How does one "erase" an illegal trail bypass?

[AustyPosty]

A local trail to me, has an obstacle that isn't particularly difficult but those who are unprepared drive straight through a meadow that is not allowed to be driven through, a sign even informs them that it is illegal yet people still do it and there is a clear enough path through. How could I erase this path without causing further damage to the meadow? Is this something best left up to the forest service? I just dont want to see this trail be shut down...

 

[rgallant]

You can report it, but if those people are like the ones here they just find another way. We have hauled big downed trees across that kind of thing here in BC but I am not sure that is an option where you are

 

[Anak]

We used either downed trees or large rocks for that purpose for AAT in the San Bernardino Ntl Forest.

 

[AustyPosty]

We used either downed trees or large rocks for that purpose for AAT in the San Bernardino Ntl Forest.

Good idea, large rocks certainly are a bit easier and more accessible than a large log. However a large log would cover much more ground

 

[Anak]

Best if they need to be winched into position. IOW, make 'em big.

 

[smritte]

What @Anak said.
If your not part of an official AAT group. You need permission before you block anything. be careful.

We used either downed trees or large rocks for that purpose for AAT in the San Bernardino Ntl Forest.

What group were you with? I was part of that from late 80's- early 2000. I worked on the Holcomb Creek trail.

 

[OTH Overland]

Its amazing how fast these "unofficial" trails get established, just takes a couple of irresponsible drivers to take a shortcut or bypass and then others who may simply not know any better follow. Sooner the managing land owner can get it blocked off the better, seems like big rocks or concrete ecology blocks are about the only thing that makes any difference. Signs only deter considerate drivers who may not know any better, around here a new sign gets used for target practice. Any attempt at blocking or diverting of trails should only be done with permission / supervision of the land managing agency. Many environmental issues may be at hand other than the trail damage such as fish passages etc. Sometimes the best thing we can do is try to educate any one not following tread lightly principles, just do not let it escalate into a conflict if they are not accepting..

 

[AustyPosty]

Its amazing how fast these "unofficial" trails get established, just takes a couple of irresponsible drivers to take a shortcut or bypass and then others who may simply not know any better follow. Sooner the managing land owner can get it blocked off the better, seems like big rocks or concrete ecology blocks are about the only thing that makes any difference. Signs only deter considerate drivers who may not know any better, around here a new sign gets used for target practice. Any attempt at blocking or diverting of trails should only be done with permission / supervision of the land managing agency. Many environmental issues may be at hand other than the trail damage such as fish passages etc. Sometimes the best thing we can do is try to educate any one not following tread lightly principles, just do not let it escalate into a conflict if they are not accepting..

Good point! I’ll contact the forest service about the trail. See if they know about it and would be ok with rocks being used as barriers

 

[smritte]

The biggest issue with the illegal routes is, once a set of tracks is down, people want to see where they go. If you let it go long enough, people will remove your barriers. If possible, you have to remove all trace of the passage. Otherwise, someone see's the track and it all starts over.

 

[smritte]

A local trail to me, has an obstacle that isn't particularly difficult but those who are unprepared drive straight through a meadow

If its at the trail head, their called gate keepers. Their difficulty is the same as the trail. The trail I maintained was a black diamond route. You were suppose to have a small lift, 33" tires and 1 locker. The issue was lesser vehicles would find a way around the gate keepers. If a "lesser" vehicle got in and someone got hurt, they could close the trail. It was a constant fight keeping the gate keepers in place.

 

[AustyPosty]

A local trail to me, has an obstacle that isn't particularly difficult but those who are unprepared drive straight through a meadow

If its at the trail head, their called gate keepers. Their difficulty is the same as the trail. The trail I maintained was a black diamond route. You were suppose to have a small lift, 33" tires and 1 locker. The issue was lesser vehicles would find a way around the gate keepers. If a "lesser" vehicle got in and someone got hurt, they could close the trail. It was a constant fight keeping the gate keepers in place.

It’s funny because it’s an obstacle after the “difficult” section which is just mild 4-5/10 rock crawling. It’s basically just a tree root going across a semi decent rut. It can be more difficult depending what time of year you go. But it’s just annoying people don’t even bother to attempt the obstacle.

 

[Anak]

What group were you with? I was part of that from late 80's- early 2000. I worked on the Holcomb Creek trail.

NAXJA.

Mostly worked on 2N49 & Cleghorn. 2N49 was downed trees and brush. Cleghorn was trash.

 

[Longshot270]

You could fix it. Sounds like it isn’t a gate keeper but presents a unique challenge incentivizing people to go around. Has the obstacle gotten noticeably worse over the years? This could be a case of long time users getting tired of more highly equipped vehicles making places that were accessible, now inaccessible.

 

[Kent R]

A local trail to me, has an obstacle that isn't particularly difficult but those who are unprepared drive straight through a meadow that is not allowed to be driven through, a sign even informs them that it is illegal yet people still do it and there is a clear enough path through. How could I erase this path without causing further damage to the meadow? Is this something best left up to the forest service? I just dont want to see this trail be shut down...

Please see DM