Off-Roaders Release High End Propaganda

The Billings Gazette reported on a recent DVD release by several off-road vehicle activist groups that decries trail protections for sensitive places.

You can see the article here: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/04/16/news/state/24-dvd.txt

After reading this, I was curious to see what $12,000 can buy and watched the thing on YouTube. As expected, it is propaganda at its finest. I found the usual exaggerations and “we’re getting locked out” rhetoric, but the sincere claims that motorized users want to keep the outdoors “beautiful” and “pristine” made me wonder if these folks simply reject facts proving the inherent damage caused by ORVs.

Of course we heard about the few who cause all the problems, which begs the question, how many illegal users will it take before these groups recognize the seriousness of this problem. In an Oct. 2008 Great Falls Tribune article titled, “ATVs Scarring the Forest” Judith District Ranger Ron Wiseman was quoted saying, "There are the people who seem to want to use the ATVs and do it right and then there is the other percentage, maybe 30 to 40 percent, who don't care about rules or regulations and seem to think they have a right to do what they want.” Furthermore, in 2006, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks received survey responses from 446 owners of registered off-road vehicles. Among the full sample of respondents, 23% “always or sometimes” ride cross-country even though off-route riding is against the rules, (click here for more). In Montana there are roughly 74,000 ORVs currently registered (excluding motorcycles and snowmobiles). At 23% that makes 17,020 illegal users; at 40% the number rises to 29,600.

But let’s not lose sight of the fact that a majority of motorized users do follow the law. Does this mean there are no harmful impacts from legal use? Of course not. Even though illegal damage can draw more attention, it is lawful, consistent use that stresses elk; that erodes trails into paths that look more like roads; that continually release fine sediments into fragile streams; that cause safety hazards for horses on narrow trails; that force quiet recreationists out of their once favorite places; and the list goes on.

Additionally when talking about areas where motorized activists prevent trail protections, the video highlights the Pryor Mountains on the Custer NF’s Beartooth District. During this planning process, ORVers rejected a plan by a coalition of quiet users (Pryors Coalition) that would have given motorized proponents 50% of the available trails. Unfortunately, the “no protection” mentality won out, and now the Pryors lack even one decent non-motorized trail. Here the “balance” simply disappeared.

The video also makes other even more ridiculous claims, like environmental groups get millions in “corporate” funding, but they don’t even deserve a response. I would tell you to go and see for yourself, but truthfully your time is better spent taking a refreshing hike.