Mountain Biking in Designated Wilderness Areas - Bondy's Opinion

Originally posted on January 17, 2019

Geotagged at 42.6825104, -116.4756164

Link to photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CaLoeCnRLADyR1KH8


There is an ongoing debate about whether mountain biking should be allowed in designed U.S. wilderness areas. Currently, it is not allowed. As a mountain biker and public lands advocate, this debate tugs at my desire to mountain bike and desire to preserve a portion of our nation's natural wonders for future generations.

Living in Idaho, the wilderness designation isn't as restricting as it is in more populated areas such as San Diego County, California. In Idaho, we are blessed with a huge amount of non-wilderness public lands. We also have a huge amount of wilderness, too. If you are willing to do the work, you could ride a different trail/road every day for a month and never cross your own tire tracks. Lucky!

But should we allow mountain biking in our designated wilderness areas? Let discuss that issue.

What Does the Wilderness Act of 1964 State?

Reference: https://www.justice.gov/enrd/wilderness-act-1964

I believe it's important to look at the law before making any judgments. Many years ago, I believed we should allow mountain biking in wilderness areas. But I didn't do any research. And without doing the research on this issue, my opinion was just an uninformed emotional opinion.

Here is a snippet from the Wilderness Act:

"Section 2.(a) In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness."

It's Clear - The Law States No MTBing in Wilderness Areas

Snippet:

PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN USES(c) Except as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no permanent road within any wilderness area designated by this Act and, except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.

I'm going with the thought that "no other form of mechanical transport" written into the law means mountain biking is prohibited in designated wilderness areas. It cannot be much more clear, however, we should also realize mountain bikes didn't come on to the scene until the mid-late 1970s.

Standing on a wilderness boundary in Owyhee County, Idaho

Photo is Geotagged at 42.6583366, -115.6986999

Can a Designated Wilderness Areas be Modified?

Good question, huh?

It appears as if a wilderness area can be modified according to the Wilderness Act of 1964, as shown in the snippet below.

Proposed modification. (e) Any modification or adjustment of boundaries of any wilderness area shall be recommended by the appropriate Secretary [of the Interior] after public notice of such proposal and public hearing or hearings as provided in subsection (d) of this section. The proposed modification or adjustment shall then be recommended with map and description thereof to the President. The President shall advise the United States Senate and the House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect to such modification or adjustment and such recommendations shall become effective only in the same manner as provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of this section.

In my non-lawyer opinion, the modification of wilderness areas is necessarily a cumbersome procedure. It involves, at the minimum, the president, both chambers of the House and public hearings to modify a designated wilderness area. But it appears it can be done.

Understand, government writing and its lingo, including our laws, confuse the hell out of me. I have to read most government documents three or four times before I start to understand what they mean. And even when I do figure out what the government documents mean, determining the future implications is just as vexing to me. 

Do you agree that designed wilderness areas can be modified [made smaller], when reading the Wilderness Act of 1964?

Link to a Google Documents copy of the Wilderness Act of 1964:
 https://docs.google.com/document/d/16ENAzakpCXV03AOP1Jst5ORCfzoWzyKYF4EDGbKeB7Y/edit?usp=sharing

San Diego County Area Mountain Biking is Hemmed in by Wilderness

About 157,000 acres of wilderness

From 1974 through the early 80s I lived in San Diego County, California. I attend high school and college in the San Diego area and then I joined the U.S. Air Force and moved away. However, during the time I lived in California, I acquired a love of the San Diego County backcountry before any wilderness areas were established. Someday I will return to that area with plans to mountain bike and hike in the Boulevard, Jacumba and McCain Valley areas. 

The map above shows the wilderness areas that hem in the San Deigo mountain biking scene. 

Interactive Wilderness Map Link: https://umontana.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a415bca07f0a4bee9f0e894b0db5c3b6

About 276,000 acres of wilderness

In my local play area of southwestern Idaho, I have about 700,000 acres of public lands to roam, fish, hike and mountain bike on. The Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness are highlighted in green and encompass 276,000 acres that mountain biking is not allowed. But as I mentioned above, I also have a ton more opportunity to find suitable and legally rideable mountain biking terrain than my friends in San Diego County, California will ever have.

My Opinion - No Riding in Designated Wilderness Areas

In my opinion, backed up by what I believe is the spirit and intent of current law, we should not and cannot allow mountain biking in this nation's wilderness areas. But I sympathize with my mountain biking friends that live in the more populated portions of the U.S. like San Diego that are hemmed in by wilderness.

"We should not and cannot allow mountain biking in this nation's wilderness areas." ~ Tim Bondy on Jan. 14, 2019

The only solace I can find for those who have a need to ride is that they have the opportunity to get those designated wilderness areas modified and turn a portion of that land into something other than wilderness. It will take a lot of very frustrating work/time and you may not be able to chunk out a portion of the land for mountain biking but that is the way the system works.

What? That's not Fair? 

If wilderness is hemming you in and you believe I am wrong when I say mountain biking should never be allowed in designed wilderness areas then I say life isn't fair. But also realize, I live in a place where restaurants, shopping, and culture do not exist. I also live in a place were abundant and good paying jobs do not exist. I also have awesome mountain biking, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

I have traded one aspect of living for a different aspect of living. You may not be able to afford to move to southern Idaho and I certainly cannot afford to move to a place where there the weather allows me to comfortably ride 365 days a year. That's life, baby!

I will be glad to show you around my little area of Idaho for some uncrowded mountain biking. Contact me and I'll arrange some riding where you'll likely never see another biker on the trails.



Last updated on January 17, 2019

Thanks,

~ signed ~

Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist
.
I am a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"

Scenes From Another Failed Attempt at Peak 5893 - Southern Idaho

Originally Posted: May 26, 2018

This is my brief insight and some photographs from a May 25, 2018 hike to a ridge above Anderson Ranch Reservoir in southern Idaho, USA. This was the 4th or 5th attempt trying to make it to Peak 5893 and I failed again.

The Insights

Type Hike: 95% cross-country on 100% public lands.

The Con: It was steep and I expected that, but it was a little too steep. The biggest problem with this route up the ridge and to the peak was the bramble/underbrush. The bramble is getting thick and will be near-impassable in a few mores years given a fire ran through the area in 2012 or 2013. The route down from the ridge was 'f-ing steep and dangerous in places.
The Pro: Scenic beauty, berry bushes that will be fruitful in June/July, solitude and the challenge.

Your Own Digital File Adventures: If you'd like to hike this southern Idaho route or are searching for an adventure, I will create a personalized plan for you. Click over to https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html. The cost is only $35. 

The Scenery and Photography

The underbrush and bramble plus some dead fall to contend with.

Looking east down the lakefront

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Splash of color on a hillside under a cirrostratus cloud deck.

Stark, yet beautiful views like this are why I hike

Panoramic of the scenery

Wildflowers to enjoy on the homeward leg of this day hike

A fire burned through this area in 2012 or 2013. The bramble and underbrush is coming back strong 

Not really private property and the sign poster probably knows it. Annoying!

https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html

Last updated on May 26, 2018.


Thanks,

~ signed ~

Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"
.

Protection For 2 Millions Acres of Public Land Gone

The Secretary of the Department of the Interior helped President Trump slash protection on 2 million acres of public lands during a recent ceremony in Salt Lake City. These posers didn't even step foot on the two national monuments they just shrunk in size. Cowards ... all of them. 

On December 4, 2017, we the people, lost much of the protections on 2 million acres of public lands in Utah. Some will celebrate and other will be disappointed. Me? I'm annoyed more than you can imagine.

From the Patagonia website

But I'm getting old and these lands won't mean as much to me before too long. My hiking and biking distances will surely get to the point I'll be able to do both in a large parking lot. When that happens I'll just trespass at the local Walmart or convenience store.

It's the younger generations that will suffer if this trend of relaxing the "monument" protections of prime outdoor recreation lands for the extractive industries like mining, oil, and gas plus increased ranching activity on our lands.

These are the Trump supporters who would rather see our public lands "shared heavily" with the extractive industry - Idaho Congressional Delegation.

I urge this younger generation to insist your mostly old and gray representatives who rarely if ever, step foot on a hiking trail or bike a single track should keep their fucking hands off our land and not let it fall into the hands of corporations.

You are the crowd that will suffer, so stand up and tell them what you think. Be loud, be proud and be relentless. These politicians will have to deal with your huge numbers in the future but are free to do as they please right now. While I'm not sure they even care about their own constituents, they obviously care about the future of their failing political party. Without your young voice, the Republican raping and pillaging of our public lands will surely continue. Dec. 4, 2017, was the opening salvo. 

Trump Supporters Repent

Look, I have neighbors who sing the praise of our new knuckleheaded president. These same neighbors who hate it when a dog leaves a steaming pile on their lawn or even tinkles in their grass, don't seem to mind when regulations preventing mining companies from dumping mine waste into our local streams and rivers are rescinded. Stupid, mindless Fox News loving imbeciles?

The Republican Theory: Pee on the grass =  Bad -///- Toxic mine waste = Great

Obama's Protections Revisited

On December 28, 2017, this is what President Obama said about the creation of the Bear Ears National Monument. (Emphasis mine)

Today, I am designating two new national monuments in the desert landscapes of southeastern Utah and southern Nevada to protect some of our country’s most important cultural treasures, including abundant rock art, archeological sites, and lands considered sacred by Native American tribes. Today’s actions will help protect this cultural legacy and will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and appreciate these scenic and historic landscapes. Importantly, today I have also established a Bears Ears Commission to ensure that tribal expertise and traditional knowledge help inform the management of the Bears Ears National Monument and help us to best care for its remarkable national treasures.

Following years of public input and various proposals to protect both of these areas, including legislation and a proposal from tribal governments in and around Utah, these monuments will protect places that a wide range of stakeholders all agree are worthy of protection. We also have worked to ensure that tribes and local communities can continue to access and benefit from these lands for generations to come.

Trump's Fake Protection Proclamation 

“My main concern with monuments to make sure public access is protected, and that hunting and fishing rights are intact. Bears Ears is 1.5 million acres. Is that size the smallest area necessary? What does the local community think?” - Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke

My Promise Stands

If like-minded individuals, including a significant number of the 18-40 year old crowd will fight the Trump Administration and his supporters like the entire Idaho Congressional Delegation over our public lands, I will publicly stand with you. But I won't stand alone.


This story was originally published on December 6, 2017.

Thanks,





Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Peak 5913 Oasis Hike In The Danskin Mtns

Last edited on May 27, 2017

This strenuous May 14, 2017, hike in Idaho's Danskin Mountains just south of the South Fork of the Boise River was spectacular for both its scenic beauty and sense of accomplishment. While the weather was cool, gray and windy, this ridge to ridge to ridge hike located just off National Forest System Road 131 was one of my favorites in the past few years.

Taken from the half-way point, Peak 5913 has a large rock formation on its summit.

Tim Bondy's Hike Commentary

I wasn't looking forward to this hike. I knew it was going to be steep, windy and pretty much atypical of the other hikes I did in this area. But the views, greenery, and scenery were special. With views extending miles into the high peaks of Boise Mountains and even out into the Snake River Plains and down into the South Fork of the Boise River Canyon, who could say no to all that? Not me.

The trailhead is located not far from the headwaters of Cow Creek and heads sharply up a ridge to the northwest. Land ownership on the earth I tread during this hike started off on Bureau of Land Management land and then quickly transitioning into National Forest Service lands as I followed one ridge line to the next. Private property would only come into play on this hike if I had decided to bail on the return leg to the south into the West Fork of Long Tom Creek to the south. I didn't.

My plan was to hike the ridgelines between eight different peaks. My GPS tracks indicated I came pretty darn close as I stepped foot on seven of the eight peaks. However, I don't remember referring to my map during any part of the hike up. Pretty simple route.

A Flats and Peak sitting on the north side of the Boise River

I'd have to say the best view was of the Irish green high prairies (or flats) to the north of Peak 5913. The distant snow-capped peaks in this record snow year certainly added to the views. There was one particular flat or prairie that I didn't recognize located about three miles to the northeast of my route. It may be part of "Sproule Flats" sitting on the north bank of the Boise River. The topo maps I have do not identify the flat but I will climb up there in the next few weeks.

Sitting on the peak was rather special but windy, windy, windy. When it was time to head back I already knew the route back would be close to the path I took up. I did deviate a little to avoid a particularly steep section but alas, that route was also quite steep or maybe steeper than the original tract. "The grass is rarely greener" when hiking.

The Map

The Hike Specifics And Other Information:

Total Hike Mileage: 4.42 miles
Time On Trail: 4:15 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: +/- 2,154 feet
Slope: Average =  17.3% Max =  +44.5% / -47.2%
Trailhead Coordinates: 43.339753, -115.569240
Facilities: None
Peak 5913 Coordinates: 43.354106, -115.596013
Link To More Photographs: https://goo.gl/photos/FhYuGaYTeYD4jTdi7
Road Miles From Downtown Boise, Idaho: 68 miles

"Elmore County Outdoor Concierge Services" Offer:

Newcomers Price: $35
If you are in the Elmore County area of Idaho and are in need of some guidance for where to go for a hike, mountain biking, fishing, rock hounding or ATV riding, I can help. I will personalize a trip for you, provide digital map(s) and offer some suggestions to make the trip a little easier to do.

If you are interested in one of my custom designed adventures, contact me through a comment on this story or call me at 208-598-0264. There is also a contact me form located in the side menu of this website.

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on May 27, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"
.
P.S. It is my opinion that Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. While you could find goods and services in that town, I suggest you avoid Mountian Home completely.

Idaho's Cat Creek Summit Panoramic Photograph

Last edited on April 15, 2017

The Cat Creek Summit area is about 26 miles west of Fairfield, Idaho and is a rather historic location. U.S. Highway 20 cuts straight through the summit before heading towards various points east and west.

Click for a bigger version of the view of the surrounding Rocky Mountains

Link To A Google Photos version: https://goo.gl/photos/NAN6jiJPCEyEiQLA9

Photo Details:

• Taken on April 12, 2017, at 3:50 P.M.
• Looking: West through north-northeast (left to right) 
• Coordinates: 43.3010556, -115.3156222
• Photographer: Tim Bondy - Freelance Writer
• The peaks in the left foreground will be a destination for a future hike

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on April 15, 2017.

Thanks,

Tim Bondy

Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"

.