by rblank » Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:27 am
I agree that the NEA should not try to control what individual clubs put on their sites. It's impossible to do and we have better things to focus on.
My point about the trails is that trying to hide them hasn't worked yet, and it's not going to work. I'd rather sign the snot out of a place and make people aware of what's going on then trying to hide like a ostrich with our heads in the sand, ignoring the problem because we "can't see it."
You're right Scott, Coy Hill was shut down due to over use and abuse. Did using a code name for it, or hiding the town it was in prevent that? No. It was apathy, lack of action, and perhaps even ignorance. And I would bet that it saw more use from unaffiliated wheelers than it did from clubs, just like the other "public" trails.
Most people that wheel want to do the right thing, they're just unaware that they're doing the wrong thing in some cases. Does that mean we should call them out, repremand, and admonish them? No, I don't think so. Look at the header of your browser right now. See that little blurb next to the NEA logo. That's what we should be doing, educating and protecting.
If you try to hide and discourage responsible use of the trail except for those you think are "worthy" (i.e. clubs) aren't we doing to ourselves what the greenies are trying to do to us, saying you can use the land as long as you do it our way. That's the message we're sending.
*DISCLAIMER* - The views expressed herein are the personal views of the author and do not in any way represent, nor imply to represent, the views of the North East Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, it's officers, members, or affiliates.