Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Unites States Forest Service (FS) closing access?
A: We have found that a closure agenda is being put forth by agency folks that support more wilderness and a couple of reasons the Forest Service is using to support these closures are that the USDA has a backlog of trail maintenance nationwide and in an effort to reduce this backlog they obliterate roads and trails. Secondly they use the statement that Bosworth made about motorized recreation being a threat to public lands. The FS does not mention that Bosworth used the word unregulated in his statement. The FS in Montana has failed to recognize that we have had regulated use of motorized recreation since 2001 when the 3 State OHV Rule was implemented. Trail inventories in Montana show very little if any resource damage or off trail riding. The closures of access to federally managed public lands statewide seem to be coming from a preconceived agenda.
Q: What are Multiple Use Lands?
A: The multiple use lands philosophy in an area is to maintain the peaceful co-existence of human and wildlife in a natural and traditional setting. Conservation, management of natural resources and recreation, and social health are the three, main components that should be given equal consideration in policy shaping decisions. CBU aims for the historic balance of people and nature in a way, which will meet our future generations needs. Multiple Use Lands for the future are a vital element in public enjoyment and benefit and should be encouraged and developed with a respect for all users. Careful research and continuing management will successfully maintain the balance between man and nature.
Q: What is Wilderness?
A: Wilderness is a point specific land designation created by congress of historic & presently protected federally managed lands to further restrain any human influences. Wilderness tends to privlage some parts of social culture & nature at the expense of others. Expansion of new wilderness ethic evades responsibility for the lives we actually lead, and the passion to create & save wilderness poses a serious threat to responsible public, private lands, management and environmentalism for our future generations.