Quiet Use Anyone?
Quiet Use Coalition formed in Upper Arkansas Valley
A new group named the Quiet Use Coalition has formed in the Upper Arkansas Valley in response to the alarming growth of motorized recreation in the area which extends from Leadville down to Poncha Springs. The group works to set aside areas open only to non-motorized users for quiet use opportunities for both summer and winter recreation.
Quiet use represents over 30 activities including skiing, hiking, fishing, sailing, horseback riding and hunting, to name a few. Although personal motorized vehicle recreationists account for only 8% of all forest users (Section 2-35 of the current Pike/San Isabel Forest Plan), 90% of most lower forest ecosystems are open to motorized use (higher ecosystems are often set aside as Wilderness areas).
The coalition has prepared a proposal, sent to the Pike/San Isabel National Forest in November, to set aside eleven areas to be used for quiet use. Through the proposal, the coalition is asking for recognition that quiet users are being severely impacted by motorized use. The coalition believes that reasonable limits should be enforced on motorized activities and is pressuring the Forest Service to act. The coalition is based in Salida at (719) 395-6578.