You enjoy off-roading?

[delicat]

Hey guys,

I was asked by the president of the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC to post this survey here on their behalf. It's for a good cause especially if you enjoy taking your wheels off the beaten path and I would urge everyone to participate. Wont' take long, promised

Here's an extract taken from from the survey's link detailing the subject in concern... and here's the link: http://www.4wdabc.ca/entry.php?40-4W...vey-%282010%29

About a year ago, during one of our Board of Directors meetings, we discussed what we could bring to the table when meeting Government officials that will better educate them on why it's important to not shut down the trails in our Province. We all agreed that money talks and that if we had "numbers" that would better document what we are all spending in regards to our wheelin' sport/hobby, that maybe it would get some attention. With a good sampling from trail users in the Province, maybe ... just maybe ... we can help slow down and even stop some gates from being erected on our trails. That we can have an effect that will stop plans to have well established forestry roads and trails from being deactivated and returned to their original and natural state.

In the end, we prepared an online survey (see below) and we ask all wheelers to please take a bit of time and complete the questions as best that you can. Please don't exaggerate the responses, but do include costs for items that match the suggestions that we describe in each question.


Thanks again to everyone!
Mr. D

[jessef]

Done !

[nxski]

Done as well!

[mararmeisto]

Done, although the pages don't refresh very well.

[Rural]

I'm somewhat misaligned with the 4WD Association on this issue. Not diametrically opposed by any means, but maybe 90-degrees off. Since I'm in Alberta, I can remain emotionally distant...mostly.

We see a lot of damage on land that we own. Postings all over the place have done nothing. Shots in the air from a black-powder rifle (impressive sound and a big cloud of smoke, but no threat in my hands (I'm not stupid)) have communicated my feelings and resolve to some, but there are always more where they came from. We're putting up game cameras at the gates to give ourselves some options with the authorities, but I doubt law enforcement will be interested. The situation on crown land is much worse. The damage is extensive.

Obviously, your association's members are more responsible than the folk doing the bulk of the damage. And the public should have some access to public lands. But I suspect you have a problem getting lumped in with the rebel off-roaders. Separating association members from that crowd, and supporting prosecution of the law-breakers, would seem like a good strategy to me... Perhaps better than showing the government how much money off-roaders spend on their hobby. I mean, just because one spends a lot of money on something doesn't mean that it isn't doing do harm.

Now if you actually want the government to spend much money on maintaining the roads that are basically unused by industry... That's going to be a real challenge. Good luck to you.

[jaggedfish]

Hey Delicat!

I will have a look at the survey later as I am a little pressed for time this morning.

I have to agree with what Rural says in someways. Damage to private land is unacceptable.

Here in Alberta we have a number of public Forest Land Use Zones which are designated for off-road use - we were just out in one this past weekend in fact. There are rules associated with the privelege but there are those that still don't abide by them. Generally, the associations that use the parks keep others users aware and keep the parks clean and there are also rangers that frequent the areas. I would suggest that if the government (or whomever) wishes to gate off areas, that the associations could apply for keys to gates allowing them access. Not a foolproof system but perhaps less potential for damage. Ideally it would be nice to just have the trails open as they are here, and groups/associations adopt the areas to help maintain a level of cleanliness and minimize damage. These types of actions by the government are always driven by the bad apples... we have to somehow let them know that the majority of those wishing to use trails are responsible... the amount of money we spend shows how serious we are about our recreation but it doesn't demonstrate our level of responsibility. The Canada Toyota 4WD Association has a good system going... you MUST take the Tread Lightly course before you can even participate in association outtings.

That said, keep up the good work. Will fill out the survey later.
Cheers!
Ian

[lrp374]

Done!!

[trialsmaster2]

Done

[almac]

"You enjoy off-roading?"

i hate off roading... thats why i bought a 4x4...

[CloudMountain]

Ditto to Rural comment.

I bought a 4x4 for when I need to go off road, not to go 4x4ing.