Preventing Roads

The threat was veiled, but undeniable nonetheless. Absent significant local, state or federal law enforcement, between 500 and 1000 people were expected to turn out to rebuild, in direct violation of the law, the Jarbidge River Road on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Before this trouble alongnortheastern Nevada’sJarbidge River reached the boiling point last month, however, a complicated mix of ingredients had been thrown into the pot. RS 2477 claims, Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection for bull trout, “sage brush rebels, ” and a disconnect between Forest Service law enforcement and the US Attorney’s office all teamed up to create a confusing and potentially dangerous situation. When Elko County, Nevada took the law into their own hands and rebuilt the South Canyon road, bull trout, the Jarbidge river, and the democratic process all suffered. Photo by Don Smith