Page 1 of 1

The ORV vs Environment debate

Posted: 21 Feb 2010 19:39
by troy
You can see all sides demonstrated in this post and the long string of comments that follow.
http://www.wildlandscpr.org/blog/photo- ... -moab-utah

The article is surrounding ORV damage in Moab. I think this comment aligns with my personal thoughts on the subject:
Perhaps the problem would best be solved if the property were owned privately. That way the landowner could enforce his or her own wishes on their own property. Having such a diverse group of people (taxpayers) with such diverse interests trying to agree on the best use of the property is not the most logical or effective way to manage the issues. A government auction to the highest bidder would not only end the debate, it would also raise some much needed capitol to support the rest of the programs they have no business running. Then again I suppose that would only work if the U.S. government and the environmental groups had any respect for private property rights. I recently returned from a trip to Moab (and literally spending thousands of dollars in the Moab economy I might add) I had two glaringly obvious things occur to me during the 1,700+ mile drive home. First, the major reason we all enjoy the distinct beauty of the area is erosion, some of which may have been caused by the original OHV (also known as Dinosaurs). Secondly, anyone who has visited the area and witnessed the incredible power and force that nature has displayed in the creation of the landscape cannot possibly walk away thinking that any impact from current OHV or humans will even be evident in a thousand years. If they are, you can bet that some environmentalist in the future will demand that the “Historical Natural Treasure” (Petrified Tire Tracks perhaps) be preserved and protected for future generations. Can anyone say “Dinosaur Track” or “Petroglyphs”. Some people really take themselves and their importance on this rock way too seriously. Please keep in mind that the only reason the lands can be protected and preserved to the extent they currently are is because productive members of this country allow the fruits of their labor to be stolen by a government bureaucracy and spent on the fanciful whims of those that are too natural and pure to produce anything of value themselves. When you starve to death, you really won’t care how beautiful your cemetery plot is.

Re: The ORV vs Environment debate

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 11:37
by jsherm01
I particularly like the quote, "First, the major reason we all enjoy the distinct beauty of the area is erosion."

I do not like folks who tear stuff up just because they can - senseless. I do enjoy riding off road on my bikes, Jeep, and even quads sometimes. But the horses scare me...

Speaking of horses... and deer, elk, bison, and others... man they tear up the trails too!

Re: The ORV vs Environment debate

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 12:05
by reddof
I agree with this sentiment, but would clarify that I still think we should do what is possible to cause as little disruption as possible. I don't like going out and riding trails in the middle of nowhere only to see beer cans and Taco Bell wrappers tossed all over the place. I appreciate the natural beauty of these places and is one of the reasons I enjoy riding.

For the most part, tire tracks and any trails left behind are going to be gone within months. Trash that a lot of people (not just motorcyclists) leave behind is going to be around a lot longer. As long as the land is open for use by hikers, mountain bikers, etc. then you already have to deal with this problem. In general, motorcyclists aren't contributing to this problem any worse than than anybody else.

Re: The ORV vs Environment debate

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 07:19
by Hank Moody
We all can learn a lot from a Boy Scout. The Boy Scouts have an Outdoor Code:

"As an American, I will do my best to be clean in my outdoor manners, be careful with fire, be considerate in the outdoors, and be conservation minded."

Boy Scouts also practice low impact camping and try to leave no trace that they were there. So the next time we see trash on the trail, we should try to pick it up.

Can you tell my son is in scouts.....