We are really lucky to live in Utah. This state has so much to offer. We have hundreds of miles of undeveloped land within arms’ reach. Less than an hour’s drive of almost anywhere within the state will bring you to a national park. Unlike many people in the nation, we have a chance to discover the outdoors.
Responsible “off-roading” has been a great tool for people to see nature that would otherwise be out of reach. Some of the most awe-inspiring places are the most remote, requiring days of hiking. Off-road vehicles allow these areas to be reached within a few hours. People who would be unable to access these sites — such as the elderly or children — are able to experience these majestic sites with the help of a four-wheeler.
Unaware of the consequences of their actions, some riders have disrespected the land by riding off designated paths. Doing so disturbs the animals and causes an increase in erosion. This erosion impacts us all. It kills the sensitive vegetation and the runoff washes directly into our water. Although only a few riders have abused their privilege and have failed to handle themselves properly, we are being punished.
Despite the numerous benefits of these tools, staunch environmentalists groups such as the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance are driving to drastically restrict the use of these vehicles. They are pushing to close thousands of miles of trails to motorized vehicles. They are saying that closing access to these vehicles, with the establishment of “wilderness” areas, will stop the irreparable harm caused by a few irresponsible riders.
Contrary to popular belief, responsible off-roading makes a very small impact, even less so than hikers. Hikers spend more time in the wilderness, impacting it much more heavily than a day’s worth of responsible riding. They leave more waste, burn local wood and deface public property.
For 50 years, the trails outdoor enthusiasts have been enjoying might soon be closed to public. Recently, 468 miles of BLM land was closed to motorized vehicles. We are being punished for the actions of a select group of a few idiots who don’t know how to ride. These paternalistic laws have go too far and do no good. The restrictions are going too far to protect the land. Public land should be available for use by the public.
Who is to say these laws will help the problem? Closing established trails will not solve erosion problems. Unused trails will remain for decades. The people causing problems were not following the rules in the first place. Uneducated riders will continue to disrespect the unenforced laws.
Limiting access will mean that many beautiful areas will be out of reach for most. A solution to this problem, without limiting access would be to educate riders. Requiring riders to take a class before they are allowed an OHV license will help people realize their impact and their responsibility to protect the land as well as enjoy it. They cannot arbitrarily drive everywhere. Educating the user and establishing better roads and trails will be sure to help people enjoy the outdoors and possibly use them more often. Another solution would be to enforce the current laws, not make them stricter.
We have a great resource in our backyard and it is our responsibility to protect it. Closing it off to useful off-roading goes too far. It’s our land, we should be able to use it.
