National Attention to the Growth in ATV Use on Public Lands

Here’s an interesting article from the New York Times on the effect that off-roading – ATV riding in particular – is having on public lands.   It has some useful reference material – data on ATV registration, as well as links to ntaional groups seeking to curb ATV use on public lands, and to others that represent the motorized users.

ATVs on public land is, of course, an issue that’s been raging around here for  a while.   The first few lines of the NYT article really bring it close to home for those of us who love the San Juans:  “In the San Juan National Forest here, an iron rod gate is the last barrier to the Weminuche Wilderness, a mountain redoubt above 10,000 feet where wheels are not allowed.  But the gate has been knocked down repeatedly, shot at and generally disregarded. Miles beyond it, a two-track trail has been punched into the wilderness by errant all-terrain-vehicle riders who have insisted on going their own way, on-trail or off”.

 Even though we’re all thinking (serious) snow now, the ATV issue will be back before we know it.   In the spirit of keeping ourselves informed, feel free to post links to other articles on ATVs and public land, as well as any other considered comments or observations.