Juniper Dunes Access

[Grumpy]

Seems, according to today's Tri City Herald, that we may get locked out of Juniper again! This should not be happening. The BLM, as I think I've said before, has the mandate to maintain public land for public use, and they are not doing that. Myron Peterson is threatening to put up a cable to block the road, and not give access even to those who may want to work with him. This whole thing is getting a little old! I will be working on sending BLM my thoughts on this. Input from any of you is more than welcome!

[iaccocca]

You know Dept of Wildlife works with farmers to get access to hunting. One carrot they hold out is road maintenance for the farmers. This seems to be an issue for the Juniper Dunes access. In exchange for access, BLM should offer to maintain the road. Myron Peterson even mentioned that issue in the article.

[Grumpy]

BLM needs to own the road. They say there's no money to maintain it.

[88cherokee]

we need helicopters!

[Grumpy]

E-mails have been sent to various PNW4WDA sorts, and to Sen. Delvin regarding Juniper. Just hope I don't get more delivery failures out of the PNW system! An e-mail has been sent to BLM asking that we, as a user group, be allowed involvment in any on going activity regarding access to the Juniper area. I very politely stressed that this is an issue that I feel should have been addressed many moons ago, and that BLM is remiss in not doing so. Replies will be posted for the group...I will also be contacting BLM to see what feel I can get for them on a one on one basis.

[Roman]

Here's your link Dave.

http://cegranch.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=2969&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[Grumpy]

Cool. Fair amount of conversation going over there. On a thread I didn't start, but am willing to keep alive

[Grumpy]

Well, this is interesting. Seems the Franklin County Commisioners don't do e-mail Guess I'll be asking for help with a letter...

[Grumpy]

Well, today's Tri-City Herald done tore the BLM a new one . The editorial pretty much accused them of not doing their job with Juniper. I love it There is no excuse for an area that has been in the public domain, for public use, for over 20 years not having legal access I will keep the pressure going as time allows, and I would hope some of the rest of you will also send e-mails to Doc Hastings and anyone else who may be able to help

[commando14]

Here is the latest BLM map. The Lease Agreement segment in purple on Peterson Road is that portion owned by Steve DeRuyter who recently came to an agreement with BLM to allow access. I don't know exactly what portion of Peterson Road is owned by Peterson... but supposedly it's south of DeRuyter's land. Mr. Peterson actually lives on the other side of the Kahlotus highway, on Carr Rd.

So if he closes the road and puts up signs, they should be visible within the first two miles on Peterson Rd.

[img]http://www.peakputters.com/images/myjunkpics/juniper_map.jpg[/img]

[commando14]

Also there has been no barrier or signs errected yet.... this info was posted on ThumperTalk.com on 9/9/07:

Drove out to Juniper this afternoon.

Access IS NOT closed! Peterson road is not blocked! There are no barricades or no trespassing signs erected by Peterson!

However, the off-road areas are closed right now due to fire danger, as someone else said above. Juniper Road itself is open, but they are discouraging unloading ORVs because most of them end up going off road. I drove up Juniper Road part ways in my car until I got concerned it might high-center on the whoops. I asked the BLM Ranger if there were any restrictions on driving the car up there -- he said no, not at all and gave me a map. A really nice guy! Answered every question I had.

Apparently, Peterson was just bluffing when he told the Tri-City Herald he was going to erect a barrier. He said he was going to do it within the week, probably six weeks ago. There is nothing of the sort! Peterson has been making these threats for 20 years. Again, access is not closed!

As per the agreement with Deruyter, his part of the access road will be closed when necessary during harvest and seeding, when his own equipment is using the road. This seems reasonable.

BLM has no agreement with Peterson. As such, it is conceivable Peterson could do something to limit access in the future, including erecting a physical barricade.

I took some photos of Peterson Road, the BLM signs, and Juniper Road and will add them to this post.

Also a photo of two trucks with quads the ranger turned around (because of the fire danger closure). Later, the ranger told me one of the quad guys said "I hope it [deleted by me]". Real classy. We don't need that type.

Deruyter's Gate (I think) along Peterson Rd

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0033.jpg[/img]

Along Peterson Road getting close to intersection with Juniper Rd

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0032.jpg[/img]

BLM signs at Intersection of Peterson Rd and Juniper Rd -- Says no ORVs due to fire danger

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0028.jpg[/img]

Just about a quarter mile along Juniper Rd

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0030.jpg[/img]

Two trucks with quads stopped by BLM Ranger (due to Fire Danger). Ranger on right side. Notice the aggressive stance of the quad guy in the middle. I don't want to say any more here.

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0034.jpg[/img]

The Ranger's truck and ATV . Official BLM truck is in the shop or somewhere.

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0036.jpg[/img]

Sign at Smith Canyon Intersection

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0035.jpg[/img]

Looking north from Smith Canyon intersection with Peterson Rd

[img]http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc266/bearwash/pict0037.jpg[/img]

[Grumpy]

Well, you done got it going <!-- s:thu: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbup1.gif" alt=":thu:" title="Thumb Up" /><!-- s:thu: --> We talked about a recon run out there this weekend to look around. We, as a group, still need to keep the pressure on to make this access happen <!-- s:!: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" /><!-- s:!: --> With the fragile nature of the whole thing, calling Peterson's bluff may not be a good idea...

[commando14]

I agree Dave, this access issue still needs to be fixed the correct way by the BLM. Hopefully the grants work out.

[OldGreen]

PRAY for RAIN!!!!

[Roman]

This morning I received a copy of an email Dave had sent to the Tri City Herald,

and I thought it was necessary to say THANK YOU Dave for keeping on top of the situation. <!-- s:thu2: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbup.gif" alt=":thu2:" title="Thumbs Up" /><!-- s:thu2: -->

[Grumpy]

No reply from her yet <!-- s:roll: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_rolleyes.gif" alt=":roll:" title="Rolling Eyes" /><!-- s:roll: -->

[Beep Beep]

THANK YOU Dave for keeping on top of the situation. <!-- s:thu2: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbup.gif" alt=":thu2:" title="Thumbs Up" /><!-- s:thu2: -->

X2 <!-- s:thu2: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbup.gif" alt=":thu2:" title="Thumbs Up" /><!-- s:thu2: -->

We are still shooting for doing a run on October 13th. I hope Juniper is open and you guys can make it out for the day.

[commando14]

Info received from Doug Connner, also posted on BLM's site:

For Release: September 24, 2007


Fire Closure Lifted on BLM Lands in Washington State

Spokane - Effective Thursday, September 27, 2007, the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) is ending the regulated fire closure on BLM public lands in
the state of Washington. Due to cooler temperatures and increased
precipitation, the closure is no longer necessary.

BLM asks the public to continue to use caution when operating motorized
vehicles on roads and trails, or off-road in areas with high grass and
vegetation. BLM would also like to remind everyone, if you have a campfire,
make sure it is out before leaving.

For further information, call the Spokane District Office at (509) 536-1200.

[OldGreen]

So. . .Juniper on Sunday?

[Roman]

Sounds like a run to me!


<!-- s:woot: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/w00t.gif" alt=":woot:" title="woot" /><!-- s:woot: -->

[Grumpy]

This Sunday <!-- s:?: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_question.gif" alt=":?:" title="Question" /><!-- s:?: --> <!-- s:thumbsup: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/thumbsup.gif" alt=":thumbsup:" title="Thumbsup" /><!-- s:thumbsup: -->

[OldGreen]

Why not? 10AM at the mailbox. . .

Jose, do your president thing!!

[Grumpy]

Working on the upstream O-2 sensor now. Will have to change wheels and hope these work <!-- s:shock: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/shock.gif" alt=":shock:" title="Shock" /><!-- s:shock: -->

[oddball]

Thanks Dave!!! It takes a lot of people with different abilities to make any organization function at it's best. It's great to see that your well suited at crawling up a politicians butt over an issue and being a well spoken irritant with a bulldogs mentality. The club needs that. Good job.

[Grumpy]

Just figure enough is enough <!-- s:!: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" /><!-- s:!: --> In the 30 odd years I've owned 4x4's, there's been too much land taken <!-- s:banghead: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/banghead.gif" alt=":banghead:" title="Bang Head" /><!-- s:banghead: --> I use "taken" deliberately. I'm done with pablum puking excuses from BLM, and alleged "representatives" not responding <!-- s:glare: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/glare.gif" alt=":glare:" title="" /><!-- s:glare: --> Franklin County getting involved is a step forward, and I think all you on that side of the river need to keep after them. Tim Fife is the public works boss over there. Kevin Devitt is the guy to lean on BLM. More pressure will be put on Hastings, believe me...And thanks, Curtis <!-- s:mrgreen: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mr. Green" /><!-- s:mrgreen: -->