It seems that a reoccurring and common thread among ATV riders is the disrespect and misuse of the trails we all enjoy. The biggest being the trash along trails, streams, camp sites and access roads to the areas we all use.
The image of the ATV community would be greatly improved if these areas were cleaned up and maintained annually by the same people that use them!
Therefore I think we should organize a NATIONAL ATV TRAIL CLEAN-UP WEEK.
It should actually be 9 days, so it would include two weekends. We could contact ATV clubs, search and rescue org's, ATV dealerships and anyone that owns an ATV! We could contact the forest service, BLM, parks and recreation departments, and any other agency's that manage federal, state, county, and landowners and ask them to become involved, or what areas they are the most concerned about and in need of a good clean-up.
All of the trash picked up should be weighed and the weights tallied for each area, until we get a STATE, and then a NATIONAL total. This could also be picked up by the media and give the ATV community a big boost in their (OUR) image!
Those that are caught "trashing" throughout the year could be offered reduced fines if they "volunteered" to participate in the clean-up effort!
I don't hardly know where to begin trying to organize something like this, but I do know there are alot of people using this forum that would be willing to "HELP". Any ideas, comments or questions would be welcome! What do YOU think?
rancher55.

 

Sullivan County ATV has a yearly cleanup along our trails in Newport, Cornish, and Claremont, NH. It's a great way to improve our image.

 

I don't have any trail areas in Illinois that I ride, mostly family property. But I know what you mean.

I am involved in Geocaching (geocaching.com). They have what is called CITO (cache in trash out) events. If a favorite area is getting messed up they get together and move in for an event.

Perhaps if a National week or day can't be organized one could organize an event for a local area. Maybe a "Trash Dash" with prizes for the most trash collected. Make it a fun event!

You might even be able to have a local refuse business donate use of containers or have a collection truck to collect what you pick up. That would give them some positive exposure as well and help out with the collection process, that way you don't have to figure out what to do with all the trash after you clean up.

I am amazed at how people in our local state park leave trash behind. Fishermen leaving trash in the water and along the shore, I guess they never had to clean up after themselves, maybe they should call mommy when they are out so she can clean up after them.

 

I totaly agree with this here is thred I started a while ago kinda about the same thing.
http://forums.atvconnection.com/land...-sick-too.html

 

This got me to thinking (I know, scary stuff).

The riding area we go to the most is an enclosed area. Covers about 1800 sq acres, but only one entrance/exit. Cost to ride is 7 bucks for the day. Just wondering how they'd feel about a free riding pass? Take an empty trash bag in, and bring it back to the office and receive a free pass for one days riding in the future?

Of course, I'd hope they would check to make sure you're not lugging in that much trash just to get the free riding thing.

I'm sure there are a few other areas across the country that could try that also.

 

Never hurts to ask?