Editor:
I have been following with considerable interest the articles, editorials, and letters to the Journal regarding the Forest Service travel plans, especially those regarding motorized versus non-motorized travel. Although I wasn't born here, Cortez and Montezuma County have been my home for nearly 50 years. During that time, I have enjoyed exploring the magnificent outdoor resources of our national forests and BLM country in a variety of ways. I like riding dirt bikes and dual sport vehicles. I've enjoyed snowmobiling in the high country below the Wilson range. I've had great times hiking in Sand Canyon or climbing the trail to Sharkstooth. Riding my mountain bike at Phil's World or Boggy Draw is great fun. And cross-country skiing at Chicken Creek is not only fun but great exercise. I haven't had the pleasure of riding horseback in the backcountry but look forward to that as well some day.
While I have enjoyed both motorized and non-motorized travel in our public lands, I feel compelled to write that these forms of travel are not, I repeat ARE NOT, compatible. Anyone who tries to say that they are does not know what they're talking about. Many, and maybe most of us, who enjoy non-motorized travel particularly enjoy the peace, tranquility, and QUIET of that experience. The loud sounds of dirt bike or snowmobile engines racing down those trails without any doubt utterly and completely destroys that experience. I sincerely urge the Forest Service to keep motorized and non-motorized travel separate. It's a very large forest out there. With courtesy and consideration for the interests of others, there should be room for all of us to enjoy our public lands in the manner we prefer.
We shouldn't allow the desires for unrestricted access by one group of users to override the interests and enjoyment of other groups of users who may prefer a non-motorized experience.
Rick Meredith
Cortez
Via CortezJournal.com
