Quote:
Originally Posted by Mercoal
SNAP - it is unfortunate that you seem to be having issues with a few irresponsible Quad Riders. I would say most do not fall into that category. But there is no way that Quadders do more harm than Industry .... Especially logging companies. I have seen folks posting pictures here of some ruts on trails, and a guy going through a stream (to cross it) with a quad. And..... .? Yet let's step back and look at the big picture. I know of dozens of 'former trails' that are now un recognizable .....and that is because they can't be seen because they are lost in the moonscape of a clear cut with twisted up logs everywhere; no trees; etc.... Can't even tell where the trail was! Can't tell where the cut line was ! Previously, the "rut" looked bad in relation to the pristine environment, but they are two slivers in the big picture; two needles in a haystack. Now, when the haystack is completely gone.....a track there would be like complaining about leaving ruts on mars. The logging companies don't want us to see the destruction. That is why they close roads. That is also why they many times leave 50 yard "buffer zones" along roads to give folks driving along these roads the impression that there is lots of timber out there. All one needs to do is walk a bit through this and see the huge cuts and damage and silting up of streams. A quad stirs up a bit of dirt and gravel during a crossing and the creek clears up quickly. Heavy rains and floods stir up a lot more for a lot longer.... A few of us know how quickly the Ram River silts up....takes 3-4 days of no rain for it to be fish able again. And the fishing gets great, yet again ! It is absolute horseshilt that a quad crossing a creek or river causes any long term sustainable damage. Now when there are no trees and vegetation to hold back heavy rains, different story ! Sure, Quads getting guys to backcountry and if folks poach the hek out of a small stream or River - that has a negative effect. But that isn't the Quad, it is the poacher. Let's focus on the big picture.
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I won't deny that logging, oil and gas companies do their share of damage.
Many of them also employ people so they can pay mortgages, put food on the table, buy clothes for their kids, etc.
What benefits do OHV's provide besides making a lot of money for a few dealerships that sell them.
15,000-25,000 OHV owners ( probably a very low estimate) and you're trying to tell me they do no damage to the environment
What ever happened to the days where we walked a cut line or rode a horse to areas that can now be reached with quads and side by sides?