| We all say that we are appalled by the destruction that took place in provincial parks over the recent long weekend. The politicians have made the required public statements of abhorrence. But do we actually give a damn?
Leaving chesterfields and garbage lying around is certainly bad form, but it is nothing compared to the ongoing high-impact damage we tolerate by off-road trucks and ATV’s. And for what? For the motor-driven rush of a very few people, are we to condone the denigration of our few remaining natural spaces? Is this really the level of respect we offer other species and their habitat? It is time for us as a species to stop being so damn selfish and offer the same basic respect to all our neighbours, even if they don’t happen to vote or walk on two legs.
We give fisheries officers the right to impound boats and vehicles because we take the regulation of fish stocks seriously. It is now time for us to do the same for off-road driving and show that we are serious about habitat conservation by impounding vehicles driving in undesignated areas.
Premier Stelmach equivocates in saying ""We have an economy that's booming – it's fast-paced, and sales are very good on recreation vehicles – but there has to be respect for nature and wildlife." This should mean the Premier has the conviction to ban off-road driving, period. He has the tools at his disposal and all the rest is just crocodile tears. His solution of more recreation areas will only help if they are protected by regulation and enforcement and off-road vehicle sales be damned.
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