Granting access to a shared drive LCA

I wouldn't have taken stock in what this homeowner said because (1) it wasn't in writing and (2) there was no indication he or she consulted with the remaining 5 homeowners to confirm it was ok. Then the board could have consulted with the association attorney to iron out the details. Which is why you probably can't make a limited common area public by simply announcing it at a meeting, posting a notice in the newspaper or anything else.

That said, it's not a good idea to get legal advice on specific legal issues on the internet - if you're one of the 6 homeowners, talk to the board about consulting the association attorney. I would think maintenance would be an issue if dozens of people use the private drive, so unless the association is willing to pick up the extra costs, perhaps something can be done to make the other easement more accessible. If people don't think that's as convenient, they'll just have to learn to live with it because it's not like there's NO access to the forest service area.

Actually the liability issue is a good point and something that the association attorney SHOULD be asked about. I believe limited common area could mean both the association and individual homeowners would be responsible for that area - check your documents to see what they say. he perhaps ask the association insurance company how they'd look at this, not to mention your own, so both of you can reduce liability.

I second Sheila's comment about liability insurance. Use of LCAs are generally limited to owners of property that adjoin that particular area and are insured accordingly. "Invitee" is usually defined as a guest, delivery person, or service provider - it doesn't mean the entire community. So you're likely underinsured.

In addition, in order to open the area to the community, the LCA would need to be redefined as Common Area and insured accordingly. Your CC&Rs would need to be amended to reflect this change - and this change would need to be voted on and approved by the entire membership, with the approved amendment recorded with the county.

Amending the CC&Rs is a legal process, and many governing docs/state laws require approval by a super-majority of owners (eg. 67% or 75%). In my part of the world it costs around $1000 for the legal work for one amendment, plus the expense associated with voting. The expense is the same whether the amendment passes or fails, so you don't want to waste your time on something that is unlikely to be approved.

On the down side, if you don't redefine the LCA as CA, you'll have the issue of enforcement if people "trespass".

Nothing is easy or simple or fast in HOA-land...

I believe Douglas' comment to be a bit broad.

Another item I thought of: what do the CC&Rs say about who is responsible for maintenance of the Limited Common Elements?

In my (condo) community, it's the owner who is entitled to exclusive use, not the association. If the OP's CC&Rs are similar, the owners of those adjoining lots aren't going to want to pay for additional wear and tear for something that benefits others in the community at the owners' expense.