that's simply the wrong attitude to have. i can understand the frustration, but intentionally doing something that you know is illegal is just plain wrong - and an absolute embarrassment to those of us who want to do it right. whatever the sport. i seriously doubt that these guys have sat down and planned how the trail will affect the ecology of the region (i.e., how will silt from mud flow, if it gets into what river - how will that affect plant and animal life, what kinds of root systems will be torn up and how will that affect the forest, blah blah blah.) i guess i could go on and on about this, but that's because there are few things in life that piss me off more than this attitude.
the fact is, our sport permanently affects the land and we MUST be conscientious stewards of that land.
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Colby, your from a different place. This battle for rights to the woods has been going on here since the early 90's. The logging companies here own most of the land. They have every right to gate enterances and post No Tresspassing signs. They used to leave these area's open and they end up with stolen cars burnt, vandalism to their machines and garbage dumping in their woods. I parsonally like it how we have it now. Gates are up. Usually only capable rigs, quads and dirtbikes can get in. There's little garbage and no burnt cars. I have never heard of anyone getting prosecuted on these lands. As for the environmental impact. We tend to only cut alders(weed trees) for trails. Creek crossings are normal but it's pretty rare to see someone playing in the water and doing any real damage. Remember this is private logging land. Some of the nicest wilderness out there but if your worried about a little creek or silt in a lake you gotta see when they work the area's. It's only gonna get logged or sold and developed. They are not Parks.
Your area may be different or have a different history but for here and now doing what you do and keeping it quiet is best, as I see it.
I ride dirtbikes with my six year old and teach him this way. We ride in around gates, he knows it's illigal and he understands why. I also teach him that if I ever see him litter out there he won't be going back.
Yes I knowingly break the law. I grew up here and know and understand the area pretty well. If the area was to have advertised public access it would be a mess. Like most here, wheelin is one of my hobbies and I enjoy it with my family. If I was not to break the law I don't wheel.
