🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <pjc.123.2EA05D1D@aloha.net> pjc@aloha.net (Patrick J. Chicas) writes:

*Eric is a proponent of one, if not many, of the "Big Environmental Lies"..
*
*I am not denying that repeated use of any one route or small area will not 
*cause damage. Such is evident in the Lucerne Valley and El Mirage Dry Lake 
*area. Both are small designated ORV areas, that are overused.
*
*In contrast, 4-5 times per year we camped and rode in the Eastern Mojave. An 
*area soon to be closed by S-21.  Most riding was on existing two track roads. 
*Some travel was cross-country. In that mode, a good sense of direction and 
*knowledge of landmarks were essential to your life. Through all the years we 
*spent in the Eastern Mojave, I can count less than a dozen occurrences where we 
*encountered other riders. Also, outside of the two track roads I mentioned. We 
*never, ever,  found traces of our previous paths through the desert. 
*With that experience, I believe ORV damage to the open areas of the 
*Mojave (Eastern etc.) is a lie!  I doubt that Eric, like most enviro's, has 
*ever ventured in to the area to investigate for themselves. Yet, they 
*sheepishly absorb the "Big Lie" from the radical and often mainstay 
*environmental organization then, arrogantly pass judgment on an entire form of 
*recreation.
*Patrick J. Chicas

I've driven in the East Mohave in a 4WD vehicle; I've seen ruts
carved in the hillsides by wheel tracks. Yes, the desert can absorb a
certain amount of punishment, but I think the damage seen in the "overused"
areas you point to is scary, and I honestly believe that you are underestim-
ating the cumulative damage of increasing numbers of vehicles -- and
the numbers have been increasing. I'm sorry you don't like my attitude:
I can't say that yours seems very likely to win converts.
  Eric Mankin