a conflict of interest in this matter? "




John Perry wrote on Feb 8, 2010 3:32 PM:

" How can anyone believe you Valerie?
You claimed that most of the Piute Fire burned mostly in the previously logged areas. This is not factual.
Look at the FS burn map. You will see a large WELL MANAGED area right in the middle that did not burn. A replanted old clear cut area did burn.
This was the area that the FS wanted to thin. Your group joined in a law suit and stopped the thinning so now it's destroyed.
Why were you soliciting complaints about OHVs under your name on the
ForestKeeper website? "




Valerie Cassity wrote on Feb 8, 2010 1:42 PM:

" I have addressed this letter in the next issue of the KV Sun, but wanted to clarify here that Chris Horgan's claims about Sequoia ForestKeeper trying to close public trails is absolutely false, and a ploy to smear our name while soliciting donations. I can see that it has worked for some. Sequoia ForestKeeper asks for enforcement of laws regarding OHV use, making it safer for everyone, including other OHV users. You're right, Chris, there IS no place for negativity. In this case, all of the negativity is yours, and in addition, outright lies. "




Editor wrote on Feb 8, 2010 1:27 PM:

" To John Perry: The editor's note was added to the bottom of Mr. Horgan's letter because his statement,'The ForestKeepers agreed to pull their negative campaign when the Forest Service told them it was inappropriate to solicit negative comments during a collaborative trail planning process' didn't ring true. However, I was unable to confirm the statement's validity prior to presstime last week.
Today, I spoke with Mary Chislock, USFS Public Affairs Officer. She told me, 'It is not our role to act as a gatekeeper on a non-profit group's website.' She confirmed the USFS did not intervene. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 8, 2010 9:35 AM:

" May I ask when was the last time you added an Editors note to a letter stating the accuracy of the claims have not been verified?
Have you ever added this note to any letter from members of the Sequoia ForestKeepers? "




Jack Webb wrote on Feb 8, 2010 6:51 AM:

" Stewards of the Sequoia promotes responsible use of public lands. Please do not exclude or discriminate against the people that care about keeping the trails open for everyone. "




Philip McNamara wrote on Feb 7, 2010 9:44 PM:

" Our public lands are just that, public lands. We have the right to enjoy our national treasures with all of our friends. Whether our friends are hikers, 4x4 owners, bird watchers, hunters, or motorcyclists, we should be able to cooperatively use the trails in question with responsible maturity. "




Gail Korner wrote on Feb 7, 2010 8:06 PM:

" I support the Stewards of the Sequoia. Thank you Chris Horgan for a wonderful contribution. The forest roads and trails should be accessible to all citizens who should act responsibly, whether hiking, camping or offroading. I am also concerned about the no stocking of the Kern River that is compromising our economy here. Our family enjoys the outdoors, we hike, jog, ride bikes, fish, camp. We would like to continue enjoying our freedom and right to utilize the forest areas without compromise. "




deb marsolini wrote on Feb 7, 2010 6:16 PM:

" Stewards of the Sequoias does so much good for the forest and area in general. Public lands should be just that, and available for many activiities. NOT JUST HIKING...I love to hike and backpack, but I also enjoy offroad motorcycle riding, 4 wheel driving, fishing, etc....The forest and BLM lands should be open for all these activities.. "




Cathy wrote on Feb 7, 2010 6:15 PM:

" I am so proud and happy to see so many of us take precieous moments out of our busy lives to support Chris, SOTS and all of us. So we can protect our rights to SHARE this wonderful land of ours. WE are the TOLERANT ones, the FAIRMIND, the true STEWARDS who WORK to treasure and protect this beautiful land that calls to us. I would love to invite Hayduke and Sasquatch to join us for a weekend. You will hear and SEE the DIVERSITY of the OHV community. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 7, 2010 2:24 PM:

" I just noticed the editors note that states the accuracy of the claims ALLEGED in Mr. Horgans letter have not been verified.
Why is this necessary? Is this a sneaky apology to the ForestKeepers for publishing Mr. Horgans letter?
Why did you not add the same ed. note to sasquatch's post? He impugned
Chris Horgans integrity.
I think you owe Mr. Horgan an apology.
As for full disclosure, I have lined the Stewards pockets with a $30.00 donation.
A newspaper that is run by true Journalists is careful not to give the appearance of taking sides. "




Andy Lofquist wrote on Feb 7, 2010 7:14 AM:

" The respectable use of these areas is the RIGHT of all Americans. We all pay for these rights in the form of taxes, licensing, registration and unfortunately for motor vehicle operators, our need to join and fund advocacy organizations like the Stewards of the Sequoia, Blue Ribbon Coalition etc. to counter the protectionist mentality of those that would, at the most extreme level, close all wilderness areas to all humans. Those involved with the SOTS and BRC would much prefer to enjoy their rights rather than constantly have to defend them. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:38 PM:

" The assault on our rights to use the forest is a national problem and is going to get worse as the preservationists gain more control of the upper management of the Forest
Service
It's the same ForestKeeper preservationist mentality that's eliminated the stocking of the Kern River and allowed millions of acres of forests to be consumed by wildfire.
Go to sharetrails.org and sign up for their legislative and forest service alerts that effect our access.
Write letters to the editor, your legislators and other outdoor recreational groups.
And join the Stewards of the Sequoia. "




Jim Boyd wrote on Feb 6, 2010 8:48 PM:

" I like to camp, hunt, fish, backpack, day hike, and ride/drive motor vehicles in our National Forests. Can't we all just get along? The more legal access is encouraged the less illegal activity you are likely to get (pot farms & meth labs). There are plenty of areas already designated as wilderness where I can go if I don't want motor vehicles around. We don't need more defacto wilderness created by the closure of roads and trails to motor vehicle access in our National Forests. "




Tor Anderson wrote on Feb 6, 2010 3:45 PM:

" The Sequoia Nat. Forest is big enough to share. To exclude one form of recreation just because you don't enjoy it is very self centered.

A good example of the minimal impact multiple use trails have, is how quickly the forest tries to reclaim them. Without maintenance most trails almost disappear within a season or two.

We should all be thankful for those the volunteer to keep trails open for all. "




JoAnn Jones wrote on Feb 6, 2010 2:51 PM:

" I agree with Chris we must work together to keep existing trails open. As a property owner on Piute Mtn.I spend a great deal of time hiking and mountain biking Sequoia Nat.Forrest. I have as yet to ever feel threatened or in danger of OHV users.
I would also go on record as stating that I have never seen anyone donate so much time, and effort, to keeping trails open than Chris. "




Wendy wrote on Feb 6, 2010 12:28 PM:

" Our public lands are there for everyone's enjoyment, not just a select few or for certain activites. The vast majority of off-roaders are respectful of the land and other users. We play by the rules and many of us donate time and money to maintain ALL types of trails. And yet, more and more of our trails are being closed. I am not asking to be allowed to ride on your hiking trail or to distrupt your enjoyment; what I am asking is that the small handful of OHV trails we have left be allowed to remain open. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 6, 2010 12:10 PM:

" We will probably never hear from Hayduke or Sasquatch. They can't respond factually to the responses to their disingenuous statements.
Last year the ForestKeepers were soliciting negative comments about OHV users on their web site. When I cited this in a letter to the editor the solicitation mysteriously disappeared.
The Stewards have been instrumental in keeping open many miles of trails for the use of EVEYONE. What has the ForestKeepers done for us?
Many millions of acres of our precious forest have been destroyed by fire due to the efforts of preservationist groups like the Sequoia ForestKeepers. "




Mike Koroknay wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:44 AM:

" Man up granola crunchers. When the desert needs trash haul out,
a trail needs work, and campgrounds signage needs repair. The BLM and USFS knows who will get the job done. I am so over the vomit-tory, woodpeckering whining. Get out and help maintain the (OUR) environment. "




Steve Hess wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:43 AM:

" My family and I routinely enjoy the outdoor life in and around Lake Isabella. We hike, fish, hunt, horseback, bicycle, motorcycle and generally enjoy the place. We have met many people on the trail and can say that, not even once, have we met anyone who seems to put forth the hate that "Forestkeepers" does. Who are these people?? Stewards supports access for everyone. I just don't see the problem with that. Keep up the good work Stewards, i hope my $50 goes a long way to "lining your pockets". Respectfully, Steve "




Clif Seward wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:12 AM:

" Chris Horgan, and men & women like him, work tirelessly to keep our public lands open for responsible, well managed
recreational use for "all" users. Since we cannot rely on our politicians and bureaucrats to provide this. We must rely on the volunteer efforts of organized user groups like Stewards of the Sequoia and Chris Horgan. "




Scott Bain wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:07 AM:

" Like many others thousands out there I love the outdoors and have supported the use of our land for everyone’s use. Feeling like I have mine and no one else can have there’s just wrong! Use of our open space is the greatest form of freedom not to mention great for family bonding. At the current pace we will all loose access and only see these great lands from 40,000 feet! "




Alfred wrote on Feb 6, 2010 11:03 AM:

" Stewards of the Sequoia promotes RESPONSIBLE use of PUBLIC land and donates many man-hours to maintain the environment. The position of the ForestKeepers is simply shallow and selfish and as you can see in their tone, quite negative. "




BZane wrote on Feb 6, 2010 10:49 AM:

" @Hayduke & Sasquatch

All have two options; travel to wilderness to pack and hike pristine trails or to areas with trails reserved for shared access.

Numbers prove the vast majority of forest visitors prefer the latter.

Both areas provide ample recreational opportunities for all it seems except for you and a small group of self-righteous "Forest Watch" malcontents

Deny me forest areas reserved for shared access then banish you, too.

From your comments I'm certain you leave only piles and puddles in your wake. "




Michael Scott wrote on Feb 6, 2010 10:24 AM:

" Sasquatch and Hayduke sound a lot more like San Francisco lobbyists than they do Sequoia National Forest users. If they were in our local forests they would know that there in no 'danger' from off-roaders. They would also know that mountain bikes are usually restricted to the same trails as motorized vehicles. And they would know that Chris Horgan is not making any money from trying to keep trails open. They sound a lot more like elitists that will keep campaining until every single trail is closed to motorized vehicles. "




Jess McKinley wrote on Feb 6, 2010 10:21 AM:

" I love backpacking, mountain-biking, and motorcycle riding through the Paiutes and Greenhorn mountains. I donate my time and money to maintain trails so that others may share the enjoyment. Please do not exclude or discriminate against folks who chose a different method of transportation through our public lands than you do. Once you're able to see other outdoor enthusiasts simply as people with a similar passion for the outdoors as you, you'll be happier, a lot less bitter, and smile a lot more the next time you hike, bike, or ride through our beautiful Sequoia. "




Tim Lane wrote on Feb 6, 2010 10:08 AM:

" Interesting how the "so called" forestkeepers want to close trail access to vehicles. Some of the best trails are the ones that everyone can use. The same trails that we mountainbike & hike on. And they believe in no compromise? The Stewards are working to let everyone use the trails, not just one group. I thought we're all entitled to use them as long as we take care of them, which is why the Stewards exist in the first place. They do a great job maintaining the trails for EVERYONE to use. What do the forestkeerers do that's productive anyway? "




Jim Morton wrote on Feb 6, 2010 9:24 AM:

" As an American citizen,I enjoy being able to use our public lands at my discretion,whether i am mountain biking ,hiking or even fishing on ocassion,I also enjoy riding a completly legal Dualsport motorcycle on trails that nobody even attemps to hike or mountain bike on let alone even locate!So Stewards of the Trails please keep up your great work keeping our trails open to American citizens like myself and others.Thank You Jim Morton. "




Vinnie Barbarino wrote on Feb 6, 2010 9:22 AM:

" Multiple use trails are just that. They are there for everyone to enjoy. My family and friends are active volunteers in the off road community. We believe that public lands should be open to all responsible users. The vast majority of forest trails are closed to motorized recreation. This great country was founded on principles of freedom. If groups like the ForestKeepers had their way all trails would only be open to hikers only. Doesn't sound much like freedom to me. "




Nick wrote on Feb 6, 2010 8:26 AM:

" I ride OHVs, hike, fish, camp, raft, mountain bike, and ski. All of these outdoor activities require travel on dirt roads and trails. I would be saddened if any of these activities were further restricted. "Variety is the spice of life." Why would anyone want to prevent others from their preferred activities or from trying something new? I don’t hunt or ride horses but wouldn’t try to get the government to stop them just because I don’t like those activities enough to participate in them. "




Tom wrote on Feb 6, 2010 8:20 AM:

" I ride a street legal motorcycle on the great forest trails in the Sequoia Forest and also work along side other riders maintaining the trails after the snow melts. You can see so much more in a day on a motorcycle and I love it. We need more trails that are offroad friendly not less. "




Jeanne wrote on Feb 6, 2010 7:59 AM:

" I have been recreating in the Sequoia National Forest for 33 years and now I live here. we have motorcycles, snowmobiles and a 2 seater quad. I have been involved with the lies that these radical enviro groups like to perpetuate because even though most of them don't live here/visit here, they don't want you here either! these are PUBLIC LANDS for ALL the people!!! "




Glen Maki wrote on Feb 6, 2010 7:26 AM:

" I help support Stewards with time and money. I hike, mtn bike, fish, and ride motorcycle. I would guess I spend more time in the forest than the groups attempting to limit our access. In the 30 plus years I have been riding here I have seen a handful of hikers and horseback riders on the trail, never had a conflict with them. There are millions of acres set aside as wilderness for a purist hiker to use, areas off limits to mechanized use. Why not use your names Hayduke and Sasquatch? "




John Wiltsey wrote on Feb 6, 2010 7:07 AM:

" As a long time visitor 40+ years to the Kern Plateau and Sequoia area both as a backpacker, mountain biker and 2 wheel OHV user, seeing the wilderness designations occur in the Golden Trout and Domeland areas to name just 2, it seems to me that ALL interests are being reasonably addressed. I hope Mr Horgan and others keep up the good work maintaining and donating their time and skills so we ALL can enjoy PUBLIC land. Don't allow the few nasty folks to discourage your efforts. I'll be a supporter of multiple use organizations. "




mike graves wrote on Feb 6, 2010 6:59 AM:

" To Sasquatch and Hayduke,
I donate money to Stewards of the Sequoias. I have come across Chris while hiking, riding , and public meetings. He is calm, reasonable, and tolerant. He supports multiple use. I frequently cannot attend meetings and make comments like Chris does. Frankly, I fall short in the effort to protect public access to our great outdoors: That is why I donate to the Stewards.
In contrast, what I see from Sasquatch are accusations. What I see from Hayduke is intolerance, false claims, hyperbole, and name calling.
That’s not nice, that’s a smear. "




MuirMan wrote on Feb 6, 2010 1:27 AM:

" As an ornithologist, hiker, and life member of the Sierra Club and life member of the Audobon Society, I have never felt threatened or heard of anyone else being scared of an off-road vehicle. I have enjoyed the most sacred of lands ONLY because the first several hours of the would be hike were made possible by the swift access afforded first by my small, quiet,lightly treading dirt bike. Walking even 15 of the 60 miles round trip to my favorite hike would not be possible for this working man on his typical weekend off. "




Philip wrote on Feb 5, 2010 11:27 PM:

" I’m “lining his pockets” with the princely sum of $200.00 total. Ever look out an airplane window, wonder what your fellow citizens are doing with our land? Well look no further. With the help of negative, politically savvy, well funded groups wishing to make a tyrant’s decision for everybody we can expect increasing loss of access to all you see. Are locked gates, barbed wire and keep out signs really the answer? Welcome Sequoia ForestKeepers to the debate. However, since you brought it up, please open your financial records… so we know who we are actually talking to. "




John Perry wrote on Feb 5, 2010 11:21 PM:

" If your going to be disingenuous in your objections to the Stewards of the Sequoia have the courage to sign your real name.
How many miles of trails have you cleared?
How much have you hiked, ridden your horse or bike in the forest?
Have you witnessed the devastation in the Piutes caused by a law suit in which the the Sequoia ForestKeepers joined?
OHV riders have donated well over a million dollars to the SNF in the last 3 years and thousands of hours of labor. Have the forest keepers? "




Trey wrote on Feb 5, 2010 11:04 PM:

" Hayduke, what exactly are "regular folks"? Do, please, pray tell. We are all awaiting your response. Especially the disabled veterans who fought for your right to post such a sad comment. Especially the physically challenged with whom you might well join the ranks one day. "




Family Recreation wrote on Feb 5, 2010 10:55 PM:

" With all the millions of acres of land out there, you'd think responsible family recreation enthusiasts who choose to ride off highway vehicles, would have a place to go. The sad truth is, most forest roads and trails are already off limits and more are being closed every day. Hikers have many thousands of miles of trails already set aside. Please don't close the few trails left for ohv. Follow the rules, tread lightly and get out there to enjoy the great outdoors! Most folks can't hike very far... ohv is necessary. "




Jimmy Lewis wrote on Feb 5, 2010 10:55 PM:

" I love the outdoors. I ride motorcycles, mountain bikes, hike and trail run. And from my experiences in the Piutes, Greenhorn and Kern Plateau, the best maintained and user friendly trails are mulitple use. And the Stewarts of the Sequoia seem to have adopoted a lot of those. I have yet to see any hiking clubs adopt any mulitple use trails. Maybe this shows the one sided position typically taken by groups that have a very limited view of how they feel the forest, and all public lands should be used. Do you really want them to close everything? "




Don wrote on Feb 5, 2010 10:29 PM:

" "Motor vehicles have no place on forest trails."

Clearly, Hayduke does not believe that disabled people, including our Disabled Veterans have any right to access public lands. It's only for health people like him. Well, Hayduke, I very much hope you are not disabled someday, and have to hear from people that you have no business enjoying public lands. Your selfishness saddens me. "




Chris Horgan wrote on Feb 5, 2010 3:20 PM:

" Stewards of the Sequoia supports access for everyone. We have over 2000 members made up of people who enjoy all forms of recreation including hiking. Our meager donations come from our members and they do not cover the costs for our community efforts. We receive no funding from any manufacturers. I donate a substantial amount of my time helping to keep trails open and the forest healthy.

However who lines the Sequoia ForestKeepers pockets so they can afford to file lawsuits blocking much needed management of our forest to thin our overgrown forests? "




Sasquatch wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:23 PM:

" Which off-road vehicle manufacturers and lobbyists support "stewards" of the sequoia? Who is lining your pockets, Mr. Horgan? "




Hayduke wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:15 PM:

" Motor vehicles have no place on forest trails. They belong on roads only. Our local Whine Steward works tirelessly to make our forest into a dangerous place for regular folks to hike, ride horseback, mountain bike, hunt or fish. Maybe we should open up the Indy 500 to "multiple use," but I doubt if anyone really wants to hunt or fish there any more than they will in the Sequoia National Forest if this whiner gets his way. "