(Updated on April 19, 2019 to “Rescind the Closure” / Author: Tim Bondy) The Danskin Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park is usually open by mid-April every year. However, this year because of an abundance of snow during the month of March, Boise National Forest officials have decided to keep the “park” closed until it dries out up there. The new opening date for these southwestern Idaho trails is around May 31, 2019. I think this is a good idea but some local residents don’t like the policy nor being told “no.”
On April 17, 2019, the Boise National Forest rescinded the Danskin OHV Park closure with the following Facebook statement:
4-17-2019 Danskin OHV Trails are now open!
The Boise National Forest Mountain Home Ranger District has TERMINATED the closure for motorized access on all trails in the Danskin Mountain OHV (off highway vehicle) Trails effective 4-17-2019. The closure was in effect to minimize trail damage and protect resources due to lingering snow and heavy spring rainfall.
ENJOY THE RIDE!
I’ve hiked, fished and mountain biked in this area a number of times in the past few years. The roads and trails can become quite rutted and erosion does take a toll on the landscape. I’ve seen it firsthand and so have many others. This extended closure, while disappointing, is also quite normal and a good idea. Below you will see the official order and also some Facebook posts from people who just don’t care about our public lands and the environment.
The Official Emergency Closure Order
Motorized trail closures imposed in Danskin Mountains
BOISE, Idaho, April 8, 2019 — The Boise National Forest Mountain Home Ranger District has extended the closure for motorized access on all trails in the Danskin Mountain OHV (off highway vehicle) Area to minimize trail damage and protect resources due to lingering snow and continued rainfall that have led to very wet trail conditions.
Acting District Ranger Michael Brady extended the closure beyond April 10, after District staff inspected part of the trail system and encountered snow, tread damage, down trees and cut slope failure.
“We know this is a popular area for motorized trail users and we are asking them to help us maintain trail integrity and protect wildlife by delaying use during the spring snow melt,” said Brady. “We are monitoring trail conditions weekly and will open the area to motorized travel as soon as possible.” The closure extends through May, 31, 2019, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor allowing the trail system to dry out and for crews to complete needed repairs.
Annually, trail restrictions are put in place starting Jan. 1 and last through the early season in order to reduce potential motor vehicle damage on soft or muddy trails. This closure prohibits all motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle travel on designated trails within the Danskin Mountains OHV Area.
The Danskin Mountains OHV Area is located about 20 miles east of Boise and involves nearly 160 miles of designated motorized use trails. Primary access routes and area trailheads are signed with the closure order. Citizens observing illegal activity are encouraged to report violators to Forest Service law enforcement officers.
Further information is available by contacting the Mountain Home Ranger District office at 208-587-7961.
To view the detailed description of the closure and map visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/
Erosion in 2017
Facebook Posts Against the Extended Closure / 10 & 11 April 2019
Danny C: This is just the begining, this is how it started in now our area of 1000 miles of permanent road closures. Watch the obuaturay page or sale or back page FOR THERE 1/2 inch by 1/2 public meeting add
Conner D: Do you guys think they’re closing the gates are still going to keep dirt bikes out good luck better have Ranger sitting up there every day. I know lots of people that go around fences even when they’re shut down because they simply don’t care
David W: Nothing pictured justifies extending the closure. This area was once open during the winter. And provided excellent riding during the transition. To bad club’s do not advocate for OHV recreation. And have become lap dog’s for the USFS supporting this BS. Former member TVTMA.
Danny C: Looks more like POOR MAINTANCE needed a drain pipe
Carl R: Forrest Service needs to be Fired. #draintheswamp stop keeping Americans out
Last Call Opinion
I traveled around Elmore County’s backcountry more than most and less than some. I encountered some smart and well-spoken outdoorsmen and I’ve talked with some intentionally or maybe just plain ignorant residents about our environment. I can definitely say the smart people have shown they have done the research and the ignorant people have proven they get their information from others who refuse to do even the most basic research.
There’s no law against being stupid/ignorant in this country, and it should stay that way. Eventually, Murphy will come for a visit.
The USFS reaction to difficult environmental conditions in the Danskin Mountains was appropriate and they left room in the emergency order to open the OHV area before 31 May 2019.
Originally published on April 16, 2019
Thanks,
~ signed ~
Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist
“Let your light shine so brilliantly that others can see their way out of the dark.”