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

Chad - Elma, Wa

I have been going down to the sand dunes with my dad & friends since I was 13 years old & am 35 now. We generally go down 2 to 3 times a year as we live on the olympic peninsula in Wash. st. otherwise the number would be higher. During this span of 22 years I have noticed 2 trends:

1. An increase in off road vehicles using the dunes as the sport has grown a lot in the last 5 or 6 years. Evidence of this is obvious with the increase in campgrounds, sand camping spots, bike shops in the local towns etc...

2. A decrease in public land available to us for off road recreational use. I have seen sections of the dunes once open to orv's closed for a number of reasons including private property closures, environmental closures, railroad closures (Coos Bay), & noise closures.

These are trends that if continued will end up making things worse like overuse of  certain areas, orv injuries, noise issues, as we are slowly getting squeezed together tighter & tighter at the remaining locations open to orv use.

So I ask you to please don't make the problem worse by closing down more land to orv use when in fact it should be the other way around.

Thank you.

Chad Fishel

Elma Wa.

98541

Areas I ride are Coos Bay, Winchester Bay, Sand lakes, Florence.

Brad

I've been to several of these closure meeting in the past couple years. I believe in saving land but also believe that my state of Oregon needs to maintain it's recreation areas for all to enjoy.

Whether it's us in the dunes or trails ,jet boats going up the Rogue, hiking in the Cascades, hunting in eastern Oregon or plain simply camping in a state or county park we need to save our

land for ALL!

Take,take,take.........Take more rec areas and then we can still wonder why our kids and soceity are getting fatter and unhealthy be the minute, because we can sit on our lazy ass'es  and play with

electronic crap.

How about you Politician's look around and see what's wrong NO take a REAL look! If you’re my age  (48) I loved camping with my dad. Now I can't get a 11 year old kid to think about camping without

WI-FI or electricty. What do you see wrong with that? Have you Politician's thought anything about trying to give something back?

Brad Lindsay

AKUNDERBIRD@GMAIL.COM

Richard - Albany, Or

I am writing to express my deep concerns over the possible additional closure of OHV riding areas in the Oregon Dunes.  Although I am relatively new to this sport, I have met many incredible people and business owners along the Oregon coast.  We all share a passion and respect for the dunes and the unique ORV recreation they provide. 

It was out of this respect and a sense of responsibility that I have joined atv clubs that promote responsible, safe riding as well as good stewardship.  As such we have multiple dune and beach clean-ups each year and follow the rules of treading lightly.  We also are concerned about maintaining compliance with current noise regulations.

Many of our members, as well as thousands of others, plan numerous family vacations each year to the Oregon Dunes.  We spend money in the local communities.  We care about these communities and businesses.  We care about the riding areas.  We try to give back by protecting both.  We do not condone any of those who ride irresponsibly or who do not abide by the rules.

Closing more riding areas does not help the dunes or the local economy.  Instead it will concentrate riding into smaller and smaller areas, increasing congestion (and the likelihood of accidents), as well as concentrating noise.  I believe this will only lead to more more complaints, more regulations and more closures.

Sincerely,
Richard
Albany, OR

Dan - Estacada, Or

I am writing to express my concern over the possible closure of more OHV dune riding areas in Oregon.  As with many riders, this has become a family activity for us.  My children have grown up in the sport, and have developed a strong love of our beautiful Oregon Coast and the dunes.  We take 6 or more trips to the Florence area each year, staying 4 to 10 days at a time.  This means we spend quite a bit of money into the local economy there, from food, gas, entertainment, atv parts, etc. 

If more riding areas are closed, we will likely give up riding in those areas.  If dozens of riders and families like us do the same, it will have a devastating impact on those local economies.  I'm sure that those small cities rely more on OHV tourism than anything else.
 

In addition to the economical impact, there is a safety issue in closing more riding areas.  This has become an increasingly popular sport (which will only continue to add to the economy).  The more riders in smaller areas increases congestion.  And those smaller areas will feel the impact of higher OHV traffic - which I believe goes against the desire to further protect the environment.

Responsible riders care about the environment and want to do our part in preserving it.  However, closing more riding areas is not the way to do it.  The impact of such closures are too negative.  And I believe that what is hoped to be achieved by closing more riding areas will not happen because riding in currently restricted areas is not even enforced. Adding more regulations without enforcement of the current regs is meaningless. 

I believe parties on both sides can work together to find a way to protect our beautiful dunes and preserve the economy and the sport, without the negative impact of closing more areas to riders. 

Sincerely,

Dan

Estacada, OR

Cynthia - Estacada, Or

To: ODNRA OHV Designated Routes Working Group

We have been riding OHV's  at the Oregon Dunes for more than 10 years, primarily out of Florence.  This has become a family activity, and a major part of our lives.   It is a way for us to enjoy the beauty of the Oregon coast while participating in a sport that we have become passionate about.  Over the years, we have come to know, love and respect the local communities, and have met many wonderful people and have developed life long friendships.  It has also been a way for us to teach our children about safety, responsibility and respect for the environment.
 

We have found that those opposed to OHV riding on the dunes typically have a biased, one-sided view of the people involved in the sport.  They paint everyone with the same brush - as being irresponsible, and having total disregard for the environment.    The truth is that the MAJORITY of the people involved in OHV riding are very responsible, and care very much about our environment.   The majority of riders follow the rules and regulations, and try to encourage others to do the same.
  

Unfortunately, as with EVERY sport and activity, there are people that are not always responsible.  But again, that can be found in EVERY sport and activity, not just OHV riding.  Closing more of the dunes to OHV riding will NOT stop these irresponsible people.  They will keep doing what they are doing.   Enforcement of the current regulations is what is needed, not adding more closures and regulations.  We believe the enforcement agencies need to partner with those of us in the sport that ARE responsible, and work together to protect the restricted areas from damage.  Many of us belong to groups that are more than willing to become pro-active (ie: Buggyfreaks), not only in areas like beach clean-up projects, but in helping our enforcement officers target the abusers.
 

Closing more of the dunes will have an extremely negative impact on local economies.  The responsible riders will likely stop going to places where our riding is restricted.  We put a LOT of money into the local economies.   Many businesses in dune riding areas rely on OHV riders for their livelihood.  An alternative solution to closing riding areas needs to be found.  Fencing, better signage, better enforcement of current regulations and riding restrictions would be a start. 

Sincerely,

Cynthia Daniels

Estacada, Oregon

Robert - Bend, Or

To whom it may concern,


I wanted to write a short letter telling you why i think closing MORE of OUR dunes down will affect my family.  I grew up in the Coos Bay/North Bend area and currently live in Bend, Oregon.  I grew up out on the sand dunes with my dad and mom and all of there friends when there were no atv's other than an occasional 3 wheeler.  We would take long trail rides in an old 72' chevy blazer, take trips from boxcar hill to the beach and have bbq's.  It was some of the greatest childhood memories. 


I now am married and building a family of my own, and have recently got my wife into the dunes and building 4 wheelers.  In todays world where most families rarely do a lot TOGETHER, this is something that we both love and would do everyday if we could.  I don't know a lot about all of the closures other than they affect us directly when it comes to enjoying what we love to do.  We go to all of the different dune recreation areas and love to explore where every single trail goes just because its new and fun.  Now with all the closures it is getting certain areas so small that they are not fun for us to travel to anymore.  I can't even imagine all the people who have lost there jobs, or will lose there jobs because the tourism dollars go away.  I say to you that want to shut the dunes down....You are hurting that little kid who looks up to his or her parents and wants to grow up and bring there family to the dunes, and beaches to enjoy someday.


Sincerely,


Robert and Brandi Keady