Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By John Woodlock on 04-14-08
Hello:
I just wanted to share this interesting Email I just received. Why can’t ATV abuse ever be an election issue. This is a real problem in Montana.
____Email
Thousands of Americans responsibly use off-road vehicles for work, to explore the backcountry and to enjoy nature’s beauty. But a growing, irresponsible contingent of reckless riders are ruining things for everyone else.
These reckless riders damage public and private land, get themselves hurt, burden law enforcement, and ruin hunting, fishing and hiking experiences for the rest of us.
Please, click here <http://advocacy.sparklist.com/t/945/10305846/103/0> to join our grassroots effort to promote responsible off-road vehicle management and to get e-mail alerts on our efforts to protect the backcountry for everyone.
If you wish to post a personal story or know of someone who has been involved in off-road vehicles, please click here <http://advocacy.sparklist.com/t/945/10305846/105/0> and share it your thoughts with us.
Responsible Trails America (RTA) is a broad coalition of people, including those who enjoy the backcountry, private property owners, and those who responsibly use off-road vehicles for work or recreation. We want to protect access for everyone, and stop this irresponsible contingent from ruining things for everyone else and sticking taxpayers with the bill to clean up their mess. We are advocating affordable, common-sense steps that will keep trail riding and the backcountry responsible and safe for everyone. Thanks for getting involved.
Sincerely,
Responsible Trails America
______End Email
Passing the Word,
John Woodlock
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By Nick on 04-14-08
I agree that there are many bad apples out there that ruin our good name, but I hope you don’t think that this group represents the majority of us dirtbike riders who use those same trails.
Something interesting that many hikers may not realize is that in the spring there are many small groups of responsible riders that go out every weekend and while riding the trails are clearing them for the hikers as well. We attach chainsaws to the front of our bikes and head up into the woods to clear the fallen timber across the trails that is not easy to do for hikers. We can sometimes clear up to 50 miles of trails a day, if not more.
So please, just know that this group you speak of is a small number who do give us a bad name. I hope you realize that there are many of us responsible users out there who actually make it possible for the hikers to use the trails.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By dirtbags on dirtbikes on 04-14-08
The trails in the Flathead area open to motorized use are thankfully confined to the Columbia Range, east of the valley. Excepting the Jewel Basin Area which is closed and receives mainly snowmobile infractions, the trails used by dirtbikes are a mess of braided, muddy tracks. The historic Alpine Trail #7, built in the early 20th century, is now just a maze of unmarked illegal trails along that spectacular ridge top. Go to Lost Johnny Campground any summer weekend and witness the carnage first hand.
The 4-wheelers are now illegally trying to widen trails to accommodate their size.
Gated roads also mean nothing to motorized users, I’ve kept a list of roads where we’ve seen tracks, broked down gates or filled in berms or have even met these riders. The forest service is powerless and you know it.
Did you hear about the bikers in the Bitterroot that intentionally hit the guy on crutches as he attempted to photograph their illegal actions? A few weeks later some women walking their dogs on a gated road nearby were threatened by a group of 4-wheelers brandishing weapons.
No, Nick you are not a friend of hikers and you are indeed Superman (in your own mind) if you can clear 50 miles of trail in a day. Guess you haven’t been out in the woods very far since the big windstorms. Don’t worry dude, I’ll hear you coming.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
In order to post comments you must register once with the Beacon and be logged in. Log in below or register now.
‘The Defining Story of This Band’
Glacier’s Quick Road to the Top
Giving Comfort When There is No Cure
Schweitzer Rejects NMAR’s Request for Special Session
Political, Agriculture Leaders React to Buffett’s BNSF Purchase
Comments on: A Big Sky Welcome for the Candidates
Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By John Woodlock on 04-14-08
Hello:
I just wanted to share this interesting Email I just received. Why can’t ATV abuse ever be an election issue. This is a real problem in Montana.
____Email
Thousands of Americans responsibly use off-road vehicles for work, to explore the backcountry and to enjoy nature’s beauty. But a growing, irresponsible contingent of reckless riders are ruining things for everyone else.
These reckless riders damage public and private land, get themselves hurt, burden law enforcement, and ruin hunting, fishing and hiking experiences for the rest of us.
Please, click here <http://advocacy.sparklist.com/t/945/10305846/103/0> to join our grassroots effort to promote responsible off-road vehicle management and to get e-mail alerts on our efforts to protect the backcountry for everyone.
If you wish to post a personal story or know of someone who has been involved in off-road vehicles, please click here <http://advocacy.sparklist.com/t/945/10305846/105/0> and share it your thoughts with us.
Responsible Trails America (RTA) is a broad coalition of people, including those who enjoy the backcountry, private property owners, and those who responsibly use off-road vehicles for work or recreation. We want to protect access for everyone, and stop this irresponsible contingent from ruining things for everyone else and sticking taxpayers with the bill to clean up their mess. We are advocating affordable, common-sense steps that will keep trail riding and the backcountry responsible and safe for everyone. Thanks for getting involved.
Sincerely,
Responsible Trails America
______End Email
Passing the Word,
John Woodlock
By Nick on 04-14-08
I agree that there are many bad apples out there that ruin our good name, but I hope you don’t think that this group represents the majority of us dirtbike riders who use those same trails.
Something interesting that many hikers may not realize is that in the spring there are many small groups of responsible riders that go out every weekend and while riding the trails are clearing them for the hikers as well. We attach chainsaws to the front of our bikes and head up into the woods to clear the fallen timber across the trails that is not easy to do for hikers. We can sometimes clear up to 50 miles of trails a day, if not more.
So please, just know that this group you speak of is a small number who do give us a bad name. I hope you realize that there are many of us responsible users out there who actually make it possible for the hikers to use the trails.
By dirtbags on dirtbikes on 04-14-08
The trails in the Flathead area open to motorized use are thankfully confined to the Columbia Range, east of the valley. Excepting the Jewel Basin Area which is closed and receives mainly snowmobile infractions, the trails used by dirtbikes are a mess of braided, muddy tracks. The historic Alpine Trail #7, built in the early 20th century, is now just a maze of unmarked illegal trails along that spectacular ridge top. Go to Lost Johnny Campground any summer weekend and witness the carnage first hand.
The 4-wheelers are now illegally trying to widen trails to accommodate their size.
Gated roads also mean nothing to motorized users, I’ve kept a list of roads where we’ve seen tracks, broked down gates or filled in berms or have even met these riders. The forest service is powerless and you know it.
Did you hear about the bikers in the Bitterroot that intentionally hit the guy on crutches as he attempted to photograph their illegal actions? A few weeks later some women walking their dogs on a gated road nearby were threatened by a group of 4-wheelers brandishing weapons.
No, Nick you are not a friend of hikers and you are indeed Superman (in your own mind) if you can clear 50 miles of trail in a day. Guess you haven’t been out in the woods very far since the big windstorms. Don’t worry dude, I’ll hear you coming.