ORVs are real land abusers

While many Utahns may be upset by Dean Potter's ascent of Delicate Arch, one of Utah's most prominent icons, there is another famous Utah icon suffering far worse from mismanagement and damage. Factory Butte, near Capitol Reef National Park, has suffered decades of abuse from dirt bikes and off-road vehicles, leaving this exceptional landscape visually damaged and scarred.

Not to say Potter's actions are appropriate, but a day, a week, or even a year later, visitors would not even recognize his impact. In contrast, visitors to Factory Butte are confronted by thousands of vehicle tracks scarring this national landscape, which remain visible years later.

Such negative impacts to the exceptional scenery continues and is the direct result of the BLM's irresponsible land management and inaction. The BLM is obligated to manage and preserve the area's unique and outstanding resources. It's the Richfield BLM who seems to avoid its own management plan and regulations, rather than correctly limit the off road-vehicle abuse.

The media, including Deseret Morning News, are up in arms about Potter's climb, but where's the media outcry about Factory Butte's off-road vandalism and the lack of responsible BLM management?

Nancy Newsom

Salt Lake City