Just an update in a response to the notice of this meeting at the NE Dirtbike Forums:
http://www.nedirtbikes.com/forum/topic. ... C_ID=14689
OK Here is an Update!
I just spoke with the landowner/applicant for this
The other abutter to his land is DEM Fish/Wildlife
They just submitted a 2" thick letter of oppisition to the Town. Their positions are
#1 There are already nine state sponsored riding
area availible for the ORV community in the state.
#2 The endandered species arguement.
#3 Noise level issues; they have a sound study
in hand explain potential impact
#4 Current Town Zoning Ordinance
#5 Private Road Access issues.
The land owner would like anybody availible with
ANY facts to counter these arguements to attend
the meeting. Also, he feels that the people
opposed to this proposal will try to pack the
room to prevent the meeting from being held.
Giving more time for the opposing viewpoints to regroup.
Responses that people attending the meeting should be aware of:
#1- There are NO riding areas in ALL of Rhode Island, apart from a flat dirt road in Arcadia Management Area that could be driven in a Ford Taurus. If the DEM makes that claim, ask the representative to go on record with the location and mileage of those nine trails (dirt roads don't count), and we'll see riders there on Wednesday. Besides, ATV's are EXPLICITLY prohibited from all state land in RI! From the Park and Rec FAQ for the state of Rhode Island:
http://www.riparks.com/FAQ.htm#10.
10. Are there currently any public lands, parks or trails where ATV's can legally be used?
No, at this time there is no public property that is available for ATV use.
So the state says there are ZERO riding areas for the ATV's that would be used in this OHV park. You might want to print out that page of the state website to submit as evidence.
#2- There MIGHT be endangered species there, or there might NOT. Somebody failed their logic class. Their reasoning is something like the following:
* Endangered Species exist in Rhode Island
* This property is in Rhode Island
* Therefore, there are endangered species in Rhode Island.
You might also use the fact that Laura Landen, the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuge of Rhode Island Chairwoman, is a PHILOSOPHY professor at Providence College where I teach, and should be embarrassed to commit such a logical fallacy on public record.
b
#3- Some potential impact is no reason to not do it. We are not living in a freakin' WILDERNESS area! The region has been inhabited for centuries, so don't fall for the argument that this is destroying the pristine silence of untrammeled land.
#4- The very meeting is BECAUSE of the town zoning ordinance; variances are granted precisely because such ordinances are general guidelines that the town can grant variances to. Geez, somebody school these people in basic Local Government 101, won't they!
#5- I don't know what private road access issues means.