PLAN TO OPEN TRAIL TO BIKERS POSTPONED.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Daily News Staff Writer

U.S. Forest Service officials have postponed for at least two years a decision on whether to rebuild a trail used by equestrians and hikers and open it to off-road motorcyclists.

The proposal had drawn the ire of Acton and Agua Dulce horse owners who feared that off-road vehicles would spook horses and cause injury to riders.

``We decided no one would be able to use the trail because we have not done a thorough analysis to determine who should use the trail,'' said Forest Service Tujunga District ranger Clara Johnson.

Three horse owners have appealed the decision because it prohibits use of the trail, but Johnson noted that the ban will not be strictly enforced.

``Technically, no one is supposed to be using it,'' Johnson said. ``We will not be taking action unless somebody out there is misusing or damaging the trail.''

The Forest Service was proposing to create the first trail in the Angeles National Forest open to motorcycles as well as to hikers and horses. The plan called for rebuilding an overgrown 1.5-mile section of old trail across the head of Arrastre Canyon about five miles south of Soledad Canyon Road.

Elaine Macdonald, president of the Antelope Valley Trails, Recreation and Environmental Council, said she was disappointed that no permanent decision has been reached.

``I think the Forest Service is ignoring the concerns of the local community,'' Macdonald said. ``I've been to the meetings where hundreds of people have stood up and are against a multi-use trail for motorcycles. The community has been using the trail for horseback riding and hiking for many years.''

While doing initial research, Johnson said she came across an earlier ruling made by the then-Forest Service chief, who ruled in 1991 that the trail would mix motorized and nonmotorized uses.

Based on that, looking at the land's management plan and listening to public testimony, Johnson decided to defer a decision until possibly fiscal year 1998-99 when funding may become available for further analysis.

Rebuilding the trail would create a seven-mile loop around a parcel of private property that sits across a power-line road now used by off-road motorcyclists. The property owner doesn't want motorcycles crossing his land, forest officials say.

Acton horse owners are upset because the rebuilt segment would allow motorcyclists onto the trail that forms the loop's eastern leg, which equestrians ride to reach Mount Gleason and the Pacific Crest Trail as it crosses the San Gabriel Mountains on its way from Mexico to Canada.

Acton residents say the trail is the last direct link from their town to the Pacific Crest Trail that is not shared by motorcyclists.

Multiple use trails already exist in national forests in Utah and Idaho, officials said.