Residents give input on Angeles National Forest plans at workshop
By Lisa Faught
Staff Writer

PASADENA -- From hikers to dirt bikers to horseback riders, those who frequent the Angeles National Forest are staking a claim in the future of the forest.

On Wednesday night, some 150 people turned out to give their suggestions on future plans for the Angeles National Forest during a workshop at the Pasadena Conference Center.

Much of the debate centered on suggestions to expand wilderness areas, which would bar access to mountain bikes or motorized vehicles.

The Sierra Club is pushing for several wilderness areas, including Cucamonga, Roberts Canyon, Sheep Mountain and sections of the San Gabriel River.

"I believe in the John Muir philosophy that wilderness is a healing experience," said Ron Webster, of the Sierra Club. "If you're out in wilderness and constantly being harrassed by fast-moving vehicles, it's very hard to experience that."

But some fear the expansion of wilderness areas could lock up huge sections of the forest, leaving few places for mountain bikers, motorcycle racers and offroaders.

"Everyone supports biodiversity, no one wants to pave over the forest," said Adam Steltzner, of La Canada Flintridge. "But if that means I can't ride my bike through there, then I have a problem. If I can only walk barefoot in a 'special interest area,' that might be a little frustrating."

Faced with a growing number of visitors and an uptick of endangered species, the U.S. Forest Service is updating its guidelines for how to govern the 3.8 million acres in the Angeles National Forest.

"This is 72 percent of Los Angeles County's open space," said Gail Wright, U.S. Forest Service public affairs officer. "This is what your kids will be using or not using. Somewhere along the line we need balance."

In the last year, the U.S. Forest Service has been seeking public input on how to plan the future of four national forests in Southern California -- the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino.

Should the forests include more wilderness areas, which would protect habitat but keep vehicles out? Or should more sections be opened to recreation?

These are some of the questions the U.S. Forest Service is trying to work out, but no definite plans are on the table yet. An environmental report drafting future plans for the forests is expected in winter.

-- Lisa Faught can be reached at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4496, or by e-mail at lisa.faught@sgvn.com.