Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Title: “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently

Wilderness designation is a two edged sword. It preserves the land in its native state for future generations and provides current generations with the opportunity to travel is country on foot or horse back in more or less it's unspoiled state.

On the other hand competitive events cannot be run in wilderness areas which impacts the AERC. In some areas, there is a limit on the size of groups. I like to ride Wilderness areas, but I have mixed emotions on the compatibility of endurance rides as they are currently run in Wilderness areas - I don't think they are.

There might be a middle ground where special sanctioned rides for lifetimes miles only - no placements, on BC, no miles counting in the current year standings - could be defined that would satisfy the provisions of the Wilderness act while allow these lands to be used for endurance rides - just not "competitive rides."

I personally believe that the preservation of  our natural heritages passing on at least some of our wild places to future generations is a responsibility of our society. If we don't - all future generations will see is pits from strip minds, blown off mountain tops with all the debris in the valleys were streams and brooks used to run from mountain top mining. As one that grew up in Western KY strip mine country watching Mr. Peabody's Coal Company rape and plunder the land - we can do better.

One of the best weeks I have ever spent was a week long back packing trip in the Maroon Bells Wilderness in CO. Six days and seeing few other people than the three others in the party in some of the most beautify country on the face of the earth. BTW of the other people we say one group was two women on  horse back so the issue is not riding Wilderness on horseback - it's competitive events.

The Wilderness act is what it is. It is not going away.  If we want to use Wilderness land it's time for the AERC to fashion a ride format that can be held using wilderness areas in such a manner that is consistent with the preservation of the land and the law.

Truman

Cindy Collins wrote:

I agree 100% with Karen.  Sadly, our endurance ride trails are in way more danger from wilderness than from any kind of drilling or mining.  I wish it wasn't so, but it is.  Thanks for being willing to state an unpopular view, Karen.  It was wilderness that gutted the most beautiful section of the Big Horn, not multiple use.  Cindy


[RC] Bryce Canyon 5 day - Karen
Actually, having a strip mine south of Panguitch should not affect the 5 day Bryce Canyon ride at all.  What will affect the Bryce ride is if the environmentalists try to expand that entire area into more protected wilderness area.

SUWA cost us the Outlaw Trail Ride as well as losing some great Mt Carmel loops.  Think about it---- What would a coal mine have to do with stopping a trail ride unless it was right on the trail (and, it's not).  On the other hand, making an area a wilderness area or a National Park or Monument totally kills the opportunity for an AERC ride.

Karen

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“The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.”  Friedrich Nietzsche