RE: Colorado hunters unit #65 and ATVs
Dr. Mike: You need to contact the GMUG. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest District re: road closures and approved use classifications. The NFS GMUG powers that be have been inventorying and signing a great deal of the trails and roads in their jurisidiction for several years now, but a good deal of that effort has come to fruition in just the last 2 years. This was done with a variety of input from a variety of user demographics that primarily live in these areas. Not a lot has been closed to motorized use, but many single track trails have been closed to four wheel devices due to the proliferation of ATVs because of the way they alter these less impactful paths of travel and a history of abuse by many users of this mode of transportation. (erosion, asthetic degradation, etc.) Many remain open to foot, motorcycle and horse travel because of the smaller footprints and surface impact, although motorcycles and some of their riders are taking alot of heat due to poor practices as well. The users will ultimately decide the fate of access of all kinds.