ATVs–ORVs PITAs

Although ATVs are as aggravating as lawnmowers, if they stick to the dirt roads, I’ll put up with them. But off-road, no. But, then, I hate bicycles on trails, too, though at least they disturb the peace for a shorter time.

ABQJOURNAL OPINION/GUEST_COLUMNS: Rogue Riders Spoil Forest for Rest of Us

By Kevin Stillman
Jemez Springs resident

Today, the weather is still great, but the elk are gone. Meadows and hillsides are rutted from off-road vehicle use. And, from every mountaintop, you hear the roar of motors.

        The old logging roads that had been filling in with grass now are taken over by dirt bikes and filled with tire ruts. When the old logging roads weren’t enough for the off-road riders, outlaws carved illegal trails through meadows, valleys and creeks.

        When that wasn’t enough, off-road enthusiasts tore down private property signs, cut people’s fences and extended their illegal trails from the national forest through adjoining private lands.

        The once-beautiful area that I’d known as a haven for wildlife, hunters, hikers and campers has become a zone of destructive, often-illegal off-road vehicle use.

        Today’s forest is filled with constant conflict. … These conflicts run much deeper than the familiar problems of too many people playing in the forest.

        While some off-roaders are respectful, many are not. Some have threatened landowners who try to keep off-roaders off their property. Gangs of dirt bikers have even harassed volunteer groups working on Forest Service trail projects.

        Something needs to be done to protect our public and private land, watersheds and wildlife from the destructive behavior of off-roaders. New Mexicans have a new opportunity to take decisive action to protect the forest they love.

        Right now, Forest Service officials are drafting a travel management plan for the Santa Fe National Forest. That plan will identify certain trails that off-road vehicles can use for years to come while protecting forest trails and areas where off-road vehicles don’t belong.

        The stakes are high — for New Mexicans and the Santa Fe National Forest. …

ABQJOURNAL OPINION/GUEST_COLUMNS: Rogue Riders Spoil Forest for Rest of Us

I’ve had a few encounters with ATV and dirt bikes that were no worse than any other vehicle. They slowed down and were friendly. But I’ve also almost been run off the road by a wild loony. And even the nicest ATV driver is still riding a noise generator that RUINS my outdoor experience long before and after passing.

We need good electric ATVs with solar chargers – then ban *all* gas-powered transport off-road on public lands.