I have been reading through all the topics posted throughout this heading. The general consensus is that environmental concerns are running over ATV users resulting in closed & restricted areas. Well, let me tell you about where I live.

I am a Canadian living in the island province of Newfoundland. We are the most easterly piece of land in North America. When I want to ride my ATV I open up my garage doors, start up my Polaris and go...plain & simple (I have to run about 500m of asphalt roadway but I am okay with that & the Mounties don't seem to mind). We have an abundance of riding areas ranging from abandoned railway track and old logging roads to mudding, rockclimbing, etc - you name it. This is done on 99.99% Crown land. Basically the riding here is still free & open and I don't see that changing anytime soon. The only concern that is cropping up is that some of the towns are starting to try and stop ATVs from using the railway tracks as race cources through the towns...and thats fair enough because it does become a safety issue and a public nuisance for residents. But having said that the local ATV clubs are working with the towns & government to overcome this minor issue. As far as environmentalists trying to shut down the ATV industry here...not really an issue.

When you plan your next holiday look Newfoundland up on the internet, find some of the ATV tourism providers and come play where you are still welcome. Same goes for snowmobilers in the winter...we have some of the best adventure sledding in the world (don't take my word for it - check it out yourselves).