About Jemez Trails

We are a loose coalition of people who are concerned about the Santa Fe National Forest Travel Management Plan and how it will affect non-motorized users and the health of the Jemez Mountains region of the Santa Fe National Forest.

The reasons we are concerned are:

• Contrary to the current executive orders (11644 and 11989), many trails are affected by OHVs causing damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and cultural or historic resources. In addition, these vehicles have considerable adverse effects on wildlife and their habitat.
• Contrary to EO 11989, many of these adversely affected trails have not been closed to OHVs.
• Too many OHVs ignore "no vehicle" signs on trails, as well as Wilderness boundaries and private property.
• There exist many conflicts of interest between OHV and quiet recreation users, as well as between OHV users and private property owners living in the forest district.
• Under the new proposal, many of the burned trails in the Los Alamos area will be opened to OHV use, undoubtedly leading to soil and vegetation damage, and ruining historical trails forever. We find this proposal irresponsible and need to prevent it from happening.
• We have seen considerable soil erosion caused by OHVs. Vehicle users have made new trails, often alongside the old ones; they have destroyed berms, cut fences, and taken down signs.
• We have seen creek erosion impacting endangered cutthroat trout.
• Although many trails and roads will be declared "off-limits" to OHVs under the proposed Travel Management Plan, we have great doubts the new regulations can be or will be enforced. If the present orders are ignored, what is the FS going to do to implement and enforce the new rules?
• We think the FS is understaffed and probably underfunded to execute the new proposals adequately.
• With the increase in population, there will be an increase in OHV use. Will there be an increase in FS resources to manage this situation?

We want to make people aware of these threats to the National Forests. Please help us spread the word, and contact your government and media now!