I find it highly ironic that the all terrain vehicle (ATV) riders seem to be the most vocal when it comes to promoting the transfer of public lands out of the federal government’s hands.
Don’t get me wrong. I ride a 400cc two-wheel dirt bike and approve of responsible riding.
Even though they have thousands of miles of trails where riding their machines is allowed, when a few miles get closed off temporarily for rehabilitation, let the howling begin.
As soon as these lands end up in a more local government agency’s hands, there are no barriers or compunctions to selling it off to the highest bidder. You can bet your bottom dollar a politician like Scott Tipton would love to do that for short-term financial gain, and a fence will go up when that happens.
I urge all local ATV riders, and anyone else who thinks local control is a good idea, to drive across Texas and count the number of times they can leave the highway without crossing a fence and trespassing.
We live in one of the most diverse and beautiful areas on the planet provided by mother nature. It would be depravity and desecration to sell it off.
Terry Moores
Mancos
