Sequoia National Forest is under threat from unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles (ORV). The Forest is proposing to open 5,500 acres of roadless areas for ORV use, resulting in the harassment of wildlife and the disruption of wonderful backcountry recreation, including hiking, camping, horseback riding, and fishing. Everyone has a right to access our public lands, but no one has the right to abuse these lands or ruin the experience of others enjoying America's wild places.

Unrestricted motor vehicle use on the Sequoia National Forest has created unplanned roads and trails. The result has been erosion, watershed and habitat degradation, as well as long-term detrimental impacts to wildlife and cultural resources.  Dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and other off-road vehicles are major sources of air, water and noise pollution and rank among the most serious human-made threats to safety and health on public lands and waters.

To preserve the wild character of roadless areas on the Sequoia National Forest it is essential that no new trails are allowed in these special places. Write your letter now, then click "Send this message."

Thank you!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my opposition to the Proposed Action (NOI of June 15) to change the 5,500 acre Dry Meadow/Long Valley semi-primitive non-motorized area (SPNM) from non-motorized to motorized as part of the motorized travel management project for the Sequoia National Forest. As a local forest user, I enjoy quiet, undisturbed areas and avoid areas frequented by off-road vehicles, as they kick-up clouds of dust, fill entire drainages with noise, damage wildlife habitat, and degrade water quality.

Non-motorized areas are sources of clean drinking water and wonderful backcountry recreation, including hiking, camping, hunting and horseback riding. They provide an opportunity to connect with nature and a welcome relief from the sights and sounds of motorized activities. These wild places offer safe harbor for vanishing and imperiled wildlife species and a source of tranquility for the human spirit.

The Sequoia National Forest is important to me, both as someone who enjoys recreating in it and as someone who is concerned about the preservation of its unique natural values. Allowing motorized use in these last remaining wildlands will seriously threaten important forest values and reduce the recreational opportunities for quiet recreationists like myself. Consequently, I urge you to maintain the current designation of semi-primitive non-motorized in the Dry Meadow/Long Valley SPNM.

Additionally, I request that you not designate any new trails for motorized travel in inventoried Roadless Areas on the Sequoia National Forest.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 28, 2007