ATV Florida Forum

Not exactly but I thought the title would get everyone’s attention.

Here is a short version of the story:  For those who care about the future of our sport !!!

1.   SFWMD entered into bilateral contract w/ Collier County to give “US” 640 acres to ride. 
2.   SFWMD was asked to meet with “US” the user group for locations and ideas, they never did.
3.   According to the contract between the County and the SFWMD, if the District did not find the 640 acres by Oct. 31 2005, we were to be allowed into the Picayune forest (aka Badluck /  The Squares)  The District ignore it and blames the US Fish & Wildlife.
4.   On three commissioners meetings the District has asked for extensions, because they had nothing, no land, and no intension to work with us.
5.   On the 3rd meeting with the County, the all Commissioner agreed to sue the District for Breach of Contract.
6.   A hand full of us showed up at the SFWMD / DEP Everglades project celebration uninvited.   We were heard in front of the public, media and government officials.
7.   That same day Clarence Tears faced us in front of the media and ask to have a private meeting with “US” the user group.
8.   At our last meeting the SFWMD proposed a site of 628 acres of which 400 acres are accessible for OHV. Evidence show the site is contaminated with arsenic, some areas have hot spots which means dangerous levels of arsenic.  (Arsenic causes cancer, notice when you ride behind a rider all the dust in your face? Now imagine what will go into your lungs and you kids lungs !

What makes me sick is that they care more about a “F” panther, woodpecker than the health of us Americans.  I, and all the strong hold ATV enthusiast will not ride to die, we live to ride and therefore we ask the County to “SUE” the District !

Very well put. I e-mailed the commissioners, sfwmd, and the governor today...

Just so I know cause I couldn't attend this one but are we saying no to the proposal? and if so do we still have the temp.area they promissed?

I have a feeling that they will still give us the temp area.we are saying no to the proposal because of the "permanent" site they want to give us.They just want to hand it over to the county, not clean it up first..

Wow 77 views at this time and not a reply.  Oh well, they'll be asking us for help when they need it soon.   

Wow----I hope your comm. have the courage to move forward with the suit.

You have to keep in mind not everyone on this site lives in your area so you are going to get a lot of views with few replies.

Bill

I heard that are going to still give ius the temporary area. Let's see tommorow....

I am aware of that Bill, there are lots of members here from SWFL. I don't expect someone from the pan handle to reply or show up at the meeting I post.   Thanks for your input at least you said something.

What do you mean "clean up" the land? You expect them to clear the land for us too?

That is half the fun right there!

Maybe it doesn't matter to you that the site is contaminated with arsenic, but it does to me.

I have been holding off buying a atv just because there is no place to ride my sons still ride and i would love to take them somewhere we can all ride, let me know if i can help.  Ron

Dennis and Rick, you know where NPORA stands on this.............We are with ya, a clean site and 640 no less!

Scott

You never mentioned what was in the land. Giving us contaminated land would be like your friend asking for a blow pop and you put it in your mouth, suck on it for a bit and hand it over to them.

   It doesn't matter where you live.I went to the meeting in the Everglades and I live in St.Pete.This includes everyone that rides anything.
  I was very discouraged that we don't get more support from riders.People IM me all the time asking me where I ride cause there sick of Croom...and I never thought I would hear it, but yes, O.N.F. too!!
   If more of you would show up, they would have no choice but to hear our pleas.
 Please join the effort people.Don't let this site change to ATV.not in Florida.com!!
   And everyone should commend these guys for all their time and efforts for committing themselves for us all!!