Posted by John Eickhof on Friday, September 26, 2003 at 7:50PM :
Normal Thursday morning...Digger Dan had stopped by to visit when two Federal investigators from the USFS showed up at my door! I invited them in..the issue was our Idaho Trail Ride trip this past June when we got 3 out of four trucks to the end of the contested Jarbige South road. It appears that contrary to popular belief, we in fact did damage some vegitation etc, so the investigators were trying to establish who was the lead vehicle, they stated that the lead vehicel is responsible for any violations! (one to remember!) The subsiquent vehicles were not liable??? Anyway, after some discussion that went from one citation (to Steve as lead truck) then additional citation to Digger, since he led the group part of the way, to all of our drivers sinc I stated the decision to go off road was a group decision... to finally, Me getting a citaion alone for being the unofficial organizer of the Idaho Trail Ride! I told them I feel I would take responsibility since they came to something I started years ago, and still basically organize. So, I now have a citation for a class 'B' misdemeaner violation of USC 551,36 CFR 261.13H
"Operating anyvehicles off raod in a manner
which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife or vegetative resources"
The fine if I wish to pay it is $150.00 versus a trip to Ren, NV. (500 miles one way) if I decide to plead not guilty! The officers were very cordial, and I believe were looking for more opposition than Digger or I provided! One of them even commented that 'if everyone concerned in this raod matter had your (me) attitude, we would be out of jobs! (meaning the investigators!) Oh well, just another miserable day in paradise!!!
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