mikestrails
05-29-2007, 08:37 PM
Greetings from the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. I was holding my breath for this Memorial Day weekend, holding it for two reasons. One reason was the weather and the other was the effect of gas prices on equestrian campers. Well, I am happy to report, ALL was a success. In addition to the beautiful weather, ALL campgrounds were full to capacity with the exception of two and they were over half full. I was very concerned about the gas prices. After talking with the campground owners, I found out that more families were staying closer to home and that made for a bustling weekend. There were still many campers from out of state....states like Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. There were no immediate indications that any tickets were given by the U.S. Forest Service. Riders did say the numbering system is very confusing on the maps.
I WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG A BIT OF INFORMATION TO ALL WHO RIDE IN NATIONAL FORESTS. Our law enforcement is very pushy and arrogant. People were concerned about having to give them ID information out on the trail. It has been confirmed that "A Forest Service officer HAS THE RIGHT to ask you for idnentification." But law enforcement admitted that YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REFUSE, unless you are being charged with something. So keep that in mind. This issue was put to the test twice in the last four weeks and the officers did not push the issue. So.....be pleasant, be nice, and politely refuse giving this information, unless you are being charged with an infraction.
Michael Scott
I WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG A BIT OF INFORMATION TO ALL WHO RIDE IN NATIONAL FORESTS. Our law enforcement is very pushy and arrogant. People were concerned about having to give them ID information out on the trail. It has been confirmed that "A Forest Service officer HAS THE RIGHT to ask you for idnentification." But law enforcement admitted that YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REFUSE, unless you are being charged with something. So keep that in mind. This issue was put to the test twice in the last four weeks and the officers did not push the issue. So.....be pleasant, be nice, and politely refuse giving this information, unless you are being charged with an infraction.
Michael Scott