Denying Motorized Access to Public Lands

Twenty years ago I would have agreed with the sentiment behind “Limit Wilderness Roads” (editorial, Aug. 3). But these days I believe that some environmental organizations and The Times are completely out of touch with what should be considered “wilderness.” I, too, do not want to see the development, mining or logging of many of these remote areas, but I do believe many of the areas where roads already exist should have remained open to all forms of recreation. Long ago, it seems, the tide changed from protecting sensitive and unique wilderness areas to just flat-out denying motorized access to large portions of public land in the West.

The areas where off-road vehicles are still allowed are completely over-impacted. And then I see areas that have been closed to motor vehicles, particularly in the deserts, that are no longer being enjoyed by anybody--no hikers, no equestrians, nobody. Why are these lands being “saved” from motor vehicles when no one else wants to visit them?

Greg Thomas

North Hollywood