CEC received many letters from the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community concerning Stopping them in the Tracks, an article published in the July newsletter. Here is just a sampling of the comments:

I read your newsletter for July and am sorry to say I am somewhat disappointed, but not surprised. Articles such as yours tend to be written for a shock factor and to instill rage more than to raise concern… The beginning of the first paragraph contains hearsay but is written as if it’s fact. There has not been any proof the growth of riparian vegetation has been halted by OHV traffic. In fact, photographic evidence exists to show the floods wipe all that out. No proof exists that OHV traffic destroys bird and mammal habitat in the rivers either. Insufficient studies have been done on the rivers in question regarding OHV destruction of riparian vegetation or bird and mammal habitats. These rivers are unique in their nature and therefore require unique studies to be performed on each.
– Kevin Curry

I have seen the Guadalupe River completely trashed by people in tubes, canoes, kayaks, and swimming. A literal carpet of beer and soda cans on the bottom! This incredible amount of litter was indeed most disgusting. The total lack of pride in our natural resources made me ashamed to be in the human race… There are many clubs in our state that promote responsible outdoor recreation of all types, and often volunteer to clean local trails, and rivers of the trash left behind by others. So please, do not blame the entire off-road community for the actions of an irresponsible few. And then say “WE,” as a whole, are ruining Texas public lands! Yes, we do have those who have no regard for public land and the responsibility that comes with utilizing it. But they are few, and we work constantly to educate them on responsible off-road practices… But as with all off road and outdoor use groups, there will always be those few who do not care. Should all of us have to sacrifice our love of outdoor activities because of these individuals? I would hope not. I was raised to respect and embrace the outdoors, and all it’s inhabitants. Owning a 4x4 gives me a way to enjoy places that so many people only get to see and read about in magazines. I want my grandchildren to enjoy these same areas with a love and passion for the great outdoors.
– Dennis Mitchell

It deeply saddens me to see articles such as yours portray the image that these special interest groups desire – an image that people who own 4x4s are out to be destructive and self loathing. I’m sure those same people would feel different if they were in Houston a year ago when ORV enthusiasts such as myself were out helping stranded people in the floods… As always, it’s easier to paint a picture of doom and gloom then it is to show the constructive efforts of those citizens that are working to make a difference.
– Ray Barth