To the editor:
I have been thanked and scorned for the banning of ORVs on state land in Gerrish Twp. I did not do this on my own.
ORVs were driving fast and recklessly putting people and the watershed in danger. Some enjoy the physical and mental benefits of walking/bicycling through nature daily. Residents should be able to do that without traffic.
Those who scorn me are not considering how residential this area is, or that they aren’t the only ORVs driving on the trails. ORVs rarely showed respect for residents, pedestrians, or the watershed.
People want convenience but aren’t considering others had nowhere to walk without traffic. The area is so residential that many of us have the woods in our front or back yards. ORVs have access within 7-10 miles to more trails than they could ride in a day.
There was disagreement over the Dewitt landing public access. The settlement included banning the mooring of boats. There were so many boats that a person couldn’t enjoy the view of the lake; families could no longer swim, and it became unsafe. People were scorned for supporting that.
Some people didn’t want another dollar store built, but others wanted it for the convenience of being right around the corner. The dollar store will not be able to have fresh produce for five years, but they hope to have a liquor license soon. What a convenience.
We own and ride motorcycles, and have for five decades now (road, dirt, and ice). We have friends that come up to ride and we go to Geels. We owned two fairly large boats for three decades. We put them in at the South Higgins state park. We also shop at dollar stores for cheap stuff but not our food.
Many people want convenience but aren’t considering the true cost.
Donna Russell
Roscommon
