Lance, thanks a TON for your email concerning pending legislation of off-highway trails for OHV enthusiasts. I would like to add a little to your comments though so that EVERYONE can understand why this is getting so much attention.

I agree that action needs to be taken to protect off-highway enthusiasts from the referenced closures. However, we have a responsibility to use the lands we have with the least amount of impact as possible. Too many times do I go out to the trails, only to see some jerk-off tearing up and destroying the land without regard to anything "tread lightly." That only provides fodder for those who want to limit OHV access. This very subject was the subject of an editorial I wrote in JPFreek should any of you have an interest in reading it (www.jpfreek.com).

With rights comes responsibilities and we, as off-highway enthusiasts, need to set the example that is required to have an effective campaign against land use restrictions. By setting a good example that public lands can and will be used in a responsible manner, the question of access to those lands will be a moot point. Until then, I suggest we all prove that OHV restricted access is unfair by promoting the principles of Tread Lightly and low-impact OHV use. Otherwise, it could be too late.

I agree 100% Frank. Whenever I see someone acting irresponsibly on the trail I approach them and ask that they consider how their actions might affect future use of the area. This seems to work better than yelling at people. I also made up a bunch of 'Harry Situations' trash bags from burlap sacks and hand them out at events and trail rides.

when we met with the forest supervisor, Ramiro for Eldorado he did mention if we do see someone acting inappropriately and they do not respond properly to our requests to follow the rules, to please send pic's with a plate # and a "report" of what happened directly to him.. They can cite someone through this process if the evidence of the "wrong doing" is unmistakable.
Some may consider this "proof falling in to the wrong hands", I think, after meeting with forestry, if we were to work together to correct the people who seem to make us look bad over and over again it would prove to forestry that the majority of OHV users are also the type of people who want to see the rules followed and are responsible users of our routes and trails.

I couldn't agree more with your thoughts!