ENVIRONMENT : Wilderness Trails Are Topic of Public Forum

Should the Angeles National Forest provide improved trails in its two federally protected wilderness areas or leave the narrow trails as they are--unmarked and hard to find?

On Saturday, U.S. Forest Service officials will hold a public forum in Palmdale to address maintenance of trails and other issues relating to the two wilderness areas in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa. This is the last forum before forest officials compile a draft report on how to manage the 44,000-acre Sheep Mountain Wilderness and 35,000-acre San Gabriel Wilderness.

Under the Wilderness Act of 1964, 100 million acres nationwide have been designated as protected areas in which human impact should be minimized. In wilderness areas, mountain bikes, structures and other intrusions are prohibited. In the Angeles National Forest, officials try to keep the wilderness areas as natural as possible but also accessible, said George Duffy, the forest’s wilderness program manager.

“This is a piece of our landscape we need for spiritual and cultural renewal, as well as recreation and the scenic enjoyment of it,” Duffy said.

Since 1991, the Forest Service has been working on a plan to manage the wilderness. A final decision on any changes is expected by December, Duffy said.

One idea is to create zones in each wilderness area to allow for different levels of activity. For instance, areas with no sensitive plants or animal habitats could be open to hikers, while the lambing ground of bighorn sheep could be off-limits, Duffy said.

Saturday’s hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon at the Palmdale Water District, 2029 E. Avenue Q. Comments may be addressed to Marianne Wallace, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia, 91006.