From now on, they are the Forest Disservice as far as I am concerned.

Originally posted by oly884
I'd still be up for going overnight at Naches. I was going to leave today in the afternoon and stay throught the weekend. Anyone else?

Originally posted by Mad Chemist
Well, since I planned on taking Friday off anyways, I'm up for a run. I'd argue for going somewhere completely outside of that ranger district. Anybody up for Reiter Pit tomorrow? I've never been there, and it wouldn't be very crowded on a workday? Rob, are you thinking overnight Friday or Saturday at Naches?

Rob,

I feel for you and would also like to add that this kind of attitude is not just in the Washington area. This past weekend I went camping and stopped at the ranger station and asked where campfires were allowed and what kind of roads could be traveled on. I received a list of places that were allowed to have camp fires and which were not. I also inquired if we could camp anywhere if no campfires were had. I was told by the ranger station that we could camp anywhere if there were no campfires and there were not any restrictions on road travel. I set up camp at a place with no campfire and was told the next morning I had to leave because the road that led to the camp was “not maintained for passenger car use”. I was then referred back to the list that I was given by the ranger station as to where I could camp. I chose one other place and asked the ranger face to face if I could have a fire there. The answer was yes and no problems existed. The first sign I see is “not maintained for passenger car use” that leads to Elk Lake. To add to this Sunday a ranger comes up and tells everyone “No campfires” with a letter dated seven days before I ever got there.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the Pacific NW is getting a raw deal when it comes to our forests. Any help you need in protesting this I will also add my name too. I am tired of people taking away my forest. Those trees belong to us the public. It is truly sad when it becomes against the law for a small number of people to get together and enjoy the forest in a civil and responsible manner. Pass this along to those who you think need to know. You and I know that what happens in Oregon happens in Washington shortly and Vice Versa. Not to get all corny but we need to stand firm and tough and let our opinions be heard so they matter.

I would personally like to thank you for all the planning that you had put in for YotoJam 2003. I know planning something as big as this is an undertaking and a lot of hard work. I hope we get to meet another way sometime.

File Code: 2700
Date: August 11, 2003

Mr. Rob Perin

Dear Mr. Perin:
I apologize for sending this via email, but I cannot locate a physical address to which I can send a hard copy.
We have received a number of comments about the “cancellation” of the Northwest Yotajam. First, it is not our policy or intent to deny legitimate use of National Forest System lands. Due to miscommunication, for which we will take full responsibility, we were unable to conclusively determine if the “Yotajam” was indeed legitimate in the time available to us. I apologize for the inconvenience our notification may have caused.

There are steps event organizers can take to significantly reduce the probability of situations like this one. Issuing a permit for a recreation event and many other types of special uses is much more rigorous than most proponents realize. Each proposal must be thoroughly evaluated for its effects on the environment and documented under the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. In addition, proponents must provide proof of required insurance coverage and a plan for addressing safety, sanitation and operation of the event. Implicit in the operating plan is identifying locations and times that avoid conflicts with other events or activities. We host a number of recreation events each year, including large motorized groups. It may be necessary to utilize alternate dates or locations to avoid schedule conflicts. We advise organizers to present their proposals a minimum of 180 days in advance of their event. We have a large workload and that allows sufficient time to complete the analysis and make any adjustments well in advance of the event. In this case, the initial contact with the district was far short of the 180 days; therefore, it is unlikely a permit could have been issued under the best of circumstances.

The website you referenced concerning the criteria for requiring a special use permit addresses the major items in making a determination, but is not an exhaustive list. Having a complete proposal allows us to confidently determine if a permit is indeed required. Even for events that do not require permits, an advance proposal provides us the opportunity to advise organizers of potential conflicts and offer suggestions to make their experience more enjoyable.

In this case, the initial telephone contact described a loosely organized, local event—a few families and friends coming to the district to drive trails. We responded that a permit was not likely required, but encouraged submission of a proposal for review. No proposal was received. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office brought the “Yotajam” website/bulletin board to our attention on July 29 inquiring if this event were permitted. Our review of the website gave numerous indications of a well-organized event that appeared to require a permit. Your prompt response to our inquiry about the nature of the event was appreciated, but there was insufficient time to conclusively determine the permit status of the event. We then advised you of our opinion that continuation of the event would likely constitute a violation of Federal Regulations.


There are multiple hundreds of thousand recreation visits to the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests each year. Balancing the growing demand for recreation opportunities with maintaining the environment that supports those opportunities is becoming increasingly difficult. We recognize our role as stewards of these lands and resources for all citizens of the United States. Implicit in that stewardship responsibility is vigilance for activities that could adversely affect those lands and resources. Events involving groups of users have the potential to alter conditions dramatically and quickly. Consequently, we try to give them appropriate attention. Occasionally, our assessment of a situation is incorrect—we do make mistakes. Given more time to review the situation, it is entirely possible I would have reached a different conclusion in this case.

Again, I apologize for the inconvenience that resulted. I trust that we have addressed your concerns. We would welcome the opportunity to host a future event. Your cooperation in establishing early contact and providing complete information will help assure proper processing and improve the probability of a successful event on National Forest System lands.

Sincerely,

Randall D. Shepard
RANDALL D. SHEPARD
District Ranger

cc: Anthony Hanses
David Olson
Ben Stauffer
Matt Albertson
Wade Young
Eric Corwin
David Bienvenue

"Due to miscommunication, for which we will take full responsibility..."

"Again, I apologize for the inconvenience that resulted."

"Occasionally, our assessment of a situation is incorrect—we do make mistakes. Given more time to review the situation, it is entirely possible I would have reached a different conclusion in this case."