[Redliner]

Land use issues will never, ever, go away. As a member of IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) in Utah in the mid-90's, I went to the land access meetings and ended up on the receiving end of all kinds of attacks from evironmentalist groups, equestrian groups, hiking enthusiasts, and even off-roaders, although to a lesser degree. Every group seems (or seemed) to have a specific idea of how the land access should be managed, and surprise surprise it always catered to their own interests.

People need to understand that land is there for all of us. If land users can be courteous and responsible, there is no reason that everyone's needs can not be met. The issues seem to be much more hot-button in the US, but in much of Canada different land user groups coexist in relative peacefulness. Off roading is a little more problematic because the vehicles are large, fast, and motorized, and can present a danger to other users. That's why there are areas set aside for this like Maclean creek, and I don't have any problem whatsoever with them being there. Off-road enthusiasts have just as much a right to pursue their interests as I do. For those who complain about the damage they do to the land - it really isn't much. They make mudholes and maybe tear up the surface, but it's pretty minor stuff that would repair itself very quickly if left alone. There is very little pollution or lasting impact to the area if the users are responsible.

Bottom line is any land user should follow some basic rules. Take out what you bring in, be courteous to others, and use existing trails - don't make new ones.