In the newspaper article, there were statements of individuals leaving trash, they too should be ticketed.

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1 Bob Granstrom of Buffalo Mountain Outfitters called me on 3/13/12 to submit the following comments on Trail 38 proposal: This portion of Trail 38 is included in his area of operations and is gorgeous. Although he does not use it that much, he thinks it is great for day horseback rides and if ATVs and motorized use was restricted, it would be much nicer. His phone # is Received 3/12/ Dear Ms. Jones, As long as I can remeber, I have enjoyed using the outdoor opportunites of the Big Horn Forest. As a Story resident and growing up in Story, these mountains have not only been my playground, but they have become as much a part of me as the air I breathe. Thus, I am very concerned about the conservation of this area I love. I am against the closure of this section of trail because I feel pushed out of my own home. I love to ride my motorcycle on Trail 38--riding from Kearny to Beaver Lake. Given the lower section is a rough section of the trail, I can see the closing of the lower section. I am a weekend adventurer due to my High School studies and summer work schedule. So, I normaly don't have time to hike into an area such as this. One alternative option I would like to mention is leaving the section of trail open from Kearney to the trail access for Beaver Lakes. This would provide for the public safety you seek, while granting reasonable access to Beaver Lakes. Thank you, Chris Romanjenko Story Wyoming Received 3/12/ Cheri Jones: In regard to the proposal to convert a portion of Trail 038 (approx. 4.5 miles) from a designation of motorized to non-motorized, I would like to request the portion of the trail leading from Kearny Lake to the Beaver Lakes remain open to motorized travel. This last summer, I talked with a number of individuals, (working with Sheridan College to restore the Beaver Lake location). They were all traveling via 4-wheeler with trailer of work supplies in tow, headed to the Kearney to Beaver Lake trail route. I am also aware of other individuals who use this portion of the trail to access Beaver Lakes, and would not be able to access this area without the assistance of motorized vehicle. In the newspaper article, there were statements of individuals using motorized vehicles in the wilderness area. These individuals should be ticketed. In the newspaper article, there were statements of individuals leaving trash, they too should be ticketed. In regard to the remaining portion of the trail, if it is too dangerous for ATV travel, then the trail is too dangerous for pack stock and should also be closed to pack stock. Finally, I again wish to express my appreciation for your decision, last Spring, to delay the opening of the Penrose Trail. Thank you, Mike Romanjenko

2 Received 3/12/ Comment regarding closure of trail 38 from Kearney Lake to Trail 33 I disagree with the closure of Trail 38 from Kearney Lake to Trail 33. This trail provides access to fishing and elk hunting along Kearney Creek and access to the wilderness area. The trail itself is not in bad shape, it doesn t seem to require much maintenance, and it doesn t get a lot of use. I don t see any abuse of this trail or damage to sensitive areas. The only real safety hazard that you speak of is the section that traverses a rock knob. This area is passable by motorcycle but only idiots try to get a four wheeler through it. It sounds like you already have the decision made on this issue so maybe this comment period is just a formality. But if you are going to listen to the public then at least keep the road open to Beaver Lakes and/or up to the rock knob from trail 33. Mark Ree Banner, WY Received 3/11/ We have been using this trail with motorcycles since the late 1960 s and then later with ATV s as well after their inception. Saying this trail was not created for motorized use could be said of any trail in the Bighorns, yet most trails were adapted over the years to motorized use as motorized vehicles evolved and more citizens therefore had access to public property. To disallow this use now simply restricts this access enjoyed by many varied individuals to a select group led by special interests. To address the safety issue why not post the trail as a rough and difficult trail, or avoid the narrow, rocky area along the creek by using the bypass that goes to the north up around the rock pile. A hardworking crew with shovels and pick axes could address ninety percent of the issues in an honest days work. Therefore we urge you to not let political leverage close this trail, and let the general public access their land. Sincerely, Andy and Diane Roman Story, WY Received 3/11/ I support the closure of TR 38 as it parallels TR 200 this is redundant. This would make a great walking trail, get off your machine and walk. People can access Kearny Lake via FR 320. TR 38 crosses creek and follows very close to the creek bank, let's not degrade anymore forest lands. Mary Fowlkes Buffalo, WY Received 3/11/ Concerning the closure of Trail 38, the Solitude Loop Trail, for whatever reason the forest service did not previously address closure of this trail to motorized vehicles. Rather than close this trail to motorized vehicles, perhaps the forest service should maintain this trail as originally

3 intended. It appears to me this is another attempt of land grab by the forest service to convert a trail met to be accessible by motorized vehicle to Non-Motorized Status. David McClintock 1125 Airport Rd. Sheridan WY Received 3/10/ Dear Cheri Jones, We are writing to ask you to please support converting Trail 38 in the Big Horn National Forest to nonmotorized use. Closing it will not impede access to Kearny Lake Reservoir, or to any other place for that matter, since Trail 38 runs parallell to 320. Closing it will help preserve the natural resources inherent there. As it is now, Trail 38 is not designed for motorized use. I've seen photographs, it looks hard enough to get along on by foot or horseback, let alone on motorcycles. There are surely enough motorized roads existant already. We stopped hiking up Penrose Trail twentysome-odd years ago simply to avoid the motorcycles and ATVs. We now hike up South Piney Creek Canyon where motorized vehicles are prohibited, and we get to see a lot more wildlife and enjoy a lot more birdsong and quiet. Please convert Trail 38 back to non-motorized use. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dainis Hazners and Kathleen Mullaney PO Box 442 Story, WY Received 3/11/ March 11, 2012 Cheri Jones, BNF 2013 Eastside Second Street Dear Cheri, I am writing to you as an individual and historic user of the Trail 38. Please forgive if I sound like an "old fart". But perspective of where we were and how far its changed is important. Back in the 1970's & 80's I would horseback nearly every summer up the Penrose Trail to Kearney Lake. We'd always take Trail 38 to get right over to the beautiful Kearney Creek and camp at Beaver Lakes (if no dudes were staying there). The next day we'd go visit old George Lunbeck who was Kearney Lake's guardian and head up into Highland Lake and over to the Spear Lake area for our wilderness horsepack camping. Escaping the motorized was our goal, we couldn't get to the wild fast enough. Getting away from the motorcycles and 4 wheel drive vehicles was important after spending all day on horseback from Story. There weren't even any ATV's then--just jeeps, trucks, and motorcycles (dirt bikes mostly). For awhile they even closed Penrose to motorized use as it was dangerous and getting abused. That lasted only a couple of years. I probably used the Penrose Trail for about 25 years on horseback, never in a

4 motorized vehicle, a couple times I even backpacked in. One year in early spring, we found a jeep stuck between two trees on Trail 38 just below the reservoir. It had been there all winter and the only way to get it out was to cut down the trees, which they apparently did later that summer. Seeing the road grow ruts across that vast Penrose Park is also tragic. I only say this to demonstrate how "far" we've come over the decades. Putting Trail 38 back into a historic use to protect the resource is a tiny action, not worthy even of debate or this letter. But I support any action to give the Mountain back to historic use and any attempt to curb the destruction of the Mountain. Since Trail 38 parallels the Penrose Trail and is not needed for motorized access to Kearney Lake and it will not block access to Willow Park Reservoir, there cannot be any reason to not convert it to non-motorized use. Two motorized accesses are not needed to Kearney. When you receive opinions opposing the conversion of Trail 38, it is from those who cannot have too much access for their vehicles. I do recall a time or two when even horses had a hard time using Trail 38, when the water from the reservoir was extraordinarily high and flooded the trail. I turned back on one trip as it was too dangerous for my horses. One change in today's time is the prevalent attitude of extreme sports in younger people where they know no bounds that should not be broken. Everything is a challenge to be met. What this can do to a place like the Kearney Creek Trail, is only to destroy the fisheries and health of the watershed. I understand that in the past year, the creek was used for some mud-bogging adventure. With the Story Fish Hatchery receiving water from this watershed, everything must be done to protect the water quality for fishery health. Protect the creek from erosion and damage to natural resources. As a community, we are all very much supportive of Sheridan College and their recent purchase of Spear-O- Wigwam Ranch. I hope they will be able to use the high camp near Beaver Lakes on Kearney Creek as a horse-packing and educational wilderness experience. Limiting the motorized access to the Penrose Trail and protecting the Trail 38 will contribute to the authentic experience of traveling over the Cloud Peak Wilderness Highland Park and down into Beaver Lakes. I believe that Spear-O's demise was contributed to by the Forest Service's Little Goose Travel Plan which allowed for the race course and abuse of high motorized traffic in what was once a primitive setting. Spear-O's paying guests were there to experience quiet, solitude, horse rides, backcountry camping, wildlife and fishing, not motorcycle's racing noise and dust across the parks and nearby trails. Next, please fix FS road 293, put in speed bumps, signage, anything to slow down the racetrack adjacent to Spear-O. Help the College make this mountain campus a success. Converting Trail 38 is a great step forward in helping them revitalize use of the Beaver Lakes High Camp. We can have an amazing college, with the vision and imagination of how it can scientifically and culturally contribute to our community. My attempt to paint with Joel Ostlind in this park watching, hearing, smelling racing motorcycles and ATVs was frustrating and sad that no one from the College felt they could take this issue on. Thank you for finally implementing this action on Trail 38 that will provide good stewardship for our Mountain. I've only been asking for about 20 years! Sincerely, Liz Howell 345 W. Whitney Received 3/10/ Cheri I support the closure of TR 38 to motorized vehicles. There is already motorized access to Kearny Lake, and TR 38 was never intended nor maintained for motorized vehicles. Furthermore, motorized vehicles on TR 38 cause erosion and harm fisheries. The amount of ATV litter along TR 38 is evidence that the trial is not safe nor intended for ATV use.

5 I applaud your efforts to close this trail to motorized traffic. It's not only sensible, but the right thing to do. Bob Ahrens Retired Soil Scientist, NRCS Received 3/10/ Dear Cheri Jones: I am writing to support the decision to convert Trail 38 to non- motorized use. My concern is mainly with protecting the water. As motorized vehicles currently are able to use Trail 38, they are forced to drive through the water at several places. This places the watershed in jeopardy. Since other routes are available to vehicles, I am hoping that we can close this trail to motor use in order to protect our vital, but dwindling natural resource. Thank you for your consideration, Marcia Westkott 240 Sherman Ave. Received 3/8/ I agree with and applaud the Forest Service's efforts to designate Trail 38 as nonmotorized. My daughters and I appreciate hiking into places to fish without the effects and accompaniment of motorized vehicles. Thank you for your consideration. Edith Heyward 719 Emerson St. Received 3/8/2012 from Don Crecelius <dcrece@gmail.com> - Just a quick note to let you know I fully support the USFS proposal to close trail 38. Thanks Received 3/7/2012 3/7/2012 Cheri Jones Tongue River Ranger District 2013 Eastside Second Street Sheridan, WY, (307) cajones02@fs.fed.us RE: Conversion of Trail 38 to non- motorized use Dear Cheri; The Wyoming Wilderness Association (WWA) is a local non-profit organization which works to protect our public wildlands with over 650 members. We appreciate this opportunity to comment on this Categorical Exclusion document to convert Trail 38 (Kearney Creek Trail) back to its historic non-motorized use. The Forest Service (FS) has appropriately responded in addressing safety and managing the high use of Off-road Vehicles (ORV) in the Bighorn National Forest (BNF). The influx of motorized use on the Big Horns makes it important to address safety and ecological harm in this part of the mountain. Trail 38 is extremely rocky

6 and is very narrow. The fact that parts of ATVs can be found on this trail proves that it is unsafe for riders and motorized use. Originally Trail 38 was a horse and foot traffic trail. The trail was designed for non-motorized use and cannot accommodate motorized use safely and without resource. Trail 38 parallels the Penrose Trail 320 which allows motorized access to this area. Motorized access will still continue in the area despite converting Trail 38 to non-motorized use. Spear-O-Wigwam Ranch s high camp near Beaver Lakes gives their clients an opportunity to experience a backcountry setting away from Spear-O s ranch headquarters. Riding horses over Highland Park in the Cloud Peak Wilderness to access the Beaver Lakes high camp, then encountering ATVs destroys this opportunity for solitude and a backcountry experience. Restoring Trail 38 to non-motorized will ensure other important uses of the Beaver Lakes High Camp, such as scientific exploration and education, art and creative writing, biological research, wilderness exploration, etc. Trail 38 follows an important watershed, Kearney Creek, with the trail entering the creek several times. Protecting the watershed and fisheries is very important to limit erosion and damage to natural resources and the fisheries. The Sheridan Press article adequately sums up the situation with motorized use on the BNF: Motorized use has edged in overtime They (FS) didn t foresee that there was going to be an incredible amount of motorized use on some of these trails like there is today. (Sheridan Press, Feb 23, 2012) The BNF has taken a good step towards addressing the issue of damaging motorized use on Trail 38. We applaud the FS for taking on this issue and any issues that require the good stewardship of the primitive roadless areas in the BNF. Finally, resource damage by motorized use is a major problem faced by many national forests. See this position paper by the FS for more information: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this decision and please keep WWA informed of any BNF issues regarding roadless area protections. Respectfully, Justin Gerard Communications & Bighorn Community Outreach 56 South Wyoming Avenue Buffalo, WY Office: (307) Cell: (307) justin@wildwyo.org Received 3/6/ Please don"t close trail # 38. It is a rugged trail but I have used it. We hunt that area and if we get an elk its very usfull to get it out on that trail. Thanks Dennis Bernal 8500 schroeder rd. Rapid City SD Received 3/ from Hills Tire <bernaltire@midconetwork.com> - Please don't close the trail at penrose park. We use it every once in a while. If we get an elk up the it really helps to get it out with the 4 wheeler. Thanks Dennis Bernal.

7 Received 3/5/ Dear Ms. Jones, I'm writing in support of the idea of setting aside Trail 38 in the BHNF for strictly non-motorized use. This trail has recently been greatly impacted by motorized recreational vehicles. The area does not lend itself to motorized use, being narrow and rocky in many areas. Also, the recent re-opening of Spear O' Wigwam should factor into your decision. It would be a boon to the facility if some of the off-road traffic were directed elsewhere. Thank you, Sarah Mentock, M.S. Director, Science Kids sarah@science-kids.org Mailing address: 1081 Airport Road Received 3/5/ Cheri, I have typed up a short letter in response to the possibility of the Solitude loop trail being closed. I have attached that letter to this . Thanks, Chris Chris Poniatowski ext 6623 Meadowlark Elementary 4th Grade Received 3/3/ Dear Cheri and the Bighorn National Forest: Let me commend you for proposing to convert Trail-38 to non-motorized use. As long as there is an alternative for the motorized users, it seems right to bring this trail back to good condition. I very much support this action. Thank you much, Robert Condrat Received 3/3/ Dear Ms. Jones Please accept my comments concerning the proposed trail closure of road 38 to Kearny Reservoir. I have hiked this road and agree with the Forest Service that motorized use is not needed to Kearny Res. on this route. Damage has occurred to the riparian area and Kearny creek as a result of ATV use. The route is also too rocky for ATV use and unsafe. I want to thank the Forest Service for proposing this trail closure. Larry Gerard Buffalo, WY

8 Received 3/2/ I am writing about my experience with off-road abuse and unsafe riding by motorized riders. Trail 38 is a very rough trail and in places narrow and rocky. This trail is used by fishermen, hikers, and some horsemen although it is rather unsafe for an average horseman to ride on. Whether or not the motorized vehicles have been illegaly accessing this area, is beside the question. The vehicles are crossing small creeks and tearing up riparian areas, they are rutting the trail causing erosion and scarring of wild scenic recreation areas, and they are trashing the trails with their usual assortment of garbage. Their excuse is they have to buy permits to ride their vehicles and the hikers do not. There is no excuse for wrecking the access to Kearny Lake. They already have one motorized access to it. (Penrose) The ATV s have destroyed dudes' riding experiences over Cloud Peak Wilderness' Highland Park. Horses and motorized vehicles are a dangerous combination on narrow rocky trails. I am a backcountry horsewoman and hiker and feel very strongly about reclaiming this area for nonmotorized use. Please protect our watershed and our beautiful trail. We are proud to live in this extraordinary Bighorn Mountain region. I want to thank the BNF for confronting this issue in order to provide good stewardship for our Mountain. I am a member of Wyoming Wilderness Association and believe we all have a stake in protecting our precious resources. Yours truly, Wendy Condrat Received 3/2/ Cheri, I am ing you to support the Forest Service closing Trail 38. I am all for balanced management but it is getting harder and harder to escape motorized areas. My family lives in Wyoming for a reason. We enjoy getting away from motorized areas. We always hear about "balance". I would like balance. Currently motorized seems to get far more attention. Also at a time when budgets are tight closing a trail can keep costs down. Thank you for considering closing trail 38. Brad Mohrmann 1873 Paintbrush Drive Received 3/2/ Dear Ms. Jones, I am a long-time resident over 35 years of Sheridan County. We all need to share the National Forests and assure everyone who respects the land has a chance to share it and care for it properly. In the case of The Bighorn National Forest decision, I am in full support of closing the 4.5 miles of Trail 38 due to several factors. First of all, there already is a motorized route available to motorized vehicle riders. Sharing is the key word here. Let each constituency have a route. Secondly, any route which follows a creek and allows access to the water will be visited by riders who have heavy vehicles which damage fragile plant life on the banks, spin out in sandy areas, make new trails across the streams, and endanger the wildlife. A person who can walk to the creek can leave trash, fire pits, and rearrange a few rocks; the human can cause havoc but a human with a vehicle can cause devastation. Most importantly, Trail 38 was not ever planned as a trail for large 4-wheelers or motorcycles. It was a walking trail from day

9 one. Technology has trumped the original plan for the trail. Why do parts of ATV s litter the trail? The answer is evident. I applaud the BNF for launching this campaign to close the trail. Your example of good stewardship is admirable. I hope that you succeed in your goal. Thank you for listening to my point of view. This change just makes good sense and does not lock anyone out. Emily Nelson 825 Big Horn Ave. Sheridan Received 3/1/ Bill Bensel 32 River Rd. Ranchester, WY March 1, 2012 Comments regarding the restriction of travel on USFS Trail 38 along Kearny Creek Bighorn National Forest To whom it may concern: There exists a clear and well established direct route to Kearney Lake for motorized use on forest trail #320. The continued unauthorized use of trail 38 is unnecessary for access to the lake and surrounding areas. Trail 38 is only several miles long, does not provide access to main recreational areas, such as Kearney Lake and should be removed from the motorized trail system. The use of Trail 38 has raised a number of issues with resource use, management and damage. Water quality has been compromised due to the trails proximity to Kearney Creek. Erosion and sediment load due to motorized use is a direct contributor to turbidity and further bank and wetlands de-stabilization. Fisheries degradation is an associated collateral damage from recreational motorized activity. Conflicts with other recreational uses are ever-increasing on the Bighorn national Forest. Horse use and use of motorized vehicles do not mix on trail 38. I'd urge restricted use to only that of saddle and pack animals and foot traffic. Resource damage is evident along this trail, due to volume and uncontrolled use of motorized traffic. These resources include forage and grazing for livestock as well as wildlife use. I would urge the Bighorn National Forest to restrict use of the Trail 38 to non-motorized uses for the good of the resource and the public. Sincerely, Bill Bensel

10 Steve Wllonger ( ) left a voice mail on 2/27/2012 regarding the Trail 38 proposal. He would like us to leave it as it is. He thinks the outfitter and guides and horse people already have more trails available than the motorized users. And if we close it to motorized, people in wheelchairs won't be able to use it. Mark Koltiska called 2/29/2012 and offered the following comments on the Trail 38 proposal: He has been riding and recreating in that area since 1974 and would really like to see the trail remain open to ATVs from Kearny to Spear-O's camp. The rest of the trail is too hazardous for ATVs. He also mentioned that there is a hiking and horseback trail on the opposite side of the creek that starts across the dam and drops off by the spillway. He has walked it as far as what he refers to as Deep Lake, but thinks it goes further. Received 2/28/ I am writing in support of the closure of Trail 38 (The Kearney Creek Trail) to motorized use for resource protection. Jackson Clarendon John Matejov from Story called 2/28/2012 to comment on the Trail 38 proposal. He personally uses this trail, during hunting season, as do other people he knows. He understands and appreciates the need to protect resources and reduce erosion, etc. He suggests that we leave it open to 4 wheelers during hunting season as people still use it, even though they don't pass all the way through. He referred to the bad section as the Waterfall section and says it is celarly impassable to ATVs, but motorcycles can get through. He appreciates the opportunity to comment as he knows it was not required. The following correspondence to the District Ranger and Forest Supervisor was captured from Senator Barrasso s representative: Thanks, Clarke! I suppose I need to read my Sheridan Press more closely. I will pass along the information to Rep. Lummis constituent and will let you know if she receives any more inquiries about the trail. Again, thanks. Matt From: McClung, Clarke -FS [mailto:cmcclung@fs.fed.us] Sent: Tuesday, February 28, :17 AM To: Jones, Matt; Deanna_Kay@enzi.senate.gov; Denise_Canfield@Barrasso.senate.gov Cc: Bass, Bill -FS; Jones, Cheri A -FS Subject: Trail 38 Importance: High Matt, Deanna, and Denise: Bill asked me to respond to this from Matt, so I thought I would send it to all three of you. I've enclosed the press release, map, and the article from the Sheridan Press Outdoor section. The trail that is proposed to be converted from motorized to non-motorized is not a part of the Story- Penrose Trail (Story Horse Trail). Uses out of the Story Trailhead will not be affected. This trail goes

11 down Kearny Creek from Kearny Res. past Beaver Lakes to the trail that goes to Willow Park Res. (approx. 4.5 miles). Kearny Lake will still be accessible via the old road that goes to the dam itself. The trail has been historically managed for hiking and pack stock as a non-motorized trail. Sections of the trail are too narrow and rocky to allow for safe use by motorized vehicles. Since this trail was not designed for ATV use, this action will limit erosion and damage to natural resources resulting from the motorized use on the upper and lower sections of the trail. Since the trail is remote and hard to get equipment into the site it is not efficient use of the limited government funds (federal and state) to spend the thousands it would require to get this trail to standard for motorized travel when a parallel route to the same place already exists. Please give me a call (cell ) if you have any questions. Thanks, Clarke M. McClung District Ranger Tongue Ranger District Bighorn National Forest 2013 Eastside Second St. (307) Bill: This was brought to my attention through my home address. Is this proposal part or all of the Story Horse Trail? Thanks, Matt received by Matt: Thank you for allowing public input regarding trail closures. I am getting to old to hike well and not rich enough to afford horses. I am part of majority of baby boomers who fall into the ATV group that love the outdoors. Our large group of outdoor enthusiast do not like nor do we want road and trail closures in the Big Horn Mountains. I pay for the ORV sticker every year with the understanding that the money this generates is used for ORV trails for various project to keep trails open. Closing the trail from Kearny Lake {Road 320} to trail 33 is not what the majority of ATV riders want. One of the reasons listed for the closure is because the trail is to rough and dangerous. I am telling you that I enjoy riding rough and challenging trails and I find that trail fun and a very beautiful scenic route to take. If the Forrest Service believes this trail is to dangerous for the public than post it as extreme challenge but DO NOT CLOSE THIS TRAIL!!!!!! This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the immediately. From Canfield, Denise (Barrasso) Denise_Canfield@Barrasso.senate.gov Thank you Clark, for this information.

12 We will let you know if/when we receive constituent concerns. Denise Received 2/28/ Dear Ms. Jones, I am writing to express my strong objection to the potential closure of the entire Kearney Creek Trail between Kearney Reservoir and the trail leading to Willow Park Reservoir. Indeed the lower section of the trail between the falls and the Willow Park Trail are dangerous with regard to ATV travel. However, this is a fun and challenging route for motorcycles. I consider myself an expert ATV and dirt bike rider with years of experience and have chosen never to ride an ATV below the falls downstream of Beaver Lakes because it is too narrow and far too dangerous for ATV travel without doing resource damage. I would support closing the trail from a point immediately downstream of Beaver Lakes to its intersection with Trail No. 33 to ATV s only. I am strongly opposed to the potential closure of the trail from Kearney Reservoir to Beaver Lakes. That portion of the trail is no more dangerous than most of the entire trail leading to Kearney Reservoir, Willow Park Reservoir, etc. Closing it to ATV travel would preclude a number of folks from accessing a very special place in the Big Horn Mountains. I enjoy camping and fishing at Beaver Lakes multiple times every summer and fall, and have been doing so for 25 years. By closing this trail to ATV use, the USFS will have effectively privatized this beautiful piece of the Big Horn National Forest by making it only accessible to people with horses or to those who can hike an additional two hours to enjoy it. I have spent my share of time backpacking in my younger years and I appreciate the solitude, peace, and quiet afforded by non-motorized use. However, this area is the gateway to an already abundant wilderness area offering plenty of peace and quiet for those individuals seeking same. In addition, the Sheridan College will be utilizing the camp facilities formerly operated by Spear-O Wigwam. Their primary means of efficiently bringing people and supplies to enjoy and maintain this now publicly-owned resource requires the use of ATV s. I implore you, for the best interests of the public and our community, please do not restrict trail use between Kearney Reservoir and Beaver Lakes. Respectfully Submitted, Jonathan Gates Received 2/27/ Hello CA JONES, I hear that the forest service is looking to close another trail. Do not do this, I have a off road vehicle and love challenging trails. There have been enough trails closed for a lifetime. I pay your off road permit fee every year, you guys need to use this money correctly. Maybe you can correct these 'dangerous' trails with the money you are collecting. The more trails that are closed to horse and foot traffic the less useful the mountain becomes to people. Regards, Tony Chambers The following correspondence was from WWA: Oh it s a CE. Thanks! That ll work. Couldn t find it in the SOPA. Liz

13 From: Jones, Cheri A -FS [mailto:cajones02@fs.fed.us] Sent: Monday, February 27, :30 AM To: Liz Subject: RE: Please send Trail 38 scoping and maps Liz, There is no scoping document as it is not needed for this proposal. We just put out a news release that includes a map and it's posted on our website at Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheri Cheri Jones District Recreation Staff Tongue Ranger District Bighorn National Forest 2013 Eastside 2nd Street (307) fax (307) From: Liz [mailto:liz@wildwyo.org] Sent: Monday, February 27, :57 AM To: Jones, Cheri A -FS Subject: Please send Trail 38 scoping and maps Hi Cheri, We re very interested in more information about Trail 38 s conversion to non-motorized use, having voiced our opinion over the years about this trail. Please send me the scoping doc and any maps available with trail info. Thanks, Liz Liz Howell, Director PO Box office fax

14 Visit our web site: Received 2/25/2012 from John Owings Thank you for allowing public input regarding trail closures. I am getting to old to hike well and not rich enough to afford horses. I am part of majority of baby boomers who fall into the ATV group that love the outdoors. Our large group of outdoor enthusiast do not like nor do we want road and trail closures in the Big Horn Mountains. I pay for the ORV sticker every year with the understanding that the money this generates is used for ORV trails for various project to keep trails open. Closing the trail from Kearny Lake {Road 320} to trail 33 is not what the majority of ATV riders want. One of the reasons listed for the closure is because the trail is to rough and dangerous. I am telling you that I enjoy riding rough and challenging trails and I find that trail fun and a very beautiful scenic route to take. If the Forrest Service believes this trail is to dangerous for the public than post it as extreme challenge but DO NOT CLOSE THIS TRAIL!!!!!! Received 2/25/2012 from fred john <pearlm01@hotmail.com>- Thank you for allowing public input regarding trail closures. I am getting to old to hike well and not rich enough to afford horses. I am part of majority of baby boomers who fall into the ATV group that love the outdoors. Our large group of outdoor enthusiast do not like nor do we want road and trail closures in the Big Horn Mountains. I pay for the ORV sticker every year with the understanding that the money this generates is used for ORV trails for various project to keep trails open. Closing the trail from Kearny Lake {Road 320} to trail 33 is not what the majority of ATV riders want. One of the reasons listed for the closure is because the trail is to rough and dangerous. I am telling you that I enjoy riding rough and challenging trails and I find that trail fun and a very beautiful scenic route to take. If the Forrest Service believes this trail is to dangerous for the public than post it as extreme challenge but DO NOT CLOSE THIS TRAIL!!!!!! Received 2/25/ Dear Ms. Jones, I am writing in response to the potential closure of the Kearney Creek Trail downstream of Kearney reservoir to its intersection with trail No. 33. The article I read is accurate concerning a portion of the trail being dangerous with regard to ATV travel. I am accomplished ATV rider with years of experience and have chosen never to ride the portion of the trail below Beaver Lakes to its intersection with Trail No. 33. I consider that portion too dangerous for ATV travel and impossible to travel on an ATV without doing resource damage. I would support closing the trail from a point immediately downstream of Beaver Lakes to its intersection with Trail No. 33. I cannot support the closure of the trail from Kearney Reservoir to Beaver Lakes. That portion of the trail is not dangerous and to close it to ATV travel would preclude a number of folks from accessing a very special place in the Big Horn Mountains. I camp and fish at Beaver Lakes every Summer and one of my most memorable trips was taking my brother and eleven year old nephew there to fish. My nephew had a fantastic time fishing and if the trail had been closed to ATV traffic I would not have been able to get him there. Beaver Lakes is one of the greatest places I know to spark a fishing interest in a young person and closure of the trail to that point would be a shame. Respectfully, Rick D. Briscoe