With the exception of some NH state parks and railtrails I don't ride on public lands. I ride on lands where clubs get permission from private land owners to create and maintain trails. So, to say that, "You wouldn't be riding on the trails in the first place if it wasn't for government lands," doesn't really fly for me. I know that huge tracts of land are owned by the government. I don't know and am not going to find what percentage of lands are owned by the government. My problem comes when the government decides to close lands to only certain sectors of the public that, in the long run, pays for these lands and their upkeep. I don't care who is closing them. If they have established trails and are used by the tax paying public, leave things alone.
It is true that Obama or any president can with the stroke of a pen, declare a National Monument and keep motorized users out. I may never get out to the West to ride but I'd like to think the places that are now open to motorized traffic will remain open. I've also read about these areas being bantied about in other publications and read what a congressman from Colorado had to say about it. The legislators in the effected states are against these designations because it lessens tourist dollars, and also closes these areas to economic development from natural resources.
It's not a bad thing to watch what the government is doing and to write our displeasure with options that we disagree with. I've done it from Carter's time in office to now and sometimes they listen to the electorate sometimes they don't. We'll see what comes of this.

 

Moose...Although I was responding to your post, I wasn't really speaking to you directly. Really speaking to the guy who posted this and seems to have little to no clue what he talking about historically. Nothing personal.

I'd have to do some research, but highly doubt the proposed lands are current major riding areas. Might be a trail here or there. In addition, just because this land is designated a National Monument, doesn't mean it's necessarily off limits to ATVs. For example, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument near Bryce Canyon can be ridden on. There are others, but I need to look them up. Zion maybe, but that's a National Park.

You mentioned that you don't think you'd ride these areas......If you could possibly put it together, it would be worth every dime, even if the plan was a five year one. Ship the wheeler out and get a cheap flight....

 

I do want to go out there, but I don't have an unlimited amount of cash right now. Unlike the government, I don't believe in spending money I don't have with the exception of a mortgage. I hope you are correct. I'd hate to see any trails closed. If anything, I think more trails opening up would be a boon for the states in question. I know Maine is making the effort to attract ATVers. They are trying to interconnect the whole state and have thousands of miles already. More trails equals more dollars for the state. A few more headaches, yes, but well worth it financially. It's why many of the places to stay are advertising direct access to trails. I can't wait until August.

 

Bullshit! No one believes me when I tell them that its coming!

 

Yep, it's coming. If they ram healthcare down our throats using voting procedures that are usually not used on such a massive spending bill, even after Scott Brown (no conservtive by the way, but better than the alternative) gets elected in the bluest of bluest states, they'll try anything.

 

Moose....You coming to Maine in August? Maybe we could get a small contingent from here together for a day ride and meet up with you along your trek. Likely go right past Yarmouth area on your way north. I know there are others on here north of me. Maybe Sten would meet up too? Worth a thought anyway.

 

What the hell is coming? Are you talkin' 2012, end of time, planets lining up?

 

I'm still trying to see who will be going up with us from our region. We will probably be going out right from the cabins we'll be renting to the trails. Once I hone plans I'll let you guys know where I am and what we're up to. I wouldn't mind meeting a few guys from the forum.

 

Definitely would be fun to put something together and meet up for a ride with some folks from here, even if it's only for a few hours one day. Wouldn't want to disturb your group ride too much.

 

I like meeting new people. Often here new stories and get to share ours all over again.