ATVers, snowmobilers, motocross riders, and, to some extent, mountain bikers, don’t seem to care that their wild ride through the woods *DESTROYS* the peace and quiet. It is a selfish, self-centered theft. It’s not about equal rights – their rights supersede the right of quiet enjoyment.

The confessions of an off-road-vehicle outlaw – Salt Lake Tribune By Garrett Veneklasen

I love ATV riding, but the truth is that my ATV and the millions like it have made severe and cumulative impacts on our public lands and wildlife. The impacts of off-road vehicles are probably even more profound and far-reaching than we think they are. It’s sad but true that future generations — including my 3-year-old daughter’s — will find our public lands roaded and devalued beyond repair if this problem is not addressed.

When I told my fellow ORV riders of my change of heart, most replied that I was "nuts." They said that even if I decided to alter my behavior, most other ATV riders would not.

Luckily, that has not been the case. My transformation into an advocate for responsible off-road vehicle riding has led other riders I know to rethink how they behave in the national forest. And as more of us set examples of prudent off-road use, we can become a powerful force to protect our key national forest lands.

It couldn’t happen at a better time. Forest managers across the country are drafting long-term plans that will change how off-road vehicles are dealt with for decades to come.

Now is the time to urge our land managers and lawmakers to set aside large segments of America’s national forests, preserving them for clean water, wildlife habitat and the vast majority of us who visit the backcountry seeking peace and quiet. This means accepting fair and reasonable restrictions on ORV use. After all, everyone has a right to enjoy our forests, but no one has the right to abuse them.

The confessions of an off-road-vehicle outlaw – Salt Lake Tribune

[hattip to Southern Rockies Nature Blog]