Nix trail expansion for Bayfield County
Seriously, how many miles of trails do snowmobilers and ATVers need in Bayfield County? A few more? A lot more? Or every possible, potential mile that can be had, even if it means going to court, with Bayfield County government spending thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting current county residents to uphold a perceived right to ram one down their throats?
I want an answer. I expect an answer. No matter which side of the issue your alliances lie, everyone in Bayfield County should demand an answer. How many miles are needed? Five hundred miles; 600 miles; 700 miles? Or is it every possible inch of ground in Bayfield County, no matter the cost? No matter the anger? No matter the hard feelings?
According to snowtracks.com the Ashland and Bayfield county area already boasts 800 miles of groomed snowmobile trails each winter, and thousands of miles of forest roads for additional riding. Using very simple arithmetic, that’s roughly 2,000 potential snowmobiling miles, which could be a conservative estimate. How much more is needed to get that special outdoor feeling that seemingly is craved by the motorized recreationist every year.
Personally, I am not a snowmobile or an ATV owner, and I’m not opposed to their use. I may own one or both someday, I don’t know. They don’t make me angry. I have many friends who enjoy those sports. I don’t have any great environmental concerns with their use. They’re good for the economy, they’re a worthwhile venture, and I think as a community we need to welcome those recreationists into the area.
But, neither should Bayfield County and its residents hand over everything to what amounts to a special interest group. As a county community we have already allowed those recreationists the ‘privilege’ of riding in the area. What more is needed?
Has it not occurred to trail expansion proponents that although some residents are not opposed to snowmobiles and ATVs they prefer they not have to live near areas where they are used? Like me. Although I am not opposed to the use of motorized recreational vehicles, neither do I want them motoring around the clock by my house in long snaking lines.
To that point, that’s why my wife and I purchased the home in which we live. At that time, and still today, there are no snowmobile and ATV routes adjoining our property. And I’m sure that’s why other home owners in Bayfield County bought the homes they bought.
Only now, some of them are facing the very real possibility of having trails developed close to the homes they’re raising their families in, houses they’re living out their golden years in, places they thought they could enjoy the quiet of nature in.
Do we not already have a great trail system? Bayfield County Tourism must think so, that office continually touts the system in this area as one of the best in Wisconsin, if not the country — especially when it comes to snowmobiles. Riders must agree, they come here in droves when the snow is good, and there doesn’t seem to be a glut in ATVers motoring around. And from the trails I’ve seen, admittedly little, the system is already great.
Indeed. The hard working snowmobile and ATV clubs, along with the townships and the Bayfield County tourism office should be applauded for their efforts. They’ve done a good job with the trails, with securing easements for the right to cross private lands, with their policing efforts, and with upholding the good of the sport.
But how much more? Really, how many more miles are needed?
Further, can anyone say where in Bayfield County a home-owner can live without fear that a trail will be developed near their home in the future, or a township road opened for traffic along their property? Just like driving an automobile, ATVing and snowmobiling is not a right, it’s a privilege.
Our tourism economy needs visitors of all kinds. Fishermen, skiers, bikers, birders, sight seers — and certainly snowmobilers and ATVers. It’s all good.
But as residents we need to know where those activities are going to be taking place, so if we don’t want to be aligned with any of them we can get away. Particularly when it comes to ATVing and snowmobiling. Nobody wants trails closed. But not everybody wants more trail expansion.
Enough, is enough.