Here are some responses I've received about my article
Earth Day and a Little Soul Searching.

"Just a quick note to give you an "ATTABOY" for your work in the delicate 4x4/environment arena. I cannot say I have done much public speaking on the subject, but I do quite a bit of volunteer time on the trails and also publish a local newsletter that covers outdoor recreational topics, including environmental impact.

I have hunted since I was just a kid, and have gone over the " why do I hunt?" question in my head several times, which also has lead me to the "why do I 4x4?" question. It is a tough question, but one that I wish more outdoor enthusiast would consider. I hope others will follow your lead and get more involved, and evolved, in the issues. I will do my part in the desert of Arizona. Keep the rubber side down."

Michael Rosenberger
Arizona Upland Hunting and Outdoors

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks for speaking up to our group of enthusiasts.  We all want to bitch and moan and point fingers, from our couches. I also think that we as a group talk the talk but don't walk the walk. Thanks for calling us out on it."

Todd M. Schroeder

---------------------------------------------------

"Bill,

I just finished reading your article about Earth Day... etc... on the 4X4now web site. I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts.  People like you who are willing to take the lead on such issues so critical to our sport play a crucial role.  We so badly need this sort of step up and take responsibility and "do whatever you can, whenever you can" leadership from the people who are widely respected in our sport. I commend you!"

Greg Mumm
Land Use Chairman
Dakota Territory Cruisers

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks for taking the stand you did. As someone needs to start or else I may never have that chance to see those sites from my own jeep. My chance to speak will come. First step is to listen and then speak with full knowledge of the whole picture not just bits and pieces people place in front of me. So the research begins."

Thanks again,
Jim Davis
a.k.a. -AWESME-  99TJ

--------------------------------------------------

"Dear Bill,

Nice article on Earth Day & Soul Searching. I just read it on the Internet and thoroughly enjoyed it, and hope many other four wheelers get to read it also. Someone posted a link at the Binder Bulletin (International Harvester) web site. You made some VERY good points which I fully agree with. I would be hard pressed to find anything I didn't agree with. It bothers me when I see fellow outdoor enthusiasts unnecessarily marring the landscape, tearing up the terrain recklessly, and in the process giving unnecessary ammunition to those who already have an agenda to close public lands to off road vehicles. I consider radical environmentalists. Your article highlights the need for more responsible behavior and more public involvement by those of us who wish to paint a different picture of 'off roaders'.

I do think we should all be conservationists, especially those of us who make full use of public lands for recreational purposes such as four wheeling and mountain biking. My hat's off to you for making a bold public speech which sounds very reasonable, and provokes thought on both sides of the issue. Keep up the good work."

Regards,
Tom McMillion
Waynesboro, VA

---------------------------------------------------

"Bill-

I just read your article on 4x4Now and was impressed. I grew up in Western Colorado (Paradox - south of Fruita) and Eastern Utah. My father currently lives in Blanding, Utah and is constantly fighting SUWA. The problem is, the two sides usually get mad instead of communicating. I believe a common sense approach like what I saw in your article would make the difference.

\What can I do to help? My father and I spend countless hours and days traveling the back country of Colorado and Utah.  How can we conserve the beauty of the land and still be able to use it? How can we get more 4-wheelers to Tread Lightly? How can we get environmentalists to hear our side? There has to be a way to convince America that Multi-use (open public lands) can be both environmentally responsible and better for the common good than No-use (wilderness areas)."

Brett Redd
Training Development Manager