Robert Koscik said
Who do we bitch to? State Highways or the FS?I was out hiking near lower Roaring River, semi auto gunfire at a small quarry made us scatter downhill off trail, they had no idea we were out there.
You know, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind about contacting ODOT about it. Since it is National Forest Land, I'm sure the feds would have jurisdiction over the pit itself. However ODOT could theoretically control the access off/on the state highway to the area, or at least I'd like to imagine so.
For some reason I have a feeling I'd get no response back from the FS, as apparently us legitimate recreationists are minuscule when compared to wreckless target shooters in the area.
Oh, and one more thing, I find a whistle comes in handy whenever I hear shots fired. The way I see it, if I can hear shots, I'm probably within range of you. A simple 3-5 second blow of the whistle alerts the nearby shooters to your presence, which will often deter them from continuing to shoot.
UnderwaterArsonist said
Finally checked out the burn area last Friday. There is certainly a lot of devastation, but I suppose it always could be worse.Scene from above in person, 1/16/15:
That is where I thought it started. I was up there on the first and took a look - the first time I've ever been in that quarry.
While the guys who started this were really stupid and deserve to be punished, I have to give them credit for coming clean. It is my understanding that they turned themselves in and were cooperating with authorities. What they did is inexcusable, but at least they appear to have taken responsibility for their actions.
I was surprised at how much green is still up there - we will see if that continues into next year. I thought it was going to be MUCH worse than it was.
Thank you Underwater Arsonist for the update. I can only hope the Oregon State Highway has jurisdiction over that rockpit and others and shuts them down to shooting. We have trails near several rockpits along the Clackamas River that get used for shooting gallery's that I personally believe should be closed.
Don
Don't get me wrong, l believe everyone has the right to own and shoot firearms. I would say also that there are right and wrong places to shoot. Along the Clackamas River is not the right place with the rafters and bicycles and hikers, not to mention the cars and motorcycles.
Don
Portland and its suburbs need Civic Rifle Ranges that are free of charge. Then they wouldn't need to drive up there to shoot.
I also wonder why Oregon City wants all that lead so close to their drinking water. OMG!
D 2