Broken promises at Loon Lake

In 1989 the Forest Service acknowledged the importance of the Loon Lake area as a destination for skiers, snowshoers, and snow players by creating the Loon Lake Non-Motorized Winter Recreation Area. Unfortunately, one mile of paved road, snow-covered in winter, is under jurisdiction of Eldorado County and therefore not subject to the Forest Service designation.

This mile, between the two dams that created Loon Lake above Highway 50, is part of the Polaris Trail, which allows skiers and snowshoers to access the north side of the lake. It is also one of the access routes to the world-famous Rubicon four-wheel-drive trail. In 2003 4x4ers agreed not to use the road between the dams in winter in return for support of 4x4 winter access to the Rubicon Trail via Wentworth Springs. There was even agreement on the wording of signs indicating that 4x4 use was not permitted here. This Feb. 11, however, the sign was torn down, the partially exposed locked gate driven over, and 4x4ers tore up the road.

Fortunately, the 4x4 community's broken promises, lack of leadership, and poor behavior have been witnessed by many local organizations and agencies. The muscle-powered community continues to work toward the only solid, workable solution, a county ordinance prohibiting 4x4 use on the road in winter.

Dan Bolster, park-project coordinator for Eldorado County, has proposed that "the 2003 agreement" be in force for this winter, along with a provision that failure to comply will result in an ordinance.

The big question is what happens if the 4x4ers do not comply? Will the Eldorado County Board of Supervisors step up to the plate?

Marcus Libkind, chair, Snowlands Network