This image and the next two show the extent of the off-road use
around Factory Butte. The area is still very beautiful, but I cannot
help wondering how much nicer it would be without all the tire tracks.
There are several sets of folks who are lobbying to have a more sensible
use plan established for the area. It is one thing to allow folks access
to the area for sightseeing and responsible off road use, and another to
sanction an anything-goes solution. Unfortunately when we were there
anything-goes was still the norm.
I think the most recent August 2008 proposal by the BLM is a fairly reasonable
compromise. I particularly like the exclusion zone around the base of the butte.
I also like that you will be able to take a 4WD or ATV most of the way across
the flats to reach the butte. I'm honestly, ambivalent about the use in other
portions of the area.
