Hello All,
I was keeping quiet on this subject for a while, but am going to put in my 02. This is my opinion and only that if anyone cares. I, like Dave consider myself a neutral party on this subject. Do I condone what is going on at 1/4 and other places, NO, do I do my best to prevent it, YES. Do I condone the bashing of everyone out there who drives a 4x4, hell no, however, a few bad apples spoil the barrel. I do drive in the pines almost every weekend, but I do my best not to damage anything and leave it the way I find it. I, like most on this site enjoy going out and taking in the scenery, etc. Going out with the intent to destroy is on some folks agendas and is wrong. Now that I mentioned the word, "agenda" lets look at that. Our friend, pineslover, has come to us recently and has been posting like mad on this subject, a truly passionate pines supporter in some opinions. In my opinion, Mr. Lover is in a political position or longs to be and needs a certain feather in his cap to further himself. I have seen his type before. He will tell you what he loves and supports for his own personal gain. The part that scares me the most that few commented on is when it was suggested that the Jeep Jamboree permit be revoked. While they may have no regard for what we are trying to accomplish, if we make it easy for state government to revoke this permit, what one will be next? Beach Buggy permits, which I have, fishing or hunting licenses? The Curly Fern Enduro? or maybe, just maybe all vehicular access to Wharton and Byrne and all other areas like ours. We need to be careful here in the way we approach govornment or we may be cutting off our noses to spite our faces. I hope I am very wrong about Mr. Lover and his agenda, apologies if I am and also if you are a Ms. Lover! This is and always will be a super sensitive issue when it comes to conservation and recreation. I just hope everyone takes each person they meet in the pines at face value and doesn't lump them all together. The guy that drives the huge 4x4 may just be the guy that helps your wife or daughter change a flat in the pouring rain, or the guy wanting to stop the madness and damage may be him as well. My .02 let the flaming begin.