Re: Vandals Big time up Pleasant Canyon

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Posted by Last Chance Rand on January 06, 2004 at 17:12:43:

In Reply to: Re: Vandals Big time up Pleasant Canyon posted by kris on January 06, 2004 at 13:47:51:

I wish Louie a speedy return to four wheels. Although on rare occasions I hear of such vandalism in the backcountry, I have been fortunate not to fall victim to such despicable acts. I still believe the Death Valley backcountry to be generally free from this kind of behavior.

Kris, I appreciate your thoughtful and well supported response. However, I know Savoir Faire, a "Pombo-crat", and I assure you he is rolling with laughter after having been associated with both "environmental emotions" and his "beloved Senator Finestein".
;=}

We at DeathValley.com appreciate the wilderness exclusions for Pleasant Canyon and other areas of the Panamints. Because of this, thousands of people each year continue to have access to the loop's outstanding recreational opportunities. We also support the rights of claim holders to work their mines according to law.

Last fall, our investigation found that the work undertaken by Manele Bay was unauthorized and unnecessarily excessive, particularly in the canyon's riparian zone. We learned that, as a result of this road work, Manele Bay was found by the BLM to be operating in non-compliance. Although Pleasant Canyon was excluded from wilderness designation, all of the area's riparian zones still enjoy special protection under BLM regional management plans.

We also found that last fall's blading of the road by Manele Bay improperly and negatively impacted the use of Pleasant Canyon Road by the recreating public. Claim holders do have legal rights associated with developing their claims, but there are limits as to how much such efforts can impact the rights of other users.

Pleasant Canyon Road provides unique and essential vehicular access for many diverse segments of the recreational public. This historic road, and the access it provides, must be preserved. But irresponsible road work, such as that undertaken by Manele Bay, threatens public access, and provides useful ammunition for those extremists seeking to close this road to all.

Not possible? Remember, too, that Surprise Canyon Road was specifically excluded from wilderness designation (see Kris' excerpt), but it remains closed and its fate most uncertain. Let's not give the anti-access forces cause to fight for Wild & Scenic River designation for Pleasant, which they are close to obtaining for Surprise.

Also note the unwarrented emergency closure by the BLM of Furnace Creek Road and Birch Creek Road in the eastern White Mountains due to perceived negative impacts on the riparian zones.

There are many responsible mining operators in the Panamints, and all across the California desert. But, from what we've seen in Pleasant Canyon, British Columbia's Manele Bay is not one of them.

Editor

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