This was forwarded to me a couple of days ago. The first paragraph is the same as what Money posted, after that there more info....or not. Mostly just justifications....errr.....explanations.:redneck:
USDA Forest Service
Okanogan-Wenatchee N.F. Fact Sheet
Topic: NACHES RANGER DISTRICT PROPOSED SEASONAL TRAIL CLOSURES
Issue:
In response to public and internal concerns, Naches District Ranger Irene Davidson is considering a closure for trails on the district from December 15, 2011, through June 15, 2012.
Typically, May is a month in which much of the precipitation on the Naches Ranger District comes in the form of rain. With snow in the high country and the effects of rain in lower elevations, trail use by motorized and some non-motorized users (bicycles and stock users) can impact trails at this time of the year. In addition, efforts by Forest Service employees and user groups to clear these trails earlier in the season to have them ready for summer use has potential to increase impacts. The more impacts in the early season, the harder it is for trail crews to clear and repair trails. This leaves trails damaged going into the summer season, with volunteers and crews playing catch up. Crews often do not complete trail rehabilitation caused by early season use so work is carried over to the next season, compounding needed repairs.
Questions and Answers:
Using trails in the past has not been a problem so why the move to close trails now? The result of past use, particularly during early spring snow melt, compounded by extremely heavy use especially over the Memorial Day weekend, has created a backlog of maintenance work. In order to repair damage cause by overuse and prevent further damage, it