DeJa Vu All Over Again

[GeepNutt]

I wonder if these "journalists" use the standard Word Template for ATV Destruction Story. Just "Insert name of Town Here"......
"Insert name of Local ATV Club President here".... blah, blah, blah....

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/09/09/for_towns_and_atvs_unhappy_trails/

[Slappy]

"Owning an ATV around here is like "living in Florida and owning a snowmobile," he said"

Well, there you have it.

[Husqvarna]

"ATV owners also pay fuel excise taxes that fund the federal government's Recreational Trails Program, which helps pay for trail maintenance projects across the state.
According to the Federal Highway Administration website, Massachusetts received $1.2 million from the Recreational Trails Program in fiscal 2007. (In 2004, Hanover's Open Space Committee received $1,900 from this program to help pay for construction of a bridge across Factory Pond.)"

Nice how he try's to spin this and makes it sound like RTP Funds are only generated by recreational vehicles. And then goes on to spin the use of these funds in areas that do not allow ATV's as some sort of wrong doing.

[noreaster]

"The riders are not out there to tear up the land or destroy habitats," said Anderson. "They're there to appreciate those same things. . . . We're not the loud, nasty, and rude defilers of the environment that we're made out to be."

How are motorized recreational vehicles not "loud" and "nasty" (in the sense of emissions)? How can you appreciate the wilderness of this area (southern New England) over the incredibly loud din of your motor? Don't you care that your activity upsets other users of the land (noise, trail wear, exhaust), who come for silence and fresh air?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: ATVs in Montana, Alaska, or northern Maine? Fine. There's enough land there. (I'd still prefer you were silent and non-polluting) But down 'round us it just doesn't make sense. Same with powerboats and jet-skis on lakes. Out on the ocean? Go for it, the rest of us can stay away from you. I'd still prefer if you weren't spitting unspent fuel from your exhaust into the water.

I can't believe people who participate in these activities feel unduly persecuted. It's kinda like if I walked into a movie theater with my electric guitar and amp and started rocking out.

Isn't it time for electric dirt-bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet-skis? I realize people will always want to enjoy this kinda of recreation -- but isn't it time they started caring about the land and fellow citizens who also want to use the land cleanly peacefully?

This is why I think mountain bikes are so wonderful - the rush of powersports + environmental stewardship + health + quiet. Maybe there should be some sort of trade-in program for recreational users...