LETTER: Changes to local rec areas

To the editor:

I would like to bring to the attention of the student body a change in the winter recreation usage plan in the Tony Grove- Franklin Basin area.

Currently, there are designated non-motorized areas near the road and around the yurts, and motorized areas up Tony Grove Road and beyond the yurts. The change would designate areas up Steam Mill Canyon, White Pine Creek and upper Bunch Grass Creek as motorized, when in the past they have been non-motorized. Meaning, to get to the Steam Mill Yurt a skier or snowshoer would have to pass through a motorized area.

Here is my problem. As a backcountry skier, I can’t go as fast as a snowmobile. No matter how much I train, snowmobiles will always go farther and faster than I will on my skis. So it seems reasonable that the areas closest to the road should remain non-motorized areas because they are the only places I can reach in a day. No matter if you are motorized or non-motorized, We all love fresh powder. Snowmobiles should get the snow that takes more time to get to and skiers should get the snow closer.

The forest plan has worked for the past three years, with relatively little problem. Why should we change it now?

So, I am asking as you are sitting in front of your computer killing time later check out the current Forest Plan and the Proposed Forest Plan on the Logan Ranger District web page and send us an email. The forest services is asking for input, write a letter, and don’t wait too long: comments-intermtn-wasatch-cache-logan@fs.fed.us

In conclusion, I will get in better shape just in case this new recreation plan is enacted, so I will be ready to search far and wide for fresh snow this winter.

Rebecca Scully