atvdamage1(The Bishop Chamber of Commerce has asked for comments on the Adventure Trails project.  Mike Prather shared his view and some photos from the Lone Pine area.)
Dear Tawni and Bishop Chamber,

Some photos of irresponsible ATV use in Lone Pine. along the Lower Owens River and in the Alabama Hills. In my neighborhood, the Alabama Hills, we have much damage on DWP lands around the scenic rocks and we are seeing single track (walking/horseback) trails being widened by damaging riders on ATV’s. Attracting more riding reduces areas with natural sound and quiet. It displaces users who will no longer hike in noisy OHV areas. In recreation atvdamage2planning this is called ‘displaced recreation’ where one user over time displaces the others due to their activities. Opportunity exists in abundance for motorized recreation without Adv Trails. Our communities run the risk of changing into the busy motorized play areas that you see elsewhere in our state and the West. I would like to see our present problems and damages fixed before inviting more riders, a few of which, will ruin things for everyone. We are not so desperate that we must run the risk of losing what quality of lands that we have just to attract money. There are alternatives and our imaginations are our only limit.

 
My comments are not in any way related to the recent petition sent out by the Center for Biological Diversity. I’ve openly opposed the Adventure Trails System since its first appearance. It is a bad idea that would be placed on top of already damaged LADWP and BLM lands. It is reckless and irresponsible to support this proposition before current abuses and management inadequacies are addressed.
Sincerely,
Michael Prather
Lone Pine

 

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