azredliner
08-13-2007, 06:28 PM
This was written by a member in our club...
I recently attempted to visit this wonderful area. I was informed by Park Rangers that nearly 60% of the park is closed permanently due to border security issues. There is a small loop of road near park HQ that is open, and Ajo Mountain Loop Road is still open. However, all hiking trails that have trailheads on these open roads have signage that indicates the hiking trail is closed. Also ALL campgrounds, as well as dispersed camping where previously permitted, is now FORBIDDEN.
I feel that this is tantamount to our Government relinquishing sovereignty over these lands, handing it back to Mexico. And not even giving it back to the Mexican government, but handing it over to the Criminal Element in Mexico. I feel this is a TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE situation. NONE of our public lands and Parks should be made off-limits to the American Public. WE are the rightful owners of this land, NOT the Government. Our kids and grandkids are the rightful heirs to these public lands, NOT the criminal element in Mexico.
I have embarked on a "Pot Stirring" campaign regarding this issue. I have written to Rep Grijalva, and will keep going all the way up to the President. I have also written to radio and TV talk show host Glen Beck, hoping he'll run a story on this and get it the National attention it deserves.
Below is a copy of the text of the letter I wrote to Rep Grijalva. I hope many of you will join me in this letter writing campaign. I am left wondering what is next to be "permanently closed"? Will it be Cabeza Prieta? Will we soon not be allowed to drive the Camino Del Diablo? On to the text of my letter:
Dear Representative Grijalva,
I recently attempted to visit Organ Pipe National Monument. When I arrived there, I was told that approximately 60% of the Park is "permanently closed" to the general US public, due to border security concerns. I find this to be completely unacceptable. To me, this is the same as saying "we are relinquishing sovereignty over this land" and turning it back over to Mexico.
In my opinion, one of two things must happen:
1.) Even if we cannot or will not secure the entire border, we must at least secure the boundaries of all of our National parks along the border. There is no point in having a National Park if nobody is allowed to visit.
2.) If we cannot or are unwilling to secure at least these small portions of the border, then a system similar to what now exists for the Barry M. Goldwater Range must be put into place. The public can visit the lands within the BMGR by signing a "hold harmless" agreement. A person signs a waiver stating that if anything happens to them or their property, the Government cannot be held responsible. Once this agreement is signed, a person is issued a pass and can visit the lands within the BMGR at his own risk. If we cannot secure the border along Organ Pipe National Monument, then a person should be able to sign such a hold harmless agreement and visit the park, armed if he pleases, to protect himself. Such a pass bearing visitor who is armed shall be restrained from firing the weapon for target practice or for any other reason except self defense.
However it is done, I believe we MUST find a way to keep all of our National Parks open for visitation by the public. Our parks must not be taken away from us. Especially this one, which is so unique, not only within North America, but in the entire world there is no other place like it. It must be preserved, and the public must be allowed to visit it.
Respectfully Yours,
Eric R. Johnson
I recently attempted to visit this wonderful area. I was informed by Park Rangers that nearly 60% of the park is closed permanently due to border security issues. There is a small loop of road near park HQ that is open, and Ajo Mountain Loop Road is still open. However, all hiking trails that have trailheads on these open roads have signage that indicates the hiking trail is closed. Also ALL campgrounds, as well as dispersed camping where previously permitted, is now FORBIDDEN.
I feel that this is tantamount to our Government relinquishing sovereignty over these lands, handing it back to Mexico. And not even giving it back to the Mexican government, but handing it over to the Criminal Element in Mexico. I feel this is a TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE situation. NONE of our public lands and Parks should be made off-limits to the American Public. WE are the rightful owners of this land, NOT the Government. Our kids and grandkids are the rightful heirs to these public lands, NOT the criminal element in Mexico.
I have embarked on a "Pot Stirring" campaign regarding this issue. I have written to Rep Grijalva, and will keep going all the way up to the President. I have also written to radio and TV talk show host Glen Beck, hoping he'll run a story on this and get it the National attention it deserves.
Below is a copy of the text of the letter I wrote to Rep Grijalva. I hope many of you will join me in this letter writing campaign. I am left wondering what is next to be "permanently closed"? Will it be Cabeza Prieta? Will we soon not be allowed to drive the Camino Del Diablo? On to the text of my letter:
Dear Representative Grijalva,
I recently attempted to visit Organ Pipe National Monument. When I arrived there, I was told that approximately 60% of the Park is "permanently closed" to the general US public, due to border security concerns. I find this to be completely unacceptable. To me, this is the same as saying "we are relinquishing sovereignty over this land" and turning it back over to Mexico.
In my opinion, one of two things must happen:
1.) Even if we cannot or will not secure the entire border, we must at least secure the boundaries of all of our National parks along the border. There is no point in having a National Park if nobody is allowed to visit.
2.) If we cannot or are unwilling to secure at least these small portions of the border, then a system similar to what now exists for the Barry M. Goldwater Range must be put into place. The public can visit the lands within the BMGR by signing a "hold harmless" agreement. A person signs a waiver stating that if anything happens to them or their property, the Government cannot be held responsible. Once this agreement is signed, a person is issued a pass and can visit the lands within the BMGR at his own risk. If we cannot secure the border along Organ Pipe National Monument, then a person should be able to sign such a hold harmless agreement and visit the park, armed if he pleases, to protect himself. Such a pass bearing visitor who is armed shall be restrained from firing the weapon for target practice or for any other reason except self defense.
However it is done, I believe we MUST find a way to keep all of our National Parks open for visitation by the public. Our parks must not be taken away from us. Especially this one, which is so unique, not only within North America, but in the entire world there is no other place like it. It must be preserved, and the public must be allowed to visit it.
Respectfully Yours,
Eric R. Johnson