dirk
Well-Known Member
I saw this note posted regarding some issues down in Oregon...while the trails may be different, I think the general message shared really applies to this conversation.
:beer:
To you all.
I read some statements made on the Pirate 4X4 forum today that I found somewhat disturbing. Please do not fall prey to rumors and unsubstantiated information. If you can't back up what you say with facts, don't speak.
Swartz Canyon is closed to off road use. There were no actions made by the Deschutes County 4 Wheelers that had anything to do with the BLM decision.
The canyon was never open to OHV use. The years of use and misuse by all classes of OHVs led to a special interest group threatening a law suit, if the BLM did not act, is what led to them making the decision to revert back to their original intent for the canyon. That has always been "open to travel on designated routes only". The BLM has simply chosen to allow off road use in the canyon over the years. That was probably fine back in the day when there was a minimal amount of use. In recent years it has not been unusual for 20 to 40 rigs to show up on a weekend. I have seen the effects. Do you remember when the only route going up the power line hill was the power line road? Look at it now. It attracted a lot of negative attention from those special interest groups.
The sport has grown and pressure on Class II and Rock Crawl areas is having an impact. You need to pay attention. Are you a contributor to the negative impact? Maybe it was just a small oil leak. Maybe you just went a little off trail, but it all adds up.
Before you speak badly about someone or some group,ask yourself,. What have I done to make things better"?
I sent out a request for "letters of support". I even went so far as to ask that you please bury Greg with your letters. There are 289 of you in this Facebook group. Two of you sent letters.
Tough I know, I am not the best at writing a letter either, but sometimes you have to step up.
On the good side over 150 of you showed up for work parties in the past year and that is phenomenal considering how many of you live outside of Oregon.
What can you do now?
1. Stop pointing fingers. How many of you have driven up that hill at Swartz on a route other than the power line road? You too contributed to the negative impact and attention.
2. Think about the other areas where you play. Are they going to suffer the same fate because of abuse?
3. Start working together. It's not that hard.
4. What you do and what you say should have a positive impact.
Take pride in your trails and play areas. Their condition reflects on your sport.
Rock crawling is going to have an impact. There is no getting away from that. I have seen it first hand. It is amazing when you see the size of the rock that can be moved by a single tire. But maybe before you leave the area,spend a little time improving the trail. If you see a bigger problem or project that needs attention, organize a group to deal with it or let me know and I will set a date for a work party.
As a group, I've seen you do some really good work, amazing work. You may just need to take a look at some of the little details a bit closer. Are you leaving a good impression on those that are watching? They are watching!
For those of you that don't know the Deschutes County 4 Wheelers. I can tell you that they have contributed greatly to your sport and have done so for many years. If you have a problem with something please take the time to talk to them first.
:beer:
