On September 21 2002 the Chouteau Island Partners Inc. have an organized convoy of off road vehicles that will police escorted through the streets to a meeting place for the final meeting discussing use of this piece of public property. I would like to invite you all to come out with your quads and ride allong .

The mayor of Madison Illinois is open to the possibility of having Chouteau Island opened as a ORV park .

Chouteau Island is an island that becomes flooded yearly, it is located on the Mississippi River . In my opinion it would be a perfect place for a riding park . Opponents to this proposal are concerned for impact on the wildlife in this area , as well as the effect of what wheeled traffic will do to the landscape . The month that it is part of the river the possible damage would not be noticeable ,all sides aggree on this .

Opposers to the ORV park have a vision of a butterfly park to go into Chouteau Island . I love butterflies as much as the next guy but I question if this is the best place to have designate for these winged wonders of nature . I would think the yearly floods would not be the best for there survival .

Off roaders have a shot here to actually make some progress . If anyone has time to attend this please call me at 618-644-3211 , I will be happy to tell what I know and get you in touch with folks who know more .

I have been following this story for months and I believe rational folks will prevail in this matter . Illinois will get a much needed ORV park . Plan to come down and ride police escorted through Madison Illinois on the 21st of September . If this is done right by responcible peaceful riders and families I do believe we will get the use of Chouteau Island .

Rick Ritter

 

Have you cotacted ABATE of IL?THey are starting to get behind the off road riders and they could really help with getting things going.

 

I am fairly certain ABATE has been contacted . The folks running this show have been to my out of the way shop many times with literature . I think I recall they have been in contact with ABATE too .

I am impressed with the progress they have made in this endeavor .

 

Can't make it but I had a thought...you may wanna refrain from having too many piped quads in the convoy. The noise may give the anti's ammo against the park. Also, MAKE SURE that ALL(if possible) of the riders that participate know not to act like a bunch of showoffs and a$$holes...like you said, we're supposed to be the rational ones (butterflies...give me a break) and it only takes a few divots to start a stereotype. Again, just a thought. Good Luck an' I hope it works out.

 

i'm from northern illinois,where is this place located.any directions would help.hopefully i can get away and make to this.