Letter to the editor 6/7/2003
In my experience off-roaders DO have a reason to fear the Badlands Wilderness designation. In his article Mr. Speik states that he “raced motorcycles in the desert in the 60’s” and that the motorcycle community supported congressionally mandated Wilderness areas. This was probably true in the 60’s, however, it radically changed in the 70’s. I also rode motorcycles in the Mojave desert, from 1972 to 1985 and my experience was very different. Riding areas were systematically closed down all through the 70’s until, by the end of the decade, there were only 2 areas left where we were allowed to race, Red Mountain in the north and Lucerne Valley in the south. It is interesting to note that as the OHV enthusiasts were forced into smaller areas and evidence of over-use became apparent the response was not the obvious need for more riding areas but rather a hue and cry over the amount of damage being done. The Millican Valley and East Fort Rock trails are already beginning to suffer from their popularity, as Mr. Speik notes. Is this not an indication that more trails are needed, not less?
He states that despite closure the Badlands desert suffers vandalism. Isn’t it possible that hikers or other non-motorized users are the cause? Yet there is no attempt to bar them from the area.
Closing a measly 10.6 miles of trail doesn’t sound like much, but I must advise caution. It might be only 10.6 miles today, but what about tomorrow?
Letter to the editor 8/16/2003
In her article of Aug. 16, Marilyn Miller exemplifies the kind of destructive misinformation that is standard operating procedure among some environmentalists. Referring to the OHV community’s opposition to the Badlands wilderness designation she states “they are merely concerned with their own potential loss of some recreational destruction”. This is patently untrue and as a responsible and conscientious OHV enthusiast I am deeply offended. Where are the facts to substantiate such an accusation? Do you believe that damage can only be caused by motorized users? This represents a mindset that refuses to allow for different ways of enjoying the outdoors. Her argument that in the Badlands “any given destination is not more than four miles from the main road” and is therefore easily accessible illustrates her limited perspective. Apparently she has never had a debilitating injury or illness or tried to experience the outdoors with a small child. Then she would not so blithely discount the challenge of walking even one mile.
She invites ATVers to abandon their chosen form of recreation and enjoy the Badlands on foot or horseback, “like the rest of us”. Who is “us”, Ms. Miller? Perhaps you need to re-read all the letters written by the “sniffling” motorists. Personally, I enjoy walking and I own horses, however, my preferred form of recreation is my dirt bike and I warmly invite you, Ms. Miller, to get off your high horse, throw a leg over an ATV and join me and my family on a trail ride.