DATE: June 8, 2000

What is Revised Statute 2477 Rights-of-Way (RS 2477)?

OAKLEY, CA - A number of national and state multiple-use coalitions are preparing to file an RS 2477 rights-of-way assertion on the Sequoia National Forest including lands proclaimed by the Clinton/Gore administration as a National Monument. This action is expected to protect some of the existing recreational Jeep travelways and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails that have been targeted for closure by the administration.

The Blue Ribbon Coalition is working with the Fresno-based SAMS Coalition, and the High Desert Multiple-Use Coalition in Ridgecrest, CA. Other groups have expressed a desire to sign onto this assertion including a chapter of the California Nevada Snowmobile Association.

The Mining Act of 1866 created or acknowledged a number of rights-of-way and property rights in local governments and private individuals, none of which required any approval or other affirmative action from any federal agency to become vested. It has been recognized that the Forest Service does not have any authority to control or affect RS 2477 rights-of-way.

Don Amador, the western representative for the Coalition, says, "We are in the process of reviewing various maps and other historical documents that show public travelways that existed prior to the creation of the Sequoia National Forest. I expect we will have a formal assertion ready to present to Art Gaffery, the forest supervisor, on June 15, 2000."

"If President Clinton can use an 'old law,' the 1906 Antiquities Act, to close existing legal four-wheel drive travelways, OHV trails, and snowmobile opportunities, then I believe the multiple-use community can use the Mining Act of 1866 to protect our right to enjoy responsible motorized recreation in our national forests."

"While I don't expect that this assertion will protect all of the current recreational trail system, it is possible that some OHV trails currently closed may be reopened by this action," Amador concludes.

The Blue Ribbon Coalition is a national nonprofit recreation group that champions responsible multiple-use of public lands. It represents over 850 organizations and businesses with 600,000 members.