Federal Land Management

Yes, we drove down this.

Last evening we went on a wild 4x4 tour in the Sand Flats Recreation Area.   While I was expecting a tame tourist ride, our driver "Woodie" took us on the Hell's Revenge trail, rated 4+, the most challenging rating for off road trails.  We went places I would have never expected a vehicle of any kind could go.   Dashel laughed so hard he nearly peed in his pants.

But that's not my point.   Sand Flats lies immediately adjacent to Arches National Park.   The terrain is largely petrified sand dunes and sand fins intermixed with sand flats that have the identical cryptobiotic soil  the park has.  Damage to that soil was everywhere from off road vehicles.   It got me thinking about the inconsistent management of our federal lands:

Zion National Park: We do not sell bottled water because bottled water is destroying the environment.   Please fill your own bottle at our convenient filling stations.
Bryce National Park:   While you are here, please enjoy a bottle of Bryce National Park branded water.


Death Valley National Park:    Feel free to hike anywhere you want.
Arches National Park:    Anyone caught walking off trail is subject to a $150 fine.


Arches National Park:   Do not touch the fragile cryptobiotic soil.
Sand Flats Recreation Area:     Drive your 4X4, dirt bike, or ATV anywhere you want.   Spilling oil, hydraulic fluid, and fuel is just part of the fun.