Richard - Florence, Or

TAXES, FEES, GRANOLA, AND GASOLINE                                                      June 26, 2010

As we all know it is expensive to be an ATV enthusiast.  We buy expensive machines and then we modify them.  We buy big rigs, trailers, RVs and modify them too. With that comes DMV fees, Federal, State, and local gas tax, off-road permits, etc.  Last I checked most people who hike, bike, kayak, etc. don’t have as much invested in their equipment with the exception of fisherman.  But that’s a whole other ballgame.

Most people who hike, bike, and kayak bring their own food, sleep in a tent and typically use established trails and campgrounds.  They don’t shop much or eat out much locally.  They don’t spend much period.  But there is more land set aside for that type of use.  They don’t want to be around the off-road community because of noise.  They also don’t like to hike on the sand because it’s too difficult for most people.  I’ve never seen a person biking in the dunes or on any of the trails in the Oregon Dunes Recreational Area.  With that said, I know for a fact that there are plenty of other established recreation areas that already exist up and down coast of Oregon for those activities.  We are only trying to keep and maintain our only recreational area on the coast that we pay an extremely high cost for in taxes and fees.

So as a US tax payer, I know that all of us who pay taxes don’t have any control of how, where, and when that money is being spent.  The only way we can be heard is to use our 1^st amendment right and voice our rights as tax payers on how we want our money spent or used.

As far as the wildlife goes, I have experienced encounters with wildlife in my sand rail frequently which tells me that the wildlife is not affected and continues to live and coexist with off-road ATV noise and usage.  I understand the need for those who want to use the dunes for a peaceful experience, but there are plenty of other dune locations that can be used away from the ATV areas that already exist.  All we are asking for is to respectfully keep and maintain our only existing trails and riding areas.  I know it’s hard for those who don’t ride to understand our way of life or for that fact even care.  I think most people have an image of a beer drinking knuckle head person tearing it up and out of control with no respect for the environment.  Well, we all know that’s not true.  Most of us are spending time with our families enjoying the outdoors.  As I have said before, we are all here because of our passions.  We need to respect and understand one another’s views.  So please keep in mind that this is the only place on the whole Oregon coast that is perfect for the passion of those who love to ride on the trails and sand.

I would like everyone to reflect and think about this.  The off-road/ATV community is not asking for the area to only be used for off-road/ATV use only.  We are only asking to keep what we already have which includes sharing it with everyone else and coexisting with the wildlife as it has since the very first off-road/ATV person started using the area.  We agree that too many of us have loud exhausts and maybe go in areas that are sensitive but that is an issue that the forest department need to do more of by spending our tax dollars in the right way.  By the three E’s:  education, engineering, and enforcement.  Plus these issues are not just in the off-road/ATV community.  They also exist in the camping, hiking, bird watching, biking, hunting, fishing, and boating communities too.  People trespass, use land without paying the proper fees or permits, etc.  So just remember our taxes, fees, and voices are the only tools we have to defend our rights.  So I leave you with this, as you know once you lose something it’s hard to get it back.

Respectfully,

Richard Contreras