It has been reported by several Tahoe National Forest hikers and equestrians that there is serious sign vandalism on the Hoot Trail, a public TNF System trail intended for pedestrian, equestrian and mountain bike bi-directional use.
SIGN DESTRUCTION
Several USFS informational signs regarding equestrian use have been obscenely defaced. (See two blurred photos of vandalized signs below.) Other signs posted by USFS that inform visitors that the trail is bi-directional and open to hikers and equestrians have been removed, covered over in unauthorized decals obscuring important information for visitors, or defaced.
AGAINST THE LAW
Sign vandalism interferes with all trail users from safely enjoying and traveling on Hoot Trail. It is against the law to damage, injure, remove, or obstruct official public signs. Penalties vary but can include fines, jail time, community service, and restitution.
USER CONFLICT
Mountain bikers have been lobbying Tahoe National Forest for the Hoot Trail to become a single user mt. bike and downhill trail only. Equestrians and hikers wish the Hoot Trail to remain a trail for all non-motorized users and have been lobbying Tahoe National Forest to remove the berms, jumps and other obstacles not designed in the original multi-use trail. One equestrian group that paid for the trail studies, the CEQA legal work, and most of the construction of the multi-use Hoot Trail are particularly concerned.
HOOT TRAIL USER INFORMATION
The Hoot Trail is a bi-directional, multi-use trail, open to pedestrians, mt. bikers and equestrians. Downhill mt. bike speed needs to be controlled enough to stop for other trail users, excessive/unsafe speed can be cited. Mt. bikers yield to hikers and everyone yields to equestrians. PLEASE yield to uphill traffic.
SIGN DESTRUCTION
Several USFS informational signs regarding equestrian use have been obscenely defaced. (See two blurred photos of vandalized signs below.) Other signs posted by USFS that inform visitors that the trail is bi-directional and open to hikers and equestrians have been removed, covered over in unauthorized decals obscuring important information for visitors, or defaced.
AGAINST THE LAW
Sign vandalism interferes with all trail users from safely enjoying and traveling on Hoot Trail. It is against the law to damage, injure, remove, or obstruct official public signs. Penalties vary but can include fines, jail time, community service, and restitution.
USER CONFLICT
Mountain bikers have been lobbying Tahoe National Forest for the Hoot Trail to become a single user mt. bike and downhill trail only. Equestrians and hikers wish the Hoot Trail to remain a trail for all non-motorized users and have been lobbying Tahoe National Forest to remove the berms, jumps and other obstacles not designed in the original multi-use trail. One equestrian group that paid for the trail studies, the CEQA legal work, and most of the construction of the multi-use Hoot Trail are particularly concerned.
HOOT TRAIL USER INFORMATION
The Hoot Trail is a bi-directional, multi-use trail, open to pedestrians, mt. bikers and equestrians. Downhill mt. bike speed needs to be controlled enough to stop for other trail users, excessive/unsafe speed can be cited. Mt. bikers yield to hikers and everyone yields to equestrians. PLEASE yield to uphill traffic.
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