We should find this guy and do something

http://www.flyfishersparadise.com/so...ldsoap/atv.htm

 

I would hope that you would send email to him at:

information@flyfishersparadise.com

telling him (her) your opinion of HIS opinion!

 

This was sent via email to the address of the individual that posted his article on his website.

I hope that all that read this thread reply so that he may see that ATVing is not a sport that only causes noise and pollution.





I would like you to know that your website is informative, yet a little controversial. My wife and I (including 17 brothers and sisters along with SEVERAL friends) are Utility ATV users and trail riders. As for the majority, ATV riders are aware of our surroundings and environment. We ride on posted trails and PAY for all trail upkeep and maintenance. We have 3500 miles of trails through the Upper Pen of Michigan, which I live off one of the major trails, and the noise is not an issue. Parks set up trail systems that do not intrude onto fishing/hiking areas. Our trails are POSTED for use of motorized off-road vehicles (ORV). This would notify you, as a walker, to not walk on this trail without caution. We do not ride on pedestrian trails, and we do not "ride on every hill or gorge" that we see. The trail systems incorporate hills that are for use for ORV's that are maintained throughout the year by US. The ATV riders. We pay dues/licensing/stickers that cover the cost of maintaining any and all trails.

I am also a sport fisher. I do not use a boat and solely bank fish. With 3500 mi. of ORV trails through our wilderness, I still am able to find a tranquil and relaxing area to fish/camp.

If I were you, I would be more interested in working WITH the ORV, not fighting against it, and establish a trail system that will encourage safe riding and more outdoor activities without encroaching on your "quiet" fishing. If you are just trying to "buck" the system, I feel that you will lose. ATV's have a large market, and more families are finding that they are a good family sport that can be used in conjunction with other outdoor activities. (ie. hunting/fishing/camping/exploring/etc.).

thank you,
Jonathan Moore

 

Here is my reply, I hope others will put forth their thoughts too!

Mr. Shields,

As a fellow flyfisherman I both feel incredulous and outraged.......at YOU! You, who as a person who enjoys the out of doors to pursue the activity of your choice, would be so intolerant of those who chose an alternate form of recreation. It is people as yourself that become so ego centered around what they feel is good for everyone else irregardless of those you intend to affect, that someday will wake up only to find that you too are locked out! Could be by someone who takes personal visual offense to your taking of a nice big Brown trout or a rafter that is tired of being cussed at because they happen through your "quiet" place as you are having a tug-o-war with that Brown. Ever consider that....HHHHMMMM? Yes right now ATV's might be an easy target.....for you, and if you had an unpleasant experience with one, well, I apologize to you for that experience. However the incident you cite (and I do not wish to trivialize it at all) could be looked at in another way, You just arrived via automobile to that parking area, think of how many potential incidents occurred along your travel to that area on the open highway!! How devastating that would have been. If another car had crashed into that van would you feel that all motor vehicles should be banned? Of course not. Well, lets not stereotype all ATV riders based on one moron. The vast majority of ATV enthusiasts are very very decent and caring people. People who only wish to have as much of a quality outdoor experience as you. I ask you to reconsider. Try to take time to learn and be tolerant of alternate forms of recreation. The out of doors are for us ALL!! That includes you and I when we are fishing our favorite hole, and that includes ATV enthusiasts (of which I am) when we're on our favorite trail.

It's about access.............. ACCESS for ALL!!!!!!

 

In his article, he includes a list of government officials to "target" with letters. Perhaps if you are an ATV enthusiast living in PA, you should also get in touch with those officials. Basically, use the time he spent researching phone numbers and addresses of government officials to your benefit, and write them yourself. In a democracy, the loudest voice wins. You get your opinion across by winning the larger percentage of people, and then the larger perecentage of vote. If we want to continue to have places to ride our (*very expensive) machines, we'll need to have a much louder voice in the future. It all boils down to joining clubs, writing persuasive letters, and respecting property when riding!

 

It's a well known fact that "flyfishers" are the snobs of the angling community, much the same way that trap and skeet shooters, are the snobs of the firearm community.

That being said, this poor misguided fool fails to realize that where those ATVs were riding already WAS AND IS ILLEGAL. You aren't allowed to ride there, but due to the LACK of approved state riding trails in the area, this is one of the only places you can ride in the Altoona area. Until some DCNR "person" gets off his backside and opens up more trails and riding areas for us there will ALWAYS be the problem of illegal ATV use.

On the PA DCNR web site, they tell us that because of all the illegal riding going on they can't open up new trails. Using this philosophy, it would seem prudent to try and put out a forest fire using gasoline instead of water. The lack of LEGAL trails doesn't help curb illegal ATV riding. The more trails you have, the less illegal ATV riding will go on. It's as simple as that.

 

very well put mike!

 

Hey Mike! I agree <u>most</u> of us flyfishers are snobs, however I hope that I can never be identified as one when I'm flyfishing. I am a pretty good fisherman but I can't hit skeet if I used an atom bomb![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

gah lee.....these friggin eco ***** are gettin on my nerves, im gettin tired of this kinda crap....what was the email addy to the guy who posted it, i couldn't find it?.......BLUE RIBBON COALITION ALL THE WAY !!!!

 

Mike I can see just what you mean!

I live down in Delaware and we don't have a single legal place to ride at!

There is one activity park that should be built but will only be a flat dead end trail around a sand pit. Pretty boring. I wish we just had somewhere to go riding, legally! I even wrote a persuasive essay for my honors english class pushing for a legal place to ride ATVs. The majority of riders are sensible and just want to have fun on theri machines. It is the few that resort to riding on neighborhood streets (etc.) that make us as a group look bad.