Hunters concerned about roads less traveled
MILWAUKEE (AP) — National forest planners may close more than half of the roads in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest to cars and other motorized vehicles.
The plan to close 55 percent of the roads is intended to protect northern Wisconsin’s sprawling forest, but outdoorsmen say it also will cut off their access to many remote areas.
“I don’t know if hunters or fishermen realize the impact that this will have on their form of recreation,” said John Schnorr, executive director of the Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association.
People would be able to walk or ski on the restricted roads to get into remote areas. But they wouldn’t be able to drive vehicles on them.
That means only “super fit” hunters will be able to get into those spots, said Ed Harvey Jr., chairman of the Conservation Congress, which advises the state Department of Natural Resources.
“This is going to have a huge effect on deer hunters,” Harvey said. “People complain about deer numbers — that we need to reduce the deer population — and this is not to going to help.”
The plan would reduce the roads open to vehicles from nearly 4,700 miles to about 2,100 beginning in January.
Jul 20, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
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It is bad news for older hunters and fishermen. A growing portion of the active population of outdoor sportsmen and women who use the national forest system for recreation are beginning to have mobility problems. Being able to drive into those remote locations is necessary for many responsible senior hunters and fishers who can no longer hike as far as they used to, but still wish to enjoy favorite national forest areas.
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The government should be spending more money on our national forests and parks, including enforcing laws keeping slob drivers from doing environmental damage or speeding. Imagine what 1 trillion of those 9 trillion wasted Bush's War dollars could have accomplished for our national parks and forests.
Jul 20, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.
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But who will it stop from using their 4-wheeler on logging roads? Enforcement would be nearly impossible given the vast size of the forests and limited resources.
Jul 20, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.
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This is great news, now I don't have to worry about being run down by a gang of four-wheelers while I'm out hunting. Also, I don't believe you need to be "super fit" to walk a few miles in the woods, it's not a track meet.
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