My last two visits, on foot, I have been passed by speeding
motorbikes, and Sunday, one was joined by a four-wheeler carrying
three young people. Also, the Sunday riders appeared to be the people
who were camped near the northeast end, with two tents, a jeep can of
gasoline and a huge bonfire, burning unattended in late morning.
Out on the southern end, past the towers and in the area of native
Palouse vegetation, the damage from off-trail riding is already
beginning. Ten years ago when we started walking there, no trail
could be found. Today, a well-worn trail is on its way to becoming a
road. And vegetation is quickly being run down off the trail.
I wonder whether the land owners know this is happening. If something
isn't done about it quickly, I'm afraid the entire ridge will be
trashed in little time.
jim fisher
lewiston tribune
208-743-9600 ext 272
jfisher@lmtribune.com