prevented from cabin use

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:11:41 GMT

Hi! The FS issued a restriction to our specific cabin tract because of the high water flowing through the creek. No cabin owners were ever in danger and they've now extended the restriction for another week, making three weeks total that we have been unable to use our cabins. We believe they just did this because some cabin owners took it upon themselves to sandbag the creek so that water didn't enter their cabins. We had no help or guidance from the FS prior to the beginning of the high runoff. Does anyone know where I can find any specific language regarding our right to use our cabins?

Response

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:33:10 GMT

The Forest Service has the authority to temporarily close a tract or restrict cabin usage if they determine there are safety risks associated with cabin usage. The risk of flooding is generally considered dangerous and a safety risk. Whether there is a genuine safety risk is the judgement of the authorized officer (District Ranger). The placement of sandbags may have contributed to the Ranger's decision regarding risk of flooding. I suggest discussing directly with the District Ranger to express your opinion that a safety risk doesn't currently exist, and/or agree upon a time frame or conditions to reopen the tract.

Doug Gann
NFH Past President

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:58:52 GMT

Thanks for your quick reply!