September 3, 2000
Los Altos, CA 94024
The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo
205 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515-0514
Reference: Letter to Mr. Mike Dombeck, Chief USDA Forest Service from J. W. Reed, dated 3 September 2000
Subject: Misuse of Lower Hopkins Lake in Sierra National Forest by Horse Packers
Madam:
In the Reference letter (copy enclosed) I request that Mr Mike Dombeck, Chief of the USDA Forest Service take immediate action to rectify the damage at Lower Hopkins Lake due to massive overuse by horse packers and their clients. This lake is located in the Sierra National Forest in California. The campsites at this lake are over used, and the horses have destructively grazed the west side of the lake.
The USDA Forest Service has a double standard when dealing with foot hikers and horse packers. They require humans to camp and defecate at least 100 feet from the trails and sources of water. I agree with this rule and believe that this is wise forest policy. On the other hand, they have no such rule that requires horse packers to control their animals to the same requirements. The consequence is that these animals do excessive harm to the forest environment, often concentrated in places like Lower Hopkins Lake.
I request that you follow up on my letter to Mr. Dombeck to verify that corrective action has been taken to restore Lower Hopkins Lake to its natural state. In addition, I believe that a long term Forest Service policy change is needed to prevent packhorses from causing future damage to our national forests. Consistent policy with respect to all users of the national forests should be implemented to minimize damage such as occurred at Lower Hopkins Lake.
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
John W. Reed
jreed44310@aol.com
enclosure
c: Mr. Mike Dombeck, Chief USDA Forest Service
U.S. Forest Service, Pineridge Ranger District