In the winter issue of Trout, David Hart wrote about TU’s conservation work in the Shenandoah Headwaters, fragile brook trout habitat in western and southern Virginia. One of the tributaries Hart reported on was Dry River near Harrisonburg, Va., which has had issues with off-road vehicles carving out illegal trails and, unbelievably, driving across and in the riverbed itself. Check out these amazingly disturbing videos of off-road vehicle users proudly driving through trout streams.
By Iris December 17, 2009 - 8:52 pm
This kind of thing really frustrates those of us who enjoy responsible off-road recreation. Not only do we pay attention to the rules and signage on the trail – including restricted trails, closed sections, etc – we often end up hauling out garbage that others have left. We watch for signs about delicate ecosystems and take care to move through quickly and leave as little tire track on that area as possible. The other members of our regular offroading group do the same.
So when I see things like this I just want to scream! These people do nothing to help off-road enthusiasts and environmentalists get along and work together to preserve land that we all want to use responsibly. We should be on the same page. Neither anglers nor off-roaders want to see these places closed due to disrespect and destruction. We should be promoting responsible use.
To that end, I appreciate TU pointing out these idiots and their bad behavior, but I would love to see some outreach to stop this madness, not just complain and cry about it.
How about a follow-up, in which local Virginia TU groups get out to offroad clubs in the Shenandoah headwaters area and plan a collaborative trail building day, so we can connect and learn from each other? It could be a real win-win situation, anglers could help build ecologically responsible trails where offroaders could have fun without destroying trout habitat, and the offroaders could learn about the trout and why they should stay out of the river. We need action, TU, not just outrage.
By John Kelly December 19, 2009 - 11:45 am
What stupendously selfish behavior! Or perhaps it’s ignorance of the destruction these fun-seekers cause to a treasure meant for all of us to enjoy. They bound and lurch over a world of life about which they seem oblivious. Gouges in the earth they leave behind will affect the environment long after they’ve moved on to other pursuits.
By George Nyberg December 21, 2009 - 10:27 am
What I just saw is inexcusable. Are there no fines for this type of behavior? If something is not done quickly to stop these characters, we all will lose. I think that this could be just the “tip of the iceberg.” I have not seen this sort of behavior in my area, but if I do, I’ll get license nos. I appreciate the persons who videoed this and brought it to the attention of TU.
I hope that responsible off-roaders and TU can work together to stop this sort of thing in the future.
By Walter April 1, 2010 - 7:49 pm
If you think that is bad, wait until the city logs the property now that they realize they actually own it. Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
By BAP March 22, 2011 - 7:38 am
Attached is the actual proposal the Town of Harrisonburg is going with. I talked to Ande Banks on the town council out of curiosity.
(http://www.harrisonburgva.gov/fileadmin/user_upload/cityman/files/plans/HBGFORMGTPLAN.pdf)