The assertion that off-highway vehicles indiscriminately destroy the land they're operated on is a red herring. Anyone who has tried to follow single track in the spring knows how low-impact this sport can be. However, for those who don't know better and need something to believe in, this is a convenient prospect. This makes the rights of OHV operators easy targets for non-OHVers who think attacking them will help forward their own agenda.

Certainly, the irresponsible use of OHVs, particularly the non two-wheeled variety due to their larger weight and size, can negatively impact the land. Of course, so can the irresponsible use of a horseshoe, mountain bike or hiking boot. It's this irresponsible use that should be regulated, not the pastime itself if it isn't inherently damaging.

Another unfortunate result of these blanket attacks against OHVs is that non-riders fail to see the environmental benefits this sport can provide. The impact vs. more traditional sports can be orders of magnitude less. Ask any neutral party what causes a longer lasting, more severe environmental damage between golf and harescrambles. Any guess as to the answer? What about the truth?

Borrowing a term coined from an unknown source ("ecocross"), your humble correspondent posted the below to a dirt bike discussion board some time ago, but it's relevant to this topic and deserves repeating.

Ecocross saves woods

HOMETOWN, USA -- Environmentalists notched a win here last week as a group of new-age "ecocrossers" saved dozens of acres of local woods from devastation.

By launching a pro-active marketing campaign in early March, which included free public lectures, demonstrations and riding lessons, these off-highway vehicle enthusiasts were able to sway public opinion on the best use of 52 acres of undeveloped public land located eight miles south of Main St. on Highway 1. The land was going to be cleared to make way for a new traditional sports complex.

"Those ecobikes are the most fun I've ever had," said Timmy Smith, local nine-year-old, former soccer player and future ecocrosser. "I can't believe people actually cut down woods so they can have a place to kick balls around when we can ride ecocross and keep the trees."

Reactions such as Smith's dominated a recent special meeting of the town council, which unanimously voted to postpone the development of the land indefinitely and fund a special study on building OHV trails on the acreage.

"Obviously, we erred in our original intentions," said Jane Jones, a council member. "These ecocrossers really showed us the light. It's too bad all sports don't share the same synergies with nature."

The stretch of local wilderness was slated for leveling since last fall when a local group of traditional sports fanatics persuaded the town council to convert it to a sports complex. The complex was to include two baseball diamonds, a football/soccer field and field- and-track facilities. Indoor gyms and, of course, parking lots also were planned.

"We saved this one," said Jon Doe, local pro ecocrosser. "Unfortunately, we can't save them all. The 18-hole golf course eight miles south of here will destroy even more natural terrain and habitats. If only people would embrace ecocross and learn to live in harmony with nature, as opposed to participating in activities that require its destruction, the world would be a better place."

Whereas traditional sports often require the hazing of woods, Ecocross participants ride motorized vehicles around trees and natural obstacles. The activity is designed to offer maximum enjoyment with a minimum amount of negative impact on the land.

Of course, the above scenario isn't true, but its message is. What's better? To level a mountainside to make way for a ski slope or track a few dirt bike trails around those trees? Some people will never get it, not because they're stupid but because the unadulterated practice of their own recreational pursuits precludes compromise.