It only would involve the actual trails and campground, not the rest of the forest. For example, the campground could be gated and maintained. Campground host type of situation. Hours of operation managed, perhaps only open on weekends (Friday through Sunday) during the off season for example. Permission could be granted to block off the 9 road at the campground with a gate, giving access to the logging companies but keeping the partiers and dumpers OUT. A pass would be required to enter during the hours of operation. Hunters aren't allowed in the ORV area anyway. People on foot picking ferns or berries, who cares? They can walk in, they aren't typically a problem.
The timber side wouldn't be affected other than perhaps needing to open a gate to get through. With a little co-operation a gate could have a remote control access for them. It would probably save their areas from looting and dumping as well. Otherwise there would be no impact.
I big expense potential is as always, vandalism. It would required a camera monitored gate to catch and charge violators. That can all be done and that's where a commercial sponser would come in. Someone like Skyjacker, or Warn could install and maintain the gate.
We have a card operated gate at the private park beside us and the fire department has an emergency override key. Other than some idiot driving through it, it works quite well and could run solar powered. We have similar blockades for the Allen York boat ramp. The are concrete posts that come up through the ground. You have to pay your fee or swipe your card or the posts don't come down. Better than a gate because you can't run over the posts but more expensive to install. Again, this could all be solar powered. No access during closed hours and controlled access during open hours.
The reason for suggesting reduced operation is simply for cost management. If I was running an operation like this, I would NOT want anyone in there unless there was someone watching over the place. Guaranteed someone would stand there with his card and let all his buddies in for free, or find some other way to cheat.
A camera monitoring system would also be fairly easy to install. It's the initial investment costs that's prohibitive for some of this. But I think a sponsor could be found. I believe that the day to day operations could be done to break even and perhaps make enough money to continue improving facilities and trails.
ATV and motorcycle communities have done a very good job and getting their commercial sponsors to buck up in the past. It could be possible to expand or improve usage for these group to garner their support.
Campground hosting could certainly be volunteer, similar to what is done at Evan's Creek, but better managed. The campground could be open whenever a host is present.
Just tossing more ideas around. I really see this as a viable option and I appreciate tossing around ideas and problems. I am hoping that the DNR will open a dialogue about this possibility. It is outside the box for them.
I'm just popping off questions and ideas as well.
