Jeep and Tread Lightly has advice on how to avoid loosing the permit to 4-wheel

Harm to the environment is one the key reason why 4-wheelers loose their right to play on public land.

The land closure is one of many across nine Central California counties recently approved as part of the long-overdue Sierra Resource Management Plan. The plan directs the future management of publicly owned lands for environmental, historical, recreation, water and agricultural purposes and wildfire safety.

Members of some local four-wheel drive clubs are outraged by the recent closure of public recreation lands, saying it will put more pressure on trails that remain open and could jeopardize backcountry use for hikers, hunters, anglers and kayakers.“ Closing BLM land is closing public land. If people don’t have a place to recreate, they’re not going to go away,” Some think that if people are prevented from outdoor fun they may find get bad ideas as to what to do with their time.

A new group called: "Friends of Greenhorn" of about 80 members formed to file an appeal to the BLM’s plan, said Jacquelyne Theisen, one of the group’s organizers. Friends of Greenhorn formed last fall in response to the proposed land closure. Since then, members have organized clean-up days and route mapping trips to save the four-wheel drive playground from becoming a “de facto wilderness,” she said.

“This is a pretty hot-button issue with a lot of OHV users. I really feel for the people. We’re not making any more public land,” said Jeff Horn, recreation planner for BLM’s Folsom field office. Steep hillsides are showing signs of erosion from off-road use, and agency officials worry about degradation at Gold Rush town sites, Horn said.

Plagued by numerous complaints of vandals, loud parties, illegal dumping, shooting and trespassing, the region is considered a nuisance by local law enforcement as well. A 19-year-old man died in a four-wheel drive accident on a steep cliff at Greenhorn Creek in March 2007. Miles of challenging terrain sculpted by hydraulic mining 150 years ago attract many with four-wheel drive vehicles, quads and motorcycles to the Greenhorn area.

Loosing privileges is always tough and frustrating but it is clear that perhaps a certain amount of inconsiderate behavior have lead to the problems the "Friends of Greenhorn" are trying to overcome. It may be a good idea for all 4-wheel enthusiasts to read up on the suggestions of www.treadlightly.org. For instance:

Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

• Carry a trash bag on your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.
• Pack out what you pack in. 
• Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites, camping 200 feet from water resources and trails.
• Observe proper sanitary waste disposal or pack your waste out.
• Protect the soundscape by preventing unnecessary noise created by a poorly tuned vehicle or revving your engine without need.
• Following a ride, wash your vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.
• Don’t mix driving with alcohol or drug