Adventurist Issues: ATV and Off-Road Vehicles in Our Parks: Part II, The Environmentalists Speak Out
February 29, 2008
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.
Their argument is that new off-road designated trails will put natural and wildlife habitat at risk in these areas–of which threatened and endangered species exist. They also argue that they are currently only able to pay for the management of only 33% of their roads in this area, as they are, due to insufficient funding.
Our public lands are under increasing pressure from nearby development and increased use by off-road vehicles and at a time when there are increasing budget issues, the last thing the Forest Service should be doing is opening up more areas they cannot maintain,” said Sandy Bahr, conservation outreach director for the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. “We need to protect these lands for future generations, not leave them decimated by irresponsible off-road vehicle use.”
The current proposal would open up nearly 75,000 acres to Off-Road Vehicles and cross country travelers for camping and play purposes. More than 370 miles of currently closed access roads will be opened up to motorized vehicles, of which 100 will be strictly for off-road vehicles.
The Apache-Sitgreaves is an incredibly rich, diverse forest that serves as a refuge for disappearing species like the Mexican spotted owl and Apache trout, and serves as core habitat for black bear and mountain lion,” said Cyndi Tuell, public lands advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.
It is not mentioned how the proposed opening of the trails would affect the wildlife in these areas.
Go read the article, get informed, then come back and tell me your thoughts. I am planning on speaking to a few people concerning the issue of ATV and Off-Road vehicles in our Parks in the coming days– I am wanting to hear from both sides. I will be seeking out professionals, park rangers, lawmakers, and even those who play in our wilderness areas for their thoughts and what can be done on this issue. If you have a thought or concern regarding the use of ATV or Off-Road Vehicles in our Parks, leave a comment. If it is of interest, perhaps you will see it in an upcoming article. If it is a question, perhaps I can get you an answer from those I am speaking with. Comment Below.
Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it,
From The Adventurist Vault:
Written by Jason A. Hendricks · Filed Under ATV, Environment, National Parks, Off-Road Vehicles, Snowmobiles, State Parks |
Sand Bahr states two key things that I agree with. Protect the lands, and irresponsible off-road vechicle use. Both these issues have to be addressed together. Maybe responsible ATV owners, green groups, and park officals should build a strong communication line and work together to offer solutions.