Mr. Horgan claimed that “The ForestKeepers agreed to pull their negative campaign when the Forest Service told them it was inappropriate to solicit negative comments during a collaborative trail planning process.” This is false. No such comment was ever made to SFK by the Forest Service, and the comments collected were intended to keep hiking trails designated as such.

Mr. Horgan next claims that “[SFK is] unhappy the public process did not close more trails and prohibit traditional lakeside access.” This, too, is false. Firstly, Mr. Horgan is making an assumption as to what our thoughts and beliefs are without having the courtesy to ask us what, in fact, our stance is. Secondly, SFK has not commented at all about the trails around the lake, nor have we at any time attempted to close legal trails to public use.

Lastly, Horgan claims that “[SFK tries] to pit recreation groups against one another…” Again, this is false. While we have sought stories of experiences that hikers have had with OHV users, those occurrences have nothing to do with our local groups, unless they, themselves, are causing the problems of graffiti, trail blazing, or violent threats against hikers, mountain bikers, and other forest users. I would encourage Mr. Horgan to get his facts straight before making public statements, and to take his own advice and attempt working together by requesting our input and assistance rather than communicating through negative attacks in local newspapers.

Editor’s note: A phone call to Mary Chislock, USFS Public Affairs Officer, confirmed the Forest Service did not interfere with SFK website. She said it is not the government’s role to act as a gatekeeper on a non-profit group’s website.

Valerie Cassity

Sequoia ForestKeeper