Letters and Comments for September 21, 2009

Garoutte

Tend to back country trails

To the Editor:

This is an open letter to all concerned back packers, llama packers, goat packers, horsemen and some dogs.

I just spent 11 days volunteering to pack family, ODFW biologists and back country riders’ tools and equipment on trips in the mountains.

Not only that was involved, but my own hours of labor, other member’s of BCR’s labor and their own stock.

Now, the crux of the situation! These trails through Eagle Creek Drainage and adjacent trails are atrocious. Slab rock, sharp granite rocks and cracks big enough to cripple stock, kids’ knees and shins and more. These trails need blasting in many places, which I am willing to discuss with the officials responsible. I hope someone in this capacity is responsible enough to call me or stop by to discuss the situation. My phone number is 541-963-3528.

Another issue at hand, is when snow avalanches and washouts cause numerous trees to jack straw in piles of untold numbers. Just what kind of thinking prohibits a temporary permit for a power saw? I know power pumps and saws have been used on fires. And yes, I have read the Wilderness Act and know those accessing mines can use power equipment.

Why not send a top official out with crews and volunteers to have a look at some of these problems. Yes, I can arrange, camp, pack and provide riding stock if any top personnel will go!

George Garoutte

La Grande