Re: "Modern ATVs too much for fragile landscape," March 30.
I was very much offended by the inference that the Island Rock Crawlers society is in any way responsible, involved, or condones tearing up the trails or the surrounding forests. In fact, the club has always promoted the Tread Lightly philosophy and has organized a number of trail cleanups in that area.
Even more astounding was the suggestion that ATVs were somehow responsible for reducing 10 kilometres of paved road down to "less than 100 metres of narrow tarmac strips."
It is ludicrous to think that an ATV with soft, wide tires can destroy pavement that managed to survive decades of use by work trucks.
The simple fact is that pavement deteriorates over time. In any case, if people are upset at having to walk around puddles in the road, then why don't they create hiking trails through the forest and avoid the roads? That would be much more fair than shutting out the motorized recreationists who have been using the area for decades.
The letter says that the lands under the protection of the CRD are too fragile to be subjected to noise and damage inflicted by motorized vehicles.
I disagree. The area has been logged several times, and has been used for motorized recreation for a very long time.
And even after all that, the land is still beautiful enough that it needs to be protected from motorized recreationists? The land is doing just fine. It doesn't need to be turned into yet another preserve for the express enjoyment of hikers.
Larry Soo
ATV users contribute to outdoor activities
Re: "Modern ATVs too much for fragile landscape," letter, March 30.
As the president of the Island Rock Crawlers Four Wheel Drive Society, I heartily welcome people to our website. However, contrary to what the above letter insinuates, you will not find evidence of ecological damage or disrespect; you will not find links to YouTube videos featuring beer-drinking louts, smoking their tires, all the while trespassing behind closed gates.
Instead, you'll find accounts of family outings, exploration trips, trail cleanups and participation in Wilderness Watch, organized outings with the families of Canadian Forces personnel and members of Big Brother-Big Sisters organization. You'll see campouts and camaraderie, fishing trips and international expeditions. We have assisted in search-and-
rescue operations, and are registered to provide emergency transportation in various jurisdictions should it ever be required. On our website, you will also find an easy-to-understand code of conduct that emphasizes respect, preservation and courtesy to all; these are the things we value and encourage while enjoying our chosen recreation.
We have clearly demonstrated responsibility, service and respect, and in return we are simply asking to be meaningfully included in the planning processes for use of publicly owned land around Sooke and other areas on southern Vancouver Island. I believe we have earned this consideration.
Rob deLange
