FATS during gov't shutdown

[dgaddis1]

UPDATE: Newest update below:

Recent update, it appears that if we have a government shutdown we will keep Forks open, but will have to close the restrooms. I will keep you posted as I learn more.

[DK]

Apr 8, 2011 9:36:58 GMT -5 dgaddis1 said:

Just received this e-mail from Glen K., the USFS ranger in charge of the FATS area.

Hello,

I wanted to give you all a heads up concerning the potential government shutdown as it relates to Forks. I am still getting clarification, but the initial direction is that developed sites will be closed. Although Forks is a site that does not require a fee it is developed with restrooms and water, so more than likely will have mandatory shutdown for Forks. Please keep in mind that these decisions are not ours that we are making at our local level and we are following national direction. A government shut down means exactly that and in fact if we are shut down I can not even come into my office building.

I will let you know as soon as I know, but as of now I am being told that the Forks Trail will be closed during a government shutdown.

Glen Kansanback
Natural Resource Specialist-Recreation
Sumter National Forest
Long Cane Ranger District

Why not just put a lock on the water and restrooms as that's the deciding factors? I know, it's gov, it's never that simple.

Also, just curious here, if the gov is shut down, and the FS can't even get into their own offices, who's gonna enforce a shutdown at a site that's not generating revenue?

[dgaddis1]

Apr 8, 2011 10:09:49 GMT -5 DK said:

Also, just curious here, if the gov is shut down, and the FS can't even get into their own offices, who's gonna enforce a shutdown at a site that's not generating revenue?

My understanding (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) is that a DNR officer enforces closures at FATS, not USFS personell. I don't know if those officers would be put on furlough or not. "non-essential" gov't workers are being furloughed, while "essential" workers stay on and continue doing their job.

[oddcouple]

Why not just put a lock on the water and restrooms as that's the deciding factors? I know, it's gov, it's never that simple.

Also, just curious here, if the gov is shut down, and the FS can't even get into their own offices, who's gonna enforce a shutdown at a site that's not generating revenue?

FEDERAL CRIME!!!!!

TRUST ME Big Brother will be WATCHING.

[bikerpanda]

whats the issue with FATS closing, besides the obvious no ride?

FATS isnt my favorite place to ride, just the closest to the house.

[dgaddis1]

Apr 8, 2011 10:35:23 GMT -5 bikerpanda said:

whats the issue with FATS closing, besides the obvious no ride?

FATS isnt my favorite place to ride, just the closest to the house.

we are supposed to have a skills clinic and membership drive there tomorrow.

[bikerpanda]

Apr 8, 2011 10:38:57 GMT -5 dgaddis1 said:

Apr 8, 2011 10:35:23 GMT -5 bikerpanda said:

whats the issue with FATS closing, besides the obvious no ride?

FATS isnt my favorite place to ride, just the closest to the house.

we are supposed to have a skills clinic and membership drive there tomorrow.

i thought the shutdown took affect Monday! Id say thats a HUGE problem for Saturday.

[dgaddis1]

New update, see first post in thread.

[DK]

Apr 8, 2011 10:51:59 GMT -5 dgaddis1 said:

New update, see first post in thread.

Son of a gun.

Apr 8, 2011 10:17:07 GMT -5 oddcouple said:

FEDERAL CRIME!!!!!

TRUST ME Big Brother will be WATCHING.

I was referring to The gov putting on the locks, not one of us.

As for enforcement, it was a question aimed at a possible redundant absurdity. I wasn't suggesting that anyone ride there if it's closed. It would just seem rather odd to close the place down but not be able to enforce it.

Also, having an "essential" worker assigned to enforce it just for the fact that there's a gov funded sh*tter there would be rather ridiculous as well.

Hopefully the update that Dustin posted will be the final solution. Seems to be the simplest and most effective solution IMHO.