Adventurist Issues: ATV and Off-Road Vehicles in Our Parks: Part II, The Environmentalists Speak Out

I have recently jumped on an issue that has sparked a bit of controversy in the press: the use of ATV and Off-Road Vehicles in our parks. This issue has been an ongoing debate amongst those who ride, environmentalists, lawmakers, and the public. Many are for, many are against.

A couple of days ago, I put up my thoughts on what could be done to perhaps satisfy both sides a bit–I am not going to take a stand on this issue, but rather try to put up both sides and let you, my readers, decide for yourselves where you stand. My job is to inform.

Today I am taking a look at a recent article published over on the ENN–The Environmental News Network–concerning this issue. Their article, “Apache-Sitgreaves Off-Road Vehicle Plan Will Put Arizona’s Crown Jewel White Mountains at Risk,” takes a look at a recent proposal by the Arizona Forest Service to put in Off-Road Vehicle trails in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. Read more

Snowmobiles and ATV’s: Should They Be Allowed in Our Parks?

One of the biggest issues taking place in the outdoors right now seems to be the legality and safety of ATV and snowmobile riders. Scanning over the pages I edit on Topix, it seems like there is story after story related to both of these issues-

Wisconsin Snowmobiling Fatalities at 24, So Far – Green Bay Press-Gazette

Snowmobile Accident Kills Auburn Man — WANE-TV15 Fort Wayne (This piece is local and comes from the town I live in)

State Forest ATV Trails to Cost $12 million — Vilas County News Review; Eagle River, Wisconsin

Central Florida ATV Race Turns Deadly — FloridaToday.com

ATV Crash Kills Man Near Saguaro Lake — East Valley Tribune, Phoenix, AZ

Bill Banning ATV’s on Paved Roads Advances — The Times West Virginian

How big of an issue is this? It seems like more people are dying–but then again, more people are riding– Should there be limits on these vehicles in our National and State Parks? Should the park services be required to add Off-road ATV and snowmobile trails? What impact do these vehicles have on our environment? How annoying do you find these vehicles OR do you partake in these activities yourself? Read more