The crime rate has dramatically increased in Palmer in the last few years. Never, in the history of Palmer, has criminal activity been greater. Rape has become the #1 crime in this area, the brutal, forced subjugation and defiling of Palmer by Jeep/ATV clubs. The damage may not be so severe if they traveled alone but they travel in groups, showing off to each other. They even take "training" for this type of destruction. Skip Sayers at Sayersbrook in Potosi offers this training to these clubs. This destruction has become so common in Palmer that USFS law enforcement is turning their heads and looking the other way. To make matters even worse, the USFS has decided that they can't stop this wanton destruction so they propose to make it legal! They suggest that they can better control it if they give these clubs rules. These clubs have rules now - stay on the roads. These rules are disregarded on a regular basis, why would anyone think they will follow other rules? If this proposed trail is opened, the increase of traffic that we will see in Palmer is not imaginable. There are groups as far away as Colorado talking about this "trail" in the Mark Twain National Forest! This vandalism is becoming so common and accepted that these clubs are coming to Palmer and photographing the crime. It is then posted on their websites for everyone to see and they don't care to give their names, show their faces, and tell where the photos are taken. There is something wrong with our system when this is accepted by the USFS, when they can turn their heads and pretend they don't see it. It has been brought to their attention several times by several sources. How can they possibly consider rewarding these groups with legal trails when they so blatantly disregard the rules now and post it for all to see? These groups are laughing at the USFS and I can understand why! They advertise this illegal activity even while the USFS tries to help them. If this trail is opened, no longer will it be illegal to come roaring through Palmer ripping up the land, gouging deep ruts that will never heal. It will not be illegal, it will be advertised and encouraged by the group, the USFS, sworn to protect our land! The legalization of this crime must be stopped and it is up to US to stop it! Keep writing those letters, please.