tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post5365325757289975257..comments2024-02-21T01:37:44.813-08:00Comments on Trevor Herriot's Grass Notes: More on prairie trails: unregulated ATVs and unmanaged access Trevor Herriothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-27375279662480151392016-05-09T08:35:23.615-07:002016-05-09T08:35:23.615-07:00Can't say I have been to the area you are refe...Can't say I have been to the area you are referring to, but yes for sure forestry practices can hurt the ecology in the north. I live and travel mostly in the grassland regions of the province where habitat is destroyed by cultivation and resource industries. Thanks for the reminder that our north needs some love too.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-26537210969228604922016-05-08T10:18:16.278-07:002016-05-08T10:18:16.278-07:00I am a hunter, former mining manger, I own a atv t...I am a hunter, former mining manger, I own a atv to bring elk out of my hunting area and my wife and I trail ride in forest reserves on the THOUSANDS OF KILLOMETERS OF ROADS MADE BY THE LARGE LOGGING COMPANIES. The logged out areas are a total war zone. Yet that seems ok. No one seems to care about this major damage. The forest roads I ride on are void of trees, grass, and in most cases it is hard to see any wildlife like we used to. There is however endless moonscapes. What do you all think about that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-80701145683834510422015-11-24T11:45:08.025-08:002015-11-24T11:45:08.025-08:00And the ditches are public land that is already di...And the ditches are public land that is already disturbed. Thanks for the contribution Mike.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-73621966417811428002015-11-24T11:11:03.969-08:002015-11-24T11:11:03.969-08:00Furthermore , there is thousands of kilometers of ...Furthermore , there is thousands of kilometers of ditch in this province, twice as many thousands as there are roads in fact, which snowmobilers have made good use of . The trouble is ATVers like to stay in tracks until they are ground down and nothing will ever grow there again.,,,MikeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-82036811231843328992015-11-24T11:05:42.733-08:002015-11-24T11:05:42.733-08:00very welcomevery welcomeTrevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-11391748385892114942015-11-24T10:47:52.678-08:002015-11-24T10:47:52.678-08:00Trevor ...I want to thank you for this. ...MikeTrevor ...I want to thank you for this. ...MikeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-74140663566934861082015-10-05T11:43:40.324-07:002015-10-05T11:43:40.324-07:00Thanks for the update, Jeff--and of course no need...Thanks for the update, Jeff--and of course no need to apologize. The summer is short. I didnt know about that damage assessment. It would be interesting to see what their report is like. Meanwhile, have you been invited to take part in that ATV review happening later this month? Email me at trevorherriot@gmail.com if you want details.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-49017464232545257622015-10-04T11:03:57.612-07:002015-10-04T11:03:57.612-07:00I apologize for the delay in updating but life and...I apologize for the delay in updating but life and work got in the way. CO's and a govt environmentalist flew a drone over and walked the derby course in early July. The only damage they noted was a roughly 40 sq ft area. Our Lions Club was refused when we asked for copies of the drone pictures. We had been given copies of April pictures from the drone showing the damage we had caused when we were being threatened with fines. We were informed (rather sheepishly) that no further action would be taken. Again Trevor I apologize for not getting in touch to follow up on my offer to take you on a tour of the course. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-71727959934962618452015-07-04T22:24:56.656-07:002015-07-04T22:24:56.656-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05479502114521254222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-50411792911128168672015-06-15T07:54:40.226-07:002015-06-15T07:54:40.226-07:00thanks for that report on Regina Beach--it does se...thanks for that report on Regina Beach--it does seem to be a hotspot. The Little Arm hills have been destroyed by unauthorized off-roading.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-83781519283367807102015-06-13T15:38:28.790-07:002015-06-13T15:38:28.790-07:00The core issue is the oft-repeated word "enti...The core issue is the oft-repeated word "entitlement". We live in a society in which our personal wants overshadow the wants of other people. This example of ATV mis-use is just one of many. I've stayed with friends at Regina Beach in summer and have had other cabin owners launch fireworks whenever they want - 2 or 3 am. In summer and in winter, ATV's and snowmobiles drive up and down the main street - also with no consideration for the time of day. How many of us have covered our ears because some motorcycle has passed us on the street with mufflers that have no pretense at eliminating high dB sounds? Responsible owners say these are the exceptions. I would argue they are not. These are the obvious, in-your-face examples saying we'll do what we bloody well want and you just have to suck it up. The fact someone might be driving quietly on some back trail is almost a moot point. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-74200248858927989362015-06-12T06:38:37.872-07:002015-06-12T06:38:37.872-07:00Dear Trevor,
I am writing this in response to your...Dear Trevor,<br />I am writing this in response to your blog comments of May 20, 2015 about Lone Tree Pasture. I would call into question your repeating of comments made by a Val Marie area rancher in regards to Lone Tree Pasture. First if this person lead you to believe that they are a patron this is questionable, I am not aware of anyone from there being a patron of that pasture. Secondly Val Marie is about 30-35 miles (50-55 kms) from Lone Tree Pasture---which is actually south of Bracken, Sk. Thirdly there are no elk down there and the deer in that area are quite scarce. Lastly Lone Tree Pasture Patrons have contracted the services of a former PFRA manager to oversee pasture operations on a yearly basis and he lives at the pasture headquarters. I am not a member of Lone Tree Pasture but am a friend and neighbour to several people who are and 2 of which are members of their board. I would suggest that in the future before you post second hand stories such as this maybe you could talk to people who are involved with the pasture to see if things like this are true. As a steward of the land I take offense to people who are not involved in my industry telling me and my counterparts that we can’t look after and manage tracts of crown land. We all know and understand that if we don’t look after the grass and ecosystem that comes with it (all wildlife and species at risk) we will not be successful.<br />Respectfully,<br />A concerned citizen of the Ranching Community<br />Wayne Andree<br />Orkney/Val Marie Area Grass FarmerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-80136121205867863542015-06-10T08:17:14.007-07:002015-06-10T08:17:14.007-07:00Thanks for sending along your thoughts, Christine....Thanks for sending along your thoughts, Christine. I think there are many folks who share your experience and I am discovering that some of them are afraid to speak out in public. Thanks for being one of the brave ones.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-30642562540554670892015-05-26T10:50:02.107-07:002015-05-26T10:50:02.107-07:00I really appreciated this blog post. I live in th...I really appreciated this blog post. I live in the Aspen - Spruce forest fringe, south of Spiritwood on Meeting Lake. My husband grew up in this quarter and alot a small part of it is a field, most is uncut natural forest. When we moved out here in 09, we decided to stop all the ATVing because of the destuction to the habitat. Since we are between two cabins development, when we stopped access to our land, it pissed off a tonne of people and it gets ugly because they are still cutting new trails after we fenced off the existing ones. Basically, all the ATVers hate me. But this is an important wildlife corridor betweeen two small lakes, the last place that there is the shelter of the forest. We felt a responsablity to the land and the other species to protect it. We have alot of lake front and frankly are not well off. We could be millionaires if we sold. People resent us for not selling, because we are getting in the way of development. But my husband can't stand the idea of letting them come in here and clear out lots for cabins, making if impossible for the animals and birds to make their home here. <br /><br />One of the problems with ATV's is the sense of entitlement to a place to quad. This arrogance is what fuels all the discord.<br /><br />Our land is covered in walking - quading trails. What makes me upset is that because of the aggresiveness of the ATV's we have had to ban everyone from our property. If we allow people to walk or ride bike, the ATV's use those access points to get in. And I wish there was a way to let people continue to enjoy the natural beauty, without having to fight with AVTers. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-73860952549262837552015-05-25T21:13:48.656-07:002015-05-25T21:13:48.656-07:00Ok. Lets do the arrangements over email though. I ...Ok. Lets do the arrangements over email though. I guess it will depend on when your friend can make it. Let me know--trevorherriot@gmail.comTrevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-89532360701877826422015-05-24T10:27:38.798-07:002015-05-24T10:27:38.798-07:00Sounds fair to me. I will also bring an ecologist....Sounds fair to me. I will also bring an ecologist. The person I would like to bring lives in Calgary so as much notice as possible would be appreciated. I think the Conservation Officer should be along also. I will contact him. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-59264955655580848282015-05-23T19:05:16.361-07:002015-05-23T19:05:16.361-07:00Thank you for all of your comments everyone. I apo...Thank you for all of your comments everyone. I apologize for the slow response but I was in the field for a few days. JeThank you for all of your comments everyone. I apologize for the slow response but I was in the field for a few days. Jeff—I appreciate your cool-headed expression of concerns. I would be happy to take you up on your invitation and come see the site later in summer—on one condition: that we (I will bring a qualified ecologist) can also take you to see an equivalent piece of undamaged Pipestone riparian habitat nearby for comparison. I can be reached by email at trevorherriot@gmail.com but will be away from email Sunday and Monday, 23rd and 24th.Trevor Herriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129533251670929001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-50176361315664801552015-05-22T10:40:05.628-07:002015-05-22T10:40:05.628-07:00I appreciate everyone's concern over the envir...I appreciate everyone's concern over the environment. If I thought we were doing any permanent damage I would be against the derby also. I would challenge anyone who is against it to come to wawota some time this summer. I will happily take you to the derby trail and you can see for yourself if there is damage. On a side note, isn't Craven held in a valley next to a creek? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-58793635622877525412015-05-22T10:23:38.372-07:002015-05-22T10:23:38.372-07:00I have zero interest in inciting an angry response...I have zero interest in inciting an angry response or to continue in any kind of debate. I just want to share my experience. I (as many people I know) have personally witnessed 30 years of destruction of the crown land in Little Arm in Kinookimaw near Regina Beach. It's been torn apart by people who don't think of the consequences of their actions. I know that responsible ATV owners wouldn't dream of doing this to the land . Ruts grow deeper and trails become washed out with rain and snow melt, widening each time until what was once a trail is no longer even recognizable as having been one. Admittedly fundraising is crucial and not easily done. But if we continue to allow nature, bike, ski, walking trails, private property and native grasslands in this province to be devastated what will we leave for future generations? There has to be a way to raise much needed charitable dollars and preserve the last vestiges of prairie grassland. If I come into your house without permission and destroy it's contents I'm a criminal. If I sneak onto a piece of land and have some "fun" it's no big deal? If a person can get encouragement to go around ski area signage on facebook what does that say about the teachings we are handing down to our children .. what does it say about our respect for one another? If we had more education, guidelines and most importantly laws, maybe then people would have more respect out of fear of the very "real" consequences.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-68749378116734853392015-05-22T07:14:05.520-07:002015-05-22T07:14:05.520-07:00All he has is a YouTube video of the day, does he ...All he has is a YouTube video of the day, does he have any pictures or video of the valley in the months to follow?? Ya, I didn't think so! He's more than welcome to come out and see for himself? I doubt that will happen though, it would make himself look like an ass!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-65835747738266666502015-05-22T07:03:05.685-07:002015-05-22T07:03:05.685-07:00I'm a Wawota Lions Club member and I'd lik...I'm a Wawota Lions Club member and I'd like to hear of your suggestions for fundraising. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-5149603998496723182015-05-21T21:11:05.869-07:002015-05-21T21:11:05.869-07:00The Wowota Lions can easily come up with another n...The Wowota Lions can easily come up with another non-destructive fundraiser so that the Pipestone Valley is protected and the Lions get their money. And Mr. Herriot has facts, including video proof. The damage being done is severe and undeniable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-5820275857985570272015-05-21T20:54:23.890-07:002015-05-21T20:54:23.890-07:00Just to name a few of places money raised from the...Just to name a few of places money raised from the Wawota Quad Derby has gone is...a little girl who has since passed of terminal cancer, a young man with cerebral palsy who needed surgery Sask Health didn't cover, Stars Ambulance and the list goes on!! You think you are doing something good?? Think again! Your ridiculous, with no facts to back up what you are saying, SHAME ON YOU! Come out from the city where you preach from and have a look at the valley now where you claim all this terrible damage has been done, I guarantee you the grass will be greener there than any other place in the valley!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-48710060037387831402015-05-21T20:26:11.475-07:002015-05-21T20:26:11.475-07:00Are you going after the oil, mining and forestry c...Are you going after the oil, mining and forestry companies as well? As they do way more damage then quad enthusiasts could or not as the govt makes so much money off of them. Also where do you live? Must be in a sod house or something if not then you are contributing as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1953681015185820780.post-40234198686809717852015-05-21T19:38:35.424-07:002015-05-21T19:38:35.424-07:00Also you say the hiking trails in provincial parks...Also you say the hiking trails in provincial parks are made a mess by atv's. I don't know about the rest of them but quads are not allowed in Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Maybe this summer you should come to Wawota and I'll show you the areas the derby was on. Then you might have a clue what you are talking about. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com