All good things must come to an end and why should Reiter Pit be any different? |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Snohomish Times |
| Thursday, May 06, 2010 |
|
Many families have created many wonderful memories while enjoying a day at Reiter. Whether you are riding an ATV, driving your 4 wheel Drive vehicle, or hiking the experience has always been positive. The "Pit" has offered family and friends a place to spend quality time together for decades. It has been well known and heavily populated and enjoyed by thousands each year. So the question, in my mind, is why now? Why now is someone taking any notice to the erosion, lack of maintenance, safety, destruction of natural resources, and not to mention all the other negatives which have brought us to this closure? It certainly did not happen overnight. But once again, being proactive was not on the agenda. The figure of 6 million dollars has been used when speaking about the amount it will cost to repair, enhance, and maintain the re-opening of Reiter. Many are very skeptical about this ever really taking place. I'd say with good reason. In our current economic situation what sounds the most likely to be implemented? Using 6 million dollars towards maintaining roads, schools, county/city budgets or enhancing 10,000 acres of land for public enjoyment? Although it has been noted monies would be allocated from the off-road vehicle license tabs, gas tax paid by non-highway vehicle users or both. I agree that as with anything else in life, a few will ruin it for the rest of us. We have seen ravines used as a dumping ground, we have witnessed 4 wheelers not use common sense, and individuals not have any respect for the natural habitat. Again, none of these issues are "New" nor did any one of them occur overnight. I suppose the bottom line would be for decades it has been convenient to "overlook" the problem and act as if it didn't exist. Why not? It wasn't on someone's agenda nor was it their priority and they didn't need it on their resume for personal reasons. Many of us would agree these issues could have been resolved or at least in the process of resolution, had the powers that be, made the seriousness and closure more of a reality than a threat before now. Since the closure, support groups have been volunteering their time and energy to assist in the "Save Reiter" program. Meetings have been held, scheduled, and the DNR is requesting additional volunteers and help. Anyone willing to donate heavy equipment and or their time to assist in the restoration projects such as; restoring damaged areas and relocating existing trails is more than welcome to help. One can only hope that these efforts are truly going towards the common goal of re-opening Reiter Pit. It would be very disappointing, although not surprising, if the efforts of all the volunteers went not to a "common" goal but to one's personal goal on their agenda& How many times has the public been told of one plan only to have it be cancelled "due to budget cuts"; "liability", or "zoning and permits"? Do we ever REALLY know if there is validity to such answers? As of now, the public is being told the DNR has every intention of re-opening Reiter as soon as possible. However, rumors amongst the motorized recreational community are already questioning whether this to be true or not. Here's something to think about: You close down one centrally located place to "wheel" and how many more will be created in its place? If the costs to monitor and maintain one location couldn't be maintained, where do you suppose they will find the funding to monitor and maintain the new one locations being created? If I sound skeptical, it's because I am. Not by choice, but by experience and knowledge of the public being told what they want to hear vs. the reality and truth at hand. It saddens me that in an era where family values have little value and quality time is almost non-existent, we continue to support this new way of being by continuing to remove "family" type recreation. One community member wrote: "One of the keys to preventing lawlessness in an area is to encourage more law abiding people to be there. Criminals don't like witnesses and the families that enjoy ORV recreation are not criminals. My response: Very Well said. Here are a few web sites which assist you in staying informed with updated information:
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites     |
State by State Momentum
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 |
© 2009 All rights reserved.
Responsible Trails America, PO Box 12064 Arlington, VA 22219
Phone: 703-644-8013 mail@responsibletrails.org
