^^^Matt and Kevin are 100% correct. The detailed reports are only seen by our staff. Most of the time, I summarize the reports in our correspondance with agency staff, unless there is something very specific that needs to be relayed.
This information will not be used to close trails. This is a common concern, and I understand the sentiment behind it, but it is simply not how the process works. With the current TMP, a NEPA study is required to remove anything from the MVUM. Providing info about fallen trees, drainage issues, or even that idiot doing donuts at the trailhead will only allow the trails to be BETTER managed so that they remain open. At the moment, most districts are lucky if their Recreation Managers get on the trails once or twice a year. Districts are stuck being reactive to the issues that have been left alone for years. This programs gives them the opportunity to address smaller problems as they develop, so that the districts can get ahead of the curve and hopefully move away from being forced to be reactive.
The other MAJOR benefit of this program is the empirical data collection. At the moment 75% of trip reports contain no issues. The rest are mostly signage and small maintenance needs to that would get a trail system into perfect shape. This information is a slap in the face to the anti-access organization who believe that the trails systems are going to hell in a handbasket. Along the same front, a law enforcement pilot program this last summer found that 98% of people on the trails are in compliance with registration. Positive, factual information is our best defense against people who do not understand what is actually happening on the trail.
If you like to create your own trails, do donuts in meadows, shoot up signs or dump trash, then this program should scare you because you are a minority and the enemy of the true OHV community. These people are the ones whose actions are ruining it for the rest of us.
I would also like to submit this for thought: Is there real harm in trying a new system of assisting the agencies? How have the last 10 years gone for the community without an organized assistance effort? Want to just continue along the same path and just hope that tides turn, or would you rather band together with other like-minded enthusiasts and attempt something that is a fresh approach.
Lastly, COHVCO supports this program and approach. They are the watchmen for our sport here in CO. They wouldnt back a program that would jeopardize everything they work for.
