Butte locals are now feuding over ATV trails

Written by KTVA-TV

Friday, August 07, 2009

Gregory Nilsson has been one of the most vocal opponents to ATV use in this area.

Gregory," nothing has changed in those four years, more traffic in this creek now than there was then."

Nilsson lives nearby and the noise keeps him up at night. He's documented what he says are the off-roaders' blatant public safety hazards and complete disregard for the sanctity of wildlife in this area.

Gregory," you guys just killed a nesting duck, how could you do that? and then the epithets and cursing came. "

Nilsson has taken his complaints to the state. As far as he's concerned the department of natural resources is to blame.

Gregory, "I want to shame these guys. I mean, its nuts." He also went on to say, "there has been a history of underage drinking parties big uncontrollable fires where cars are being burned."

David Griffin who works for DNRS 'division of mining, land and water'says," This area is not d-n-r responsibility.'

But he did say this Knik River public access area has been cleaned up thanks to beefed up patrols.

Kenny Barber, "if you go out there right now, it's a lot cleaner than it used to be"

Kenny Barber also lives in butte and is one of the local residents who helped to make this 'Knik River public access area' possible. Kenny," I don't want to close it down to anybody.

I want it open for everybody I don't care if you ride your horse, if you backpack, I don't care how you get out there. I want to see big trucks, four wheelers and everybody.

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Source: http://www.ktva.com/ci_13016034

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Community Voices

“Once they chased our cow into a deep arroyo where it fell and broke its neck. I don't understand how anyone could think chasing livestock is fun.” As a result of the growing conflicts with off-roaders, the Gonzales family stopped their cattle ranching. It doesn't matter whether it is a plate or decal, what is important is that the identification is visible. The police could have tracked down the illegal riders if we had been able to photograph the IDs on their vehicles. I think that would have made them think twice before breaking the law.”

- Eleanor Gonzales, private property owner in Santé Fe County, NM