It's time to do something... NOW!
It's a fact: Within the next few years, we are likely to be stripped of our ability to ride off-highway vehicles and 4x4s on both private and public lands. Special-interest groups (like the Sierra Club) are leading this charge by standing firm and devising aggressive strategic plans to remove vehicles of all types from public lands and waterways.
It's up to us, the ones who use the trails regularly to fight for our right to use these lands. No one's going to do it for us! It's not going to get better on its own. The problem won't just go away. It's time to take a stand, and fight against these closures. Because four-wheelers are environmentalists too!
You can do something, no matter how small, to make a difference. At the very least, make yourself heard, by sharing your point of view with someone – anyone – who is in a key position of authority. Not only will you feel empowered personally for doing something about the future of four-wheeling, but you'll also be setting a good example to the other offroaders you cross paths with.
Imagine... If all the four-wheelers you know would do the same thing, and so on, and so on, we'd finally be viewed as a strong, meaningful voice. We'd be seen as a group of intelligent individuals who are taking steps to make a difference in the sport of 4-wheeling, rather than simply as "idiots" who like to tear up the land. We could rule the world!
Can you see the value of just one person taking the time to step up and be heard? Do you really want to make a difference for the cause? If you enjoy four-wheeling, then protecting our trails and riding areas should become one of your highest priorities.
The problem is big. It can be overwhelming to think about all that needs to be done to preserve our riding areas while casting a positive light on four-wheelers. But, just because we can't fix everything doesn't mean we shouldn't try to fix something.
Here are the most common reasons that four-wheelers choose to be passive rather than active in this fight:
- I didn't know it was a problem; I don't feel knowledgeable enough. Maybe you've heard about four-wheelers in places like California and Colorado getting involved in land use issues, but it hasn't been a problem in your area yet. Rest assured, if not now, then soon. No area of the country is immune. No trail is too small. We will all be affected in some way or another, no matter where we live. You can use the information within this multi-part article to educate yourself about the issue and how it does affect you.
- I don't know who to contact. Most people don't really know who represents them in Congress or their State Legislature, so they don't know who to contact when there is an issue. These people are paid to represent you and your neighbors. The reason they sought public service was to help a community get what it wants, so they actually want to hear from you! In this article you'll find direct links to your personal representatives.
- I don't know what to say. Say what's in your heart and on your mind about land rights. Talk about the positive things that four-wheelers do in your local area. Do your best to educate others about the sport of 4-wheeling and our shared interest in multiple-use lands. In this article, you'll find sample letters and ideas of things to say to the people who have an impact on the future of our trails and riding areas.
- I don't have the time. Of all the examples of the ways that one person can make a world of difference highlighted in this article, many take 30 minutes or less to carry out. A few even take less than 5 minutes! Rest assured, there are a multitude of ways that one can make a difference, no matter how small. And time is not the thing that gets in the way. It's a mindset... It's up to you to do something.
- I don't think it will matter. If there were just one thing that you would take away from this action-oriented article about fighting for four-wheelers' rights to use public lands, it's this: One person can make a difference! You can choose to be active, rather than passive. You can choose to educate yourself about the issue and be a role model to current and future four-wheelers. You can make a difference, no matter how small.
Here's how!
8 Simple Things You Can Do To Make A Difference
9 Ways To Increase Public Awareness
How To Write Good Letters To Elected Officials
How To Find Your Local, State and Federal Reps
