(On the Issue of R.S. 2477 Highways)
The County of Inyo has recently filed suit against the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, arguing that the Park Service has, without authority, barricaded and posted as closed, or threatened to close, four County highways in Death Valley National Park. The highways are: Petro Road, Lost Section Road, Last Chance Road, and Padre Point Road. The County has filed suit in order to re-establish its lawful access to these four County highways.
A letter was sent to Inyo County congressional representatives on this issue:
“It concerns this Board that the County’s authority over its road system is being subverted so casually and apparently at the caprice of federal officials. Roads that the County has maintained for many decades have been closed, while others are open as usual.”
A Complaint was filed against the Department of the Interior (filed October 24, 2006):
“Petro Road, Lost Section Road and Last Chance Road are County highways of local historical and cultural significance. These roads were part of a network of roads that enabled prospectors and settlers to explore and establish communities in the eastern section of the County at the beginning of the twentieth century. These roads have existed for generations as a cultural and recreational heritage for the citizens of Inyo County and of the region. The County has a unique and independent responsibility of preserve this heritage into the future.”
Inyo County needs information from persons who have traveled on Petro Road, Lost Section Road, or Last Chance Road. Click on the header above to email such information to the County.
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Copyright © 2001 County of Inyo
Last Updated: November 15, 2006