Numerous ecologically sensitive areas on Department of Energy-controlled land have been marked with flagging to indicate that people shouldn't enter the areas. Photo courtesy of Ecology (RRES-ECO)

Recreationalists must heed trail closures

People pursuing recreational activities on Department of Energy-controlled land must not enter ecologically sensitive areas that have been designated by use of flagging, tape, string, rope or other markings.

In recent weeks, Laboratory and DOE officials have become aware of a number of instances where trail users, cyclists or horseback riders have ignored and entered taped-off areas of DOE land. In some cases, people have removed the markings altogether and have continued recreational activities within the marked areas. The situation has been particularly bad in wilderness areas near White Rock and Pajarito Acres.

The restricted areas originally were marked to prevent tree-thinning and fire-mitigation crews from damaging them with machinery or tools. The flagged areas have been designated as ecologically sensitive, which means these areas could be habitat for threatened and endangered species, specialized plant or animal life or other sensitive resources.

"These areas can be damaged easily and unknowingly just by people walking on them," said John Isaacson of Ecology (RRES-ECO). "We have a moral and legal responsibility to safeguard these areas, so we have marked them as off-limits to people and machinery. We are hoping that people will be understanding, cooperative and cognizant of our efforts to preserve and protect sensitive environmental areas. Once these areas are lost, they are lost forever."

Isaacson noted that nearly 1,000 areas have been marked, and out of those, only about three or four actually affect recreational trails in the area. He believes that people are removing the flagging and string because they don't know any better.

"We're really hoping to get the word out that people must not enter these areas or remove the markings," said Isaacson. "If people see someone disturbing these areas, we would ask that you get a description of the person, of his or her vehicle if possible, and report them to me at 7-2276."

All marked areas are on DOE-controlled property. Such property is regulated by federal laws and regulations.

Isaacson said after the thinning work is finished, crews will evaluate areas to determine whether changes in trail routes or public accessibility are necessary to preserve ecologically sensitive areas.

-- James Rickman

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