Cranberry Backcountry victory

“Clyde Thompson, Monongahela National Forest supervisor, has assured the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy that opening the road on two dates this year was a mistake that will not be repeated.

Thanks to all who signed the online petition.

The Cranberry is safe again!”

“Great news! Now....can we get the bikes out of the wilderness area?”

“Bikes are not allowed in the wilderness areas. But they are allowed in backcountry areas like the Cranberry.

The Cranberry is currently made up of a wilderness area and a backcountry area. Most, if not all, of the backcountry area is proposed for wilderness in the upcoming slate of wilderness proposals.”

“Geobeet, let's hear your State Of The Wilderness address.



No lying or misleading to get us involved in a war, please!”

“West Virginia: that's the state of the wilderness.”

“Wet 'n Wild”

“The S is gratuitous.”

“Geobeet... I didn't ask you to recite policy. Yes, bikes are not allowed in the Wilderness Area, but they are there. Is the WVHC aware of mountain bikers in the Wilderness Area? They are there virtually year-round vs 2 days.

Please don't get your feelings hurt this time, but stop preaching/reciting and answer the question.”

“Of course we know they're in there. The question is what can be done to get them out when there is only one enforcement ranger per ranger district and that enforcement ranger never gets out into the backcountry. The Potomac District enforcement ranger cannot even stop ATVs from using Dolly Sods North and cutting wheelies in the meadows. The advice we get is to get license numbers from the trailers at the trailhead, but these folks are not coming in at any known trailhead, but from north of the divide.

So if enforcement rangers don't enforce, then the bikes are going to be in the wilderness.

All citizens can to is report what they see. The rangers have to make the collar, and to do that they have to get out of their trucks.”

“...that opening the road on two dates this year was a mistake...

So they did open the road this year, eh?”

“It was a mistake because the area is designated 6.2 Roadless. They did open it on two days, but it has remained closed otherwise. The effort was to keep them from reopening it to vehicles ... ever.”

“Concerned hikers can erect road blocks to stop the wheeled vehicle marauders that hikers can easily get around.”

“Piano wire might work well. And it's relatively light, so it would fit the ultralite philosophy. The only question would be whether anybody would want to camp in an area littered with headless trail bikers. Of course, if the choice were between that and mountain bikes hurtling around the bend ...”

“Good to hear Geobeet I will probably be headin up there after Christmas if the snow ain't to bad.”

“Have a good trip if you go. I suspect snowshoes would be in order.”

“Geo, the snow they had up there last year was unreal. Spring time, right, startin up Big Beechy, no snow. By the time I hit District Line trail I'm up to my arse. We won't be doin that again.”

“This is great news. Awesome to see that our voice was heard, well ours and several hundred others.

Great job Geo, thanks for making us all aware.”

“Great news, thanks for sharing. I see you posted it on the other board too, but seems they've taken more of an interest in which TV show is their favorite.”

“Good news.

I never checked to see what the final count on votes was..anyone know how many?

Wish we could do this on some other issues.”

“I went "over there" and read it...377 signatures to the online petition. Cool”

“Big Beechy.....mmmmmmmmmmmmmm”

“Badger...Where are you in WVA?
Where ya going in Cranberry Wilderness?”

“Jo, I live in Huntington, 2.5 hour drive east from Crannberry. I always start at Middle Fork/Little Fork Trail junction. I have not made any definite plans for this. I sometimes will wait till the day before and pack up my gear and just take off solo. If you are interested in plannin a trip I will be good to go 12/26/03 through 12/28/03.”

“Hey Badger. I went to WVU and my ex took some courses at Marshall so I'm a little familiar with Huntington.

Cranberry is Heaven....wild too. My son found a bear carcass 2 winters ago. I have started from that side you mentioned and Black Mtn. We love that place.

I can't make it then, but will keep it in mind. Never know. If you see any bikers out there (probably won't) tell 'em to get the hell out.”

“Okay Jo. We are up to the Sods 3 or 4 times a year also. It's about 1.5 hour drive farther but worth it. I need to get to Otter creek this year. Never been there but hear it is nice as well. Happy Holidays”

“You heard right Badger. Otter Creek is great and worth the drive. Have a fun trip and Happy Holidays to ya.”

“Not sure what you are discussing.”

“No, this is part of the Monongahia Forest in West Virginia.”