How’s this for irony? I know of a logging road less than a half mile long that could provide a lot of ATV’ers access to a main trail. However, a sign at the entrance says, “Closed to all public motor vehicles. Foot traffic welcome.” I know a guy who was fined $175 for being on that road with is ATV. Yet, over the past two years, that road has become a main thoroughfare for bulldozers, trackhoes, logging trucks and various other types of lumbering equipment. (Obviously they aren't considered "public" motor vehicles.) The dust is several inches deep and there isn’t a speck of vegetation anywhere from one shoulder to the other. Somebody please help me understand.

 

because theres some stupid tree-huggers that try to create problems for everyone. but since they probly cant keep the heavy equipment out they have to give somebody problems (its just like them green freaks)....like someone on a quad. we have the same problem in arizona. you can't drive in some areas because they say theres a endangered lizard or something, but i don't know how their could be! i ran over the last one! so i say drive the road, and when someone comes to give you smack about being on their road, then spin your wheels and give em hell kid. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

is that logging road on a private parcel of property where the owner is getting it logged off,or is it county or state land?

 

The road is on public land. That's a key point! Sorry I forgot to mention that.

 

Are you really as stupid as you sound? I hope not. Learn some respect.

 

You say the key point is that the land is public....well, they aren't keeping the public out, just the public's vehicles. In order to do the logging they have to take in their large equipment, but there is no need for other traffic. Logging roads are designed with specific purposes in mind (such as reducing run-off, controlling compaction....etc), and the more traffic that is on them, the more up-keep that is necessary. Also, if foot traffic decides to leave the trail and go off into the log site (which is a very stupid idea anyway) they would do very minimal damage, but if and atv were to leave the main trail and head off into the log site (which I'm sure bloody romance would have no problem doing), it could do a considerable amount of damage. Logging may seem like a quick rip and tear sort of job, but most companies work very diligently to protect the land they are logging so they can log it again. It takes a lot of people to plan a log site and only a few people to screw it up. And also, since the land is public they most likely have to take even more precautions because so many people have stake in this particular land. When the logging is finished there is a good chance that the road will be changed, and any traffic on it will ruin it. After the company finished the job often times they will dig run-off ditches on either side and canals crossing the road at evenly spaced intervals. This allows for a more natural water flow reducing erosion, and if they ever need to go back in they can smooth out the existing road without any more impact on the land. I hope that answers your question...I've tried to be as clear as possible.

 

Perfectly said! :-D

 

That's a very interesting explanation, but it doesn't exactly fit what I see. I'm talking about a straight, level stretch of dirt road less than a half mile long that goes between a town road and a main ATV trail. The logging is taking place beyond the trail. I'm just having trouble understanding why logging equipment can use that road to get to the logging area, but ATV's can't use the road to get to the ATV trail.

 

Well, if what I describe is not what you are seeing then my best advice would be to ask the logging company in charge of the operation because they are the only ones that will know the exact reason.

 

Seems like we've gotten off the subject. The logging companies can only do what they are allowed to by whatever department is issuing the logging permits. If the permit specifies a certain access road, they have to use that road. I don't believe for a minute that loggers had any road closed to ATV's. In fact, they put up warning signs on the trail when there is "Logging Ahead."

What I've described is so typical of what's happening around the country as ATV's are being restricted and trails closed. The lack of logic just seems to be in particularly sharp focus in this case.

I was hoping someone may have experienced a similar situation and could offer some insight.