Off-Roading Disputes Involve Big Issues

* The issue raised in “Dunes Dispute” (Nov. 26) is much larger than off-road vehicle use in the sand dunes near Glamis. It involves the question of who shall be vested with decision-making authority regarding the open public lands all of us own as U.S. citizens. A small, vocal, politically savvy and well-financed group of special-interest lawyers and their supporters in the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity have found a way to unilaterally impose through civil litigation their judgments on those--and their activities--whom they deem unacceptable and with whom the federal government, under a pro-environment administration, had no problem.

Your article and the lawsuit (which I have studied) made no mention as to whether there is any evidence that Glamis visitors were actually harming the milk-vetch. This case is simply about legislating via judicial fiat and the tyranny that can be enforced by a narrow interest upon a largely indifferent, disenfranchised and silent majority whose tax dollars and off-road vehicle registration and entrance fees go toward maintenance of the area in dispute. The dang flower is merely a means to an end. Just hope they don’t find one where you take your family for vacation. Anyone listening?

ERNEST P. ALGORRI

Pasadena

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* Get used to the new restrictions, off-roaders, and let’s hope there will be more to come. Recent bans on off-roading in Imperial County and winter bans in Yellowstone are just the start. For too many years these culprits have run loose on natural areas with little or no regard for plant life, wildlife or endangered species. Although many might try to stay within mandated areas, it only takes a careless few to screw things up. For those few, let me say this: This is not your planet, it is ours, and we are all stuck here, like it or not. The loss of any species, including plant life, is not worth your short-term adventures of off-roading.

Doesn’t the human race have the responsibility to make sure that we are capable of reproducing all animal and plant life that is threatened with extinction? If we allow any species to disappear before our children and grandchildren can enjoy what we still have, then we have failed as a species.

JOHN C. LOWREY

Montebello