OP-ED
By Don Amador
March 24, 2019
COVID-19 MITIGATION IS NOT VACATION
With hospitals and emergency responders running out of
masks and other PPE in California and elsewhere, it should come as no surprise
that local, state, and federal land managers are expanding the scope of their COVID-19
temporary access restrictions to popular destination recreation sites that - are
or have the potential to -attract large crowds of visitors.
For example, California State Parks issued a news release
late last night that stated, it is taking additional safety measures to reduce
crowds and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Many state parks
and beaches received record visitation over the weekend which made it
impossible for the public to implement appropriate social distancing practices.
LINK TO STATE PARKS ANNOUNCEMENT
The Nevada BLM issued a temporary closure order for the Sand
Mountain Recreation Area near Fallon, Nevada.
As many of you know, the Sand Mountain OHV Area is a popular destination
site for families and clubs that enjoy riding dirt-bikes, ATVs, SxSs, and 4WD
vehicles.
LINK TO NV BLM CLOSURE OF SAND MOUNTAIN
Based on photos and stories posted on social media, it
appears that many motorized and non-motorized recreationists have misinterpreted
various “shelter-at-home” orders from state or county government as
authorization for them to take a short or long-term vacation - often with large
groups – on public lands.
Until we collectively “Flatten the Curve,” recreationists should honor the stay at home
directives and if they do go out for trail activities it should be close to
home and/or in dispersed areas sans large crowds where social distancing is
practiced. Respecting the seriousness of
this issue will hasten its resolution and help expedite the withdrawal of
closure orders and the reopening of public lands for both casual use and
permitted events.
The professional healthcare workers, law enforcement
officials, and park maintenance staff that
I know will be greatly appreciative of us doing our part to address the
coronavirus.
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