EDITOR'S PAGE

EDITOR'S

IN OUR LEAD STORY this month, we return to a subject important to many of our readers, judging from reactions to an open letter to the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors that appeared in this space last November.

The letter was written by Richard G. Stahl, managing editor of Arizona Highways. Dick focused on problems created by irresponsible operation of off-road vehicles, and listed recommendations of various public-lands officials regarding what he termed "a fast-approaching ORV crisis."

The letter had no identifiable effect on the President's Commission, whose full report has been delayed by a lawsuit but whose preliminary summary made only passing mention of the ORV situation. But an impressive number of our readers responded. Most of them echoed our concern. A second group acknowledged that problems exist, but felt that we had not sufficiently recognized responsible ORV owners who not only observe land-use laws and rules of courteous conduct but also, in many cases, participate in environmental preservation programs.

A third group, smaller in number but potent in their scorn, wrote us off as villains attempting to interfere with their rights as citizens of a free country.

"The entire issue focuses on keeping public lands public, no matter how the individual chooses to use them," declared Rich Palas of Downey, California.

Wrote D. C. Norton of Kingman, "I originally moved to Arizona to be able to wander freely on the public lands with the use of off-road vehicles. Thinking like yours will only accelerate Socialism in Arizona."

The masterpiece for concise dismissal came from Gerald Steele (address not provided): "Your article on irresponsible four-wheeling was irresponsible journalism. Your level of professionalism is on par with The National Enquirer. But you have prettier pictures and better paper."

When we decided to follow up the open letter with an Arizona Highways article, Dick recognized the "responsible use" emphasis of the American Motorcyclists Association and various four-wheel-drive and ORV organizations as an important element. He interviewed numerous ORV users as well as public-agency spokesmen. It became apparent that many vehicle owners want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

State Senator Doug Todd is making that assumption in his effort to draft a comprehensive ORV control bill that will combat environmental damage and other abusive use of off-road and all-terrain vehicles without unfairly penalizing responsible operators. The senator's first efforts died in committee during last spring's legislative session, but he has scheduled a series of conferences of all interested parties that he hopes will lead to a widely supported bill for consideration at a forthcoming session.

One significant bill pertaining to ORVs did pass the first regular session of the 38th Legislature. An enabling act sponsored by Senator John T. Mawhinney authorized County boards of supervisors to establish ORV ordinances applicable to non-incorporated areas. Pima County had pushed for such an act in order to combat ORV damage to flood-control earthworks, dust and noise intrusion in residential areas, and general environmental impact.

Meanwhile, various public-lands agencies continue to work on enforcement policies and educational programs to clarify appropriate use, encourage safe and responsible operation, and protect Arizona's fragile environment. Dick Stahl's report begins on page 5.

In tribute to the late Joseph Stacey, editor of this magazine from 1971 to 1975 (see page 2 of Arizona Highways, July, 1987), a memorial fund has been estab lished to be administered by Arizona's renowned Heard Museum. Gary Avey, a Heard official and himself a former editor of the magazine, writes, "Among the many passions of Joe's inquiring mind, photography was basic. It is altogether fitting that his friends have established the Joe Stacey Fund for Excellence in Journalistic Photography. Its purpose will be to encourage the high standards espoused by Joe by means of grants-in-aid to promising, emerging photographers.

Contributions may be sent to The Joe Stacey Fund, The Heard Museum, 22 E. Monte Vista Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85004. -Merrill Windsor