I went in to my local ATV dealership today, and on the counter was a petition.
Seems A place here in Tennessee Big South Fork National forest is being closed to Off road Vehicles.
Hoarse riders are OK because they don't cause erosion ( yeah right they'll be next after us).
This really galls me, you know the environment lobby is the largest one in Washington
Wish I was more computer literate, so I could do an on line push back. Anyway the battle isn't over yet so if you are so inclined call ,write ,or do something....or do nothing until it's illegal to step of the side walk...

 

I remember reading an article a while back regarding the closure of part of a recreational area in california, or maybe it was nevada. The outdoor recreation groups affected by the closure banded together to fight the closure. See these 'greenes' use stuff like environmental impact etc. to convince courts to close these areas. The groups I am remembering looked through the patition the 'greenes' submited to the courts. Using the points listed in the patition, they began to pick it apart. They began setting up work groups to maintain the trails, helped fund a thrid party to come in and look at the environmental impact of OHV recreation, and are working toward reversing the courts ruleing.
Perhaps this might be a direction motorized recreation groups in your area should take to get this area back.

 

Sad, sad story. WHat really gets me is the greenes will get it banned for 4x4 and everything else-then there it sits and they dont even bother with it again.

 

you mean then there they sit, in their desks thousands of miles away from the land that they dont feel others need to enjoy...

 

Well this is the way it goes. And its no surprise that no matter how lightly anyone treads, 4wheeling will eventually cause erosion and some damage especially if the path is constantly travelled. I have to listen to the ecology biology people in my grad class (im molecular bio) and i get sick of listening to that crap, but the best point that has ever been made is that it can be done properly if the trails alternate years of use, to reduce the constant insult and allow for some repair and maintenance. it is too bad that it is always the extreme action taken as opposed to common sense, knowledge and co-operation.

 

I haven't even got to go to Big South Fork yet! the best not close it off lest I be comin up there raisin hell about it!!!!

 

UPDATE: I've spoke to the Ranger's Office there last week seems a lot of local people did get involved and have lawyers too.
The Democrates here made a big deal out of not letting the Left coast Libs run Washington if we just voted for Dem's last election.
Now we have ammo "their own words", and closer is on hold pending review !!!

 

haven't these morons seen a game trail? all kinds of critters cause erosion not just atvers and 4 wheelers....while i dont believe our coutryside should be honeycombed with trails there should be a few that we can go enjoy.....this goes back to my theory on environmentalists.... you have one group that believes people are part of the equation and we can harvest parts of the land and use them to our benefit while protecting it for future generations.... this is the group we fit in.... then the other group thinks that humans are a blight wherever they go and should not be allowed in those areas (unless of course your'e a greenie doing some survey on the mold in the area)little do these people understand that humans are part of the ecosystem whether they like it or not..... beside when was the last time you guys heard of the sierra club organizing a trail cleanup... oh they wouldn't do that because they couldn't haul everything out in their hemp sacks loaded into a prius!!!!!

 

what?
Just vote Rep. and call it a day. a dem is a dem left or right coast.

 

I'd have to say you're right about the coasts But here in fly over country, the dems are not so arrogant and tend to reflect a view closer to the will of our Conservative values.
They do not want the title of NE Lib light. etc. Al didn't win Tn. because we figured out which side of the fence he squatts on.
So lumping all dems in together isn't helpful,
Around here politicians have ATV too