ATV riders must respect land

Rainer Huck (Readers' Forum, Aug. 16) and other all-terrain vehicle fanatics are constantly confusing freedom with responsibility. Riding an ATV on public lands is not a right. It's a privilege. Freedoms and privileges can both be lost when people abuse them. Public lands belong to all of us. Why do we allow one irresponsible user group to degrade the outdoor experience for everyone?

The degree of degradation caused by the renegade faction of off-roaders should be an affront to us all. After the many recent incidents alleging destruction of archaeological sites, streambed devastation, hillside erosion, brazen lawlessness and a general disregard for public lands and personal property, all citizens should demand stricter regulations, greater accountability or an outright ban on ATVs on vulnerable lands.

David E. Jensen

Holladay