Off-road vehicles, wilderness don't mix on Mount Hood

THE OREGONIAN

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/10/off-road_vehicles_wilderness_d.html

Off-road vehicles, wilderness don't mix on Mount Hood

By Guest Columnist

October 25, 2009, 6:37AM

Kate McCarthy
 
By KATE McCARTHY
 
For most of my 92 years, I've hiked the trails of Mount Hood National Forest. Through the decades, I've witnessed many changes on the mountain -- some driven by nature, others initiated by humans. From my vantage point, here on my family's property between Hood River and the mountain, the growing pressure that off-road vehicles are putting on Mount Hood reinforces the need for strong protection.

The natural beauty of Mount Hood is part of my personal history, and a desire to preserve it for future generations is why I proudly supported the wilderness legislation enacted last year. Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Earl Blumenauer worked hard to make that happen, but now the mountain is facing another challenge that could compromise that hard work.

A draft management plan recently released by the Forest Service could allow off-road vehicles right next to these wilderness areas. Although I understand that people who ride these vehicles have a right to enjoy the forest just like everyone else, I think they belong in some places but not in others -- especially not near wilderness and game habitat.

The Forest Service should be commended for recognizing that impacts from unmanaged off-highway vehicles represents one of the key threats facing the nation's forests.

The agency has taken positive steps to alert off-road vehicle users to where they are off-limits and has tried to balance motorized use in the forest with those who prefer quiet hikes and trail rides.

My hope is that the Forest Service will keep that in mind as it determines which plan to move forward, and that it will choose to keep strong protections around wilderness areas, wildlife habitat and popular hiking and horse trails.

For example, 40 miles of new off-road vehicle routes have been proposed at Bear Creek -- a beautiful area on the north side overlooking Mount Hood. These routes would be adjacent to the Mount Hood Wilderness Area, a quiet sanctuary where families such as mine have been hiking since the 1930s.

Bear Creek is important summer habitat for deer and elk, and sound carries far and wide in these parts. The noise of motorized vehicles will disturb wildlife and the peaceful outdoor experience that people from all over the country come to enjoy.

Gibson Prairie, east of the Hood River Valley, also is being considered for off-road vehicle routes. One of the few remaining horse camp sites in the area, Gibson Prairie is heavily used by trail riders, and there is an obvious tension between horses and off-road vehicles. Why set up a conflict?

The list goes on -- one proposed route bisects the Salmon Huckleberry and Roaring River Wilderness, and another is adjacent to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. These places have long been quiet retreats from the hustle-bustle of city life. The intent behind designated wilderness is to keep these unspoiled, natural places in their pristine state.

Allowing off-road vehicles to encroach on these areas doesn't serve that intent, nor are motorized vehicles compatible with the outdoor experience most people seek when they come to Mount Hood National Forest.

Mount Hood National Forest is just 20 miles east of Portland, and more than 4 million people visit it every year. It is one of the most heavily used national forests in the country, and in terms of people enjoying nature, that's a very good thing. The downside is the wear and tear on the mountain -- something that off-road vehicles contribute to more severely than any other form of recreation.

The Forest Service should carefully consider the appropriate sites for off-road vehicles and protect the special places -- including wilderness -- in the Mount Hood National Forest.

By choosing to advance Alternative No. 4, the Forest Service can make sure these places will continue to provide clean water and offer opportunities for traditional, quiet recreation while safeguarding wildlife habitat from damage.

The people who ride off-road vehicles should have access to the forest, but it should be separate from the places the majority of visitors use to escape noise and pollution.

Otherwise, the peaceful forests of Mount Hood that I grew up with could slowly disappear.

Kate McCarthy lives in Mount Hood.

 

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