Topic: Getting our trails closed

[75 toy]

I got some pics of some idiots tearing up the hillside at bald last weekend. They were off the trail in the dirt and when I said to them "that's why they close trails the guy just shrugged and sent up the hillside anyway. Because they seemed not to care I ratted them out to NFS and now I'm feeling a little guilty. What do you guys think?

[jonathan82toy]

I know I want to keep wheelin..... I would have done it too                               


























  

[PadawanYota_Stovy]

Don't be . If we see people doing that in our local area of WA if we can we take pictures of their rig and  plate and send it in as well. Because that is what gets the trail is dumb ass people trying to mud or tear up the forest and being dummies . it is usually the city people or people who don't know any better that do this stupid act because they think its "cool" or fun . IMO way to go and keep the trails safe , fun and enjoyable . 

[junya92toy]

You made the right call.

[unclejpl4x4]

agreed you did it right    

[75 toy [OP]]

I think climbing over rocks or granite next to the trail is not a big deal if you dont go off into the dirt. Its pretty common here, but when the dirt and vegitation starts getting torn up they start looking at closing trails. Thats what gives ammunition to the green people. I have to admit I dont like seeing motorcycle or 4x4 scars in hillsides myself.

[kneedownnate]

I would have done the same, never even think twice about it.  If people don't want to get in trouble for doing something bad, they need to have the foresight to avoid doing it in the first place!  I've had people say stuff like "you got me in trouble for screwing off at work".  No, YOU got yourself in trouble for screwing off 

And I agree, hopping up on a rock on the side of the trail isn't anything to sweat, but tearing crap up and giving them fodder screws us all. 

[Rocksurfer]

We wouldn't have stood for that here, we are all for fun but staying on the trails or posted areas not only keeps things as they should be but enhances our travels offroad. I not only enjoy wheeling but also take in the sights, but if the beauty is destroyed by carelessness not only will it ruin the area but it will be used against us and we will be locked out of an area. Spider Lake is a perfect example of what can happen if you ignore stupid people and don't report them. Reporting them was the right thing to do, not only are those that destroy found out but it also shows that most of the offroading community cares about the enviroment sans a few.

[*FFC*]

We wouldn't have stood for that here, we are all for fun but staying on the trails or posted areas not only keeps things as they should be but enhances our travels offroad. I not only enjoy wheeling but also take in the sights, but if the beauty is destroyed by carelessness not only will it ruin the area but it will be used against us and we will be locked out of an area. Spider Lake is a perfect example of what can happen if you ignore stupid people and don't report them. Reporting them was the right thing to do, not only are those that destroy found out but it also shows that most of the offroading community cares about the enviroment sans a few.

What he said.

I'da not only given them a piece of my mind - I'da very obviously taken pics of their rigs and told them what I was going to do with those pics (turn them in!)

[79coyotefrg]

I got some pics of some idiots tearing up the hillside at bald last weekend. They were off the trail in the dirt and when I said to them "that's why they close trails the guy just shrugged and sent up the hillside anyway. Because they seemed not to care I ratted them out to NFS and now I'm feeling a little guilty. What do you guys think?

dude, your my hero

Ive done it, and I'll do it again

[toyodaaddict]

ive allways been a bit confused about reporting trail rule violaters to the FS wont they just turn around and use the evidence against the entire 4wheeling comunity? from what ive read on the forum  and the little bit ive heard from the trail watch programs reporting these violations is what needs to be done so i guess im on board just a bit confused as to how reporting violations will help. ive never cought any one in the act just witnessed the aftermath and the truck loads of garbage left behind by the a$$holes. wich i pick up and pack out when ever possible. i think they need to enforce having the NWFS pass, i understand they dont have the man power to check everyone but if they made the penalty for not having it say a $1000 fine it might help. i believe alot of the garbage and land destruction in NW wa. is done by once a year campers and idiots that like to tear up and these kind of people dont buy the NWFS pass.i can say in the past 3 years ive only been asked about my pass once and that was at evans creek. sorry for getting off topic but trail rule violation really pisses me off and i needed to rant

[Rocksurfer]

Look at it this way if you don't report them not only will they still see the damage but they will blame everyone on 4 wheels, which is generally what happens. A few stupid idiots ruin it for everyone, they will still see the damage done and they will still try to lock us out so by reporting them you at least don't take the blame just because you drive offroad and if you don't do anything at all you are no better than those that do it.

[junya92toy]

If they know other 4 wheelers are responsible then it lets them know we all arent yahoos out there

[toyodaaddict]

   that makes sence. sometimes i just feel like anyone who doesnt wheel is out to shut us down. when the time comes that i catch a violater in the act ill be taking pictures and reporting them.

[papa mike]

it was a good call

[Stocker]

Don't feel at all guilty for turning them in... ya did good!! 


Also, if they get in a bit of trouble, maybe they'll think twice before they do something like that again.

[86rustbucket]

What he said.

I'da not only given them a piece of my mind - I'da very obviously taken pics of their rigs and told them what I was going to do with those pics (turn them in!)

HE DID,...... i seen it 

[*FFC*]

HE DID,...... i seen it 

I saw that Thanks!!

[axled89]

 

[fj-rankenstein]

you definitelly did the right thing...i have done the same and dont regret it one bit..   it always amazes me that no matter how hard a person tries to make things better for anyone else there are always those losers out there that wreck it for us..    i think this is definitelly the difference between someone who is a 4x4/ outdoor enthusiast  vs.  some loser who just buys or builds a truck and tears up land and creates new trails on non designated off road land.   we use our trucks and trials and try to enjoy this hobby with a little respect to the environment where as they are doing this for a cheap thrill with no care for consequences... these people will continue to destroy it for the rest of us and when there are no trails to drive on anymore they will just choose and exploit some other destructive hobbie till they screw it up for everyone again..  i just dont understand this mindset...

[Rocksurfer]

What this boils down to is we must police ourselves, it's not like you can call the police and they come out and resolve the situation. If we are not proactive and deal with issues offroad, they will be reactive and just lock us out. It is bad enough battling the Nature Nazi's constantly trying to find a reason to complain about an area to close it to us. The asbestos situation up in the OHV areas in Northern California is a prime example of an excuse of protecting us from ourselves. Then on top of it to go where we shouldn't be and destroying the landscape and delicate habitat needs to be on everyones mind while enjoying not only what we love to do but also not destroy the main thing that brought us there in the 1st place, the beauty of being in nature.

[75 toy [OP]]

Thanx everyone. I just hate to cause problems for people even if they bring it on themselves. I was young and stupid once but I feel like if we don't protect it from them (or ourselves), soon there will be no place to go wheeling.

[freds40]

You did it right Dan. Anthony (local FS OHV contact) appreciates knowing there are responsible people on the trail trying to keep them open. There is a few instances I can think of where fines have been mailed to the irresponsible wheelers if a licence plate was also captured on film. The numbers I've heard thrown around are nothing to scoff at either. If Anthony can nail those guys I'm sure he will.

Unfortunately there are many people new to the sport who don't take the time to educate themelves so the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the responsible trail goers.

Glad you took some time out of your trip to try and educate. 

[WHITE_TRASH]

I got some pics of some idiots tearing up the hillside at bald last weekend. They were off the trail in the dirt and when I said to them "that's why they close trails the guy just shrugged and sent up the hillside anyway. Because they seemed not to care I ratted them out to NFS and now I'm feeling a little guilty. What do you guys think?

You absolutely did the right thing.  My wife owns a non profit organization that is dedicated to doing exactly what you did.  We have turned in and documented many violators.  Some call us trail nazi's and that's fine they are entitled to their opinion.  But when we watch our trails getting shut down due to these morons tearing things up we have to do something to put an end to the destruction.  It's all about educating them, some of these guys just don't know any better..

If you're interested check out www.orvtrailwatch.org  We are based in the PNW but the principals are the same everywhere. 

[BLACKDOG]

ive allways been a bit confused about reporting trail rule violaters to the FS wont they just turn around and use the evidence against the entire 4wheeling comunity? from what ive read on the forum  and the little bit ive heard from the trail watch programs reporting these violations is what needs to be done so i guess im on board just a bit confused as to how reporting violations will help. ive never cought any one in the act just witnessed the aftermath and the truck loads of garbage left behind by the a$$holes. wich i pick up and pack out when ever possible. i think they need to enforce having the NWFS pass, i understand they dont have the man power to check everyone but if they made the penalty for not having it say a $1000 fine it might help. i believe alot of the garbage and land destruction in NW wa. is done by once a year campers and idiots that like to tear up and these kind of people dont buy the NWFS pass.i can say in the past 3 years ive only been asked about my pass once and that was at evans creek. sorry for getting off topic but trail rule violation really pisses me off and i needed to rant

I think I can safely say the majority of rangers don't mind the responsible wheelers, they'd much rather go after the jack s that run off the trail then come after us as a whole.  Lost access is also lost revenue, both for the gov't (green stickers, smog for the trail rigs, reg for the trail rigs, for the trailers, for the tow rigs, etc.) as well as for the local guys near the trails that benefit from sales and services to wheelers, Robb's Resort being a prime example. I've heard of people losing their green stickers over something like this, in addition to the pretty hefty fines that get handed out. 

To the OP, you definitely did it right.  We were all young and dumb once, but that doesn't cut it anymore.  The greenies are out for blood, and we all need to do our part.  Well done!