This is from Mike Georgeson, MTVRA and Rim Rock trail Rider member in Billings.
I spoke with Frank Cifala, Gallatin National Forest Recreational Manager - Big Timber, today and he made some interesting comments.
1) 95% of all comments to date are against motorized recreation in the Gallatin.(need I say more?)
2) Our biggest opponents are the horseman associations.(I thought they were on our side??)
3) Don't expect to see any dangerous or challenging trails in the final plan. All trails will be safe and accessible to all motorized users. (good bye to anything fun)
4) He feels the Benchmark Plan is a good representation of what should be in the final plan. (he is not on our side... even though he continually told me he supports motorized recreation in the forest)
5) He has never been past the Forest Service cabin on the Lower Deer Creek Trail. He has never been on Trail #2. (he doesn't even know what he's managing)
6) He said his boss, Bill Avey, came from the Dillon area and Bill told him that if this plan were proposed over there that motorized user would be up in arms! He is surprised that there has not been a bigger response from motorized user!
You should be spiting MAD about right now!
As you can see we are again behind the 8-ball and we're just getting started.
I can't even tell you who important it is that everyone (Billings area) must attend the meeting this Wednesday at 7pm, Knight of Columbus in Billings.
If you are a motorized user.. NOTHING CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT THAN THIS MEETING!!
Show your support and attend.
Thank you and I'll see you Wednesday night.
Mike Georgeson - 671-9840