Island Rock Crawlers "Public Access to Public Land" Rally

Island Rock Crawlers Four-Wheel Drive Society

"Public Access to Public Land" Rally

Victoria Automatic Transmission
used their highly visible sign to
invite people to our rally. Thanks!

Thank you to every person and organization that promoted or made an effort to attend the rally at the Legislature on Saturday, November 25, 2000. We are certain that our message is being heard, and we are looking to continue the campaign to ensure access to lands within British Columbia for multi-use.

Over 500 people were on hand to hear an impressive list of speakers including Rick Kasper (MLA, Malahat-Juan de Fuca), Steve Orcherton (MLA, Victoria-Hillside), Rory Brown (Nanaimo Sidewinders), Alex Smith (Victoria Motorcycle Club), John Edgar (Lionsgaters), Tom Telford (Warn Industries, Jolly Jeepers), Pam Hansen (IRC/Lionsgaters), and Rob Bryce (IRC).

Media coverage included the Victoria Times Colonist, CHEK 6 News, Shaw Television, and others.

Attendees included representation from many different clubs and organizations, including the Nanaimo Sidewinders, Victoria Four Wheel Drive, Victoria Motorcycle Club, Morningside Four Wheel Drive, Lionsgaters, Gold City Off Road Syndicate, Coastal Cruisers, Jolly Jeepers, Okanagan Explorers, Rover-Landers of BC, Timber Tamers, SNORT, Four Wheel Drive Association of BC, the Alberta United Recreationist Society, BC4x4, Island4x4, and the Island Rock Crawlers.

After an introduction of these groups by Lori Hryniuk, she explained the purpose of the rally, and then Rob deLange read an article by Richard Schaefer published in the L.A. Times on November 5, 2000. Schaefer's concern is the seemingly rampant trend to close public lands across North America in response to the clamor of 'eco-elite' environmentalists that would rather see humans not recreate anywhere outdoors lest a wild blade of grass gets trampled.

Rick Kasper then spoke of the importance of getting the message out and increasing support by lobbying the policy makers to include multi-use in their parks management plans. As a resident of Sooke, Mr. Kasper is aware of the current contraversy regarding the Harbourview area, and supports its preservation as a multi-use area.

Following Mr. Kasper was Steve Orcherton, who stated that British Columbia has achieved much by allocating over 12% of BC's land mass to parks. He supports the concept of ensuring access for everyone to these parks. Mr. Orcherton also pledged to open a dialogue with the Minister of Envoronment, Land and Parks stressing the need for the creation of parks that cater to multiple uses.

Next, Rory Brown took the podium, and explained his involvement and interest in four-wheeling and land issues over the past 25 years. He outlined the questionable wording and imagery typically employed by environmental groups in their campaigns and advertising, in order to garner support and funding from a well-meaning (albeit intentionally deceived) public.

John Edgar was on hand to impart his extensive knowledge and experience dealing with various government entities during his effort to maintain access for four-wheelers to the Windy Ridge area near Lillooet. His most important point was for everyone concerned to GET INVOLVED. To be successful, we require a concerted effort from everyone who wants to reverse the trend of land closure.

Alex Smith of the VMC wondered how the 'threatened species' in the 'endangered ecosystem' that comprises Harbourview have managed to survive the apparent ravages of two or more bouts of clearcutting and decades of multi-use, and still manage to thrive?

On behalf of the Alberta United Recreationists Society, Pam Hansen read a message from Theresa Huarte which described the status of OHV parks in Alberta and the ongoing cooperation with the local governments in establishing and maintaining such parks, including the continuing education of those who use them.

Tom Telford spoke to the economic benefits to jurisdictions that already have OHV and other such multi-use parks. In particular, he mentioned Moab, Utah, which like many resource-based towns here in BC, was threatened when the main industry that sustained its residents collapsed. Moab shifted gears by turning to tourism that showcased the incredible natural beauty of the surrounding area. They have successfully established world class mountain bike and four wheel-drive trails. Mr. Telford stressed that opening a dialogue with the detractors of our sport would go a long way toward gaining their acceptance that multiple uses in parks is an environmentally and economically sound management system.

Finally after a reminder from Lori to continue writing letters and getting our message heard, Rob Bryce implored to everyone to get involved, regardless of one’s particular choice of outdoor recreation. Only with a united front will we stand a chance of reversing the trend of closing public lands, restricting access, and endangering our rights to enjoy our great outdoors in whichever responsible ways we choose.