Letter: Learning from ATV mistakes

I just read the "Happy trails" editorial about the ATV controversy on state lands (Jan. 12). There is a common assumption by those advocating for ATV use on public property that somehow because they pay a tax that gives them a right to tear up state lands and disturb the solitude of other people with their machines. Proponents are disingenuous when they use the well -worn argument that because a machine is banned, one can't access public lands.

Public lands are open to all people — just not to all their machines. One can hike, ski, snowshoe, bike, boat, sail, even drive a vehicle on open roads designed for traffic.

Not every use is acceptable. We regularly ban certain behaviors and activities from our public places. For instance smoking cigarettes is not permitted in public spaces, from restaurants to airplanes.

Just as cigarette smoking has a disproportionate negative impact on other people, so do ATVs. Most states where ATVs are legal on public lands have regretted that decision. That is why a number of states have banned ATVs from state property, while more are considering such legislation. Does Vermont need to make the same mistakes as others, or can we learn from the experience of other states?

GEORGE

WUERTHNER

Richmond

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Source: http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100114/OPINION02/1140316/1037/OPINION02

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