Durhamtown Plantation needs your help - Govt trying to shut them down

[tony pitts]

For all those riders who have had the opportunity to visit Durhamtown Plantation and know what a great place it is, they could use your help.  Here are some links that explain what is going on:

http://www.georgiaoffroad.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16738&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
http://p209.ezboard.com/fdurhamtownfrm2.showMessage?topicID=1077.topic

Here is a quote from one of the forum articles:

WAGA is running an investigative report on Channel 5 Fox News on Thursday, April 27th at 6 and 10 PM regarding DP and its accident history.

In addition, the local policing agency is pushing, upon receiving a favorable ruling by a local judge, to obtain a restraining order to have DP cease operations by Friday, April 28th. The basis of the restraining order is that injuries and deaths occurring at DP are above normal industry standards for injuries and deaths related to this industry. If this order is successful, it may mean the demise of DP as well as other private ORV parks.

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit, you may never be able to....

[Ida_Mann]

sheesh, the only injuries I can suspect anyone can come up with there that would be the fault of anyone other than themselves would be the softball-sized chunks of clay flying in the air from my tires there in October last year ;-)

I'll check it out.

Id@

[LINK500]

I JUST GOT BACK FROM A WEEK AT DP AND IT WAS BY FAR THE BEST RIDING EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD. I AM GOING CRAZY JUST THINKING ABOUT WHEN I CAN GO BACK. IT IS KIND OF A LONG DRIVE FROM MIAMI BUT I WILL GO BACK THERE THE FIRST CHANCE I GET. WHAT CAN WE DO AS FLORIDIANS TO TRY AND STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AND SHOW SOME SUPPORT FOR DP. AND TO WHO EVER HAS NOT BEEN THERE, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING!!! 

[tony pitts]

         bump

[wheelie_boy]

what can i do to help?

[AintSkeered]

This really kindles thoughts of Timothy McVeigh in me! A few careless and/or reckless individuals get everybody's attention and a court is going to make us all pay the price by shutting it down? How's ONF or any other legal riding place going to be allowed to stay open to OHVs? Well, let's just kill ouselves now, what with Dubya and his Merry Men reminding us daily of the terrorists out to get us, the thousands of highway deaths each month, the effects of drugs/alcohol/cigarettes, etc.. I visit DP 2-3x/yr. and have plans to do so in late May and again in July. It is the finest place to ride ATVs in the SE U.S.. This can't be allowed to happen! We need to notify the ARRA, now.

[Roostin300ex]

here is another link from gor (georgiaoffroad) I live in georgia and this all of our favorite riding spot.  http://www.georgiaoffroad.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16765 The govnt told MIke that once this is over and will go past just Durhamtown and could affect riding areas all around.  Please helop with letters or emails to Sonny Perdue and other Georgia officials.

Thanks

[Ida_Mann]

boy, I wish I could list DP as one of my "riding spots" that was close by,,,,,but 9 hours makes it a pipe dream mostly except for some very kind people on this website gave me the opportunity to visit last year,,,,,dunno if I should thank them for the opportunity, or be upset with them for showing me what a good riding spot is all about ;-)

Id@

[dreth]

NOTICE TO ALL RIDERS OF DURHAMTOWN PLANTATION

 

Durhamtown is under attack by the government/individuals/media to be closed because of the number of injuries/deaths that have occurred here

 

Rumors were started that there have been more than 25 deaths in 2 years and untold injuries

With this initial rumor it was reported to WAGA Channel 5 I-Team Investigation in Atlanta, with Dale Russell being the primary reporter. Dale Russell, Investigative Reporter, dale.russell@foxtv.com

 

This is very untrue.... investigations outside of DP claim that there have been 8 related deaths in 4.5 yrs of operation.  Our records indicate 7 deaths with over 2,000,000 hours of riding at DP.   

 

It was also rumored that we (DP) restricted emergency helicopters from landing and we refuse to call ambulances to injured riders……again untrue.     

 

FOX 5 along with the GBI have interviewed over 200 people who have ridden at DP.   Dale Russell I-Team WAGA interviewed me last Saturday.     He questioned me about many untrue statements, which I corrected on camera.  As well as discussing many true statements.

   

I was told that Durhamtown was being shut down by Greene County along with criminal charges potentially being sought against me for involuntary manslaughter and other criminal charges by the GBI.    Greene County wants DP closed due to the injures and accidents ASAP.  They are trying to use zoning and permits to get this done if possible as a 1st attempt and 2nd thru criminal actions

 

         They are seeking a Temporary Restraining Order this Friday to close until a hearing is held to determine the future of DP and other riding areas similar to DP.   They stated they would not stop here; they want to stop any future DP type operations.  If they can create enough cost and fear many will close and more will chose not to open in the future in fear of charges and restrictions.   

 

Dp was questioned again today by FOX 5 about what are we doing wrong from other facilities.      I reversed the question to Dale Russell and he could not answer it.   I feel that DP has exercises more safety through enforced rules and regulations of our everyday operations.

 

FOX 5 does not have all the correct statistics to do a proper comparison yet and this is where we need help your help.  Anyone having any statistics from other sports & injuries please forward them to David Wade at peelskid@gmail.com.  We are trying to gather as many statistics as possible.  Please only forward statistic to David.  Continue to provide your comments, by either on the forums or to mikemc@durhamtown.com.

 

We are primarily a recreational facility with many families and beginners.  As with any sport involving beginners or the not so advanced will prove to have higher injuries than a trained athlete.

 

Dp is a victim of success and is under attack.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP???

 

Any help that you may offer will be appreciated    Many have already started by emailing WAGA, local/state/federal government agencies and many others to voice opinions and comments.  Following is a list of email addresses that others have sent to us that they feel is and could be useful.

 

FOX 5
General Addresses
Assignment Desk, newstipsatlanta@foxtv.com
FOX 5 Feedback, feedback5@foxtv.com
FOX5 Human Resources Department, hratlanta@foxtv.com
I-Team, IteamAtlanta@foxtv.com

On Air Talent
Nicole Allshouse, Reporter, nicole.allshouse@foxtv.com
Portia Bruner, Reporter, portia.bruner@foxtv.com
Lisa Crane, News Anchor/Reporter, lisa.crane@foxtv.com
Morse Diggs, Reporter, morse.diggs@foxtv.com
Doug Evans, Reporter, doug.evans@foxtv.com
Tracy Flanagan, Reporter, tracy.flanagan@foxtv.com
Dana Fowle, Investigative Reporter, dana.fowle@foxtv.com
Aungelique Proctor, Reporter, aungelique.proctor@foxtv.com
Doug Richards, Reporter, doug.richards@foxtv.com
Dale Russell, Investigative Reporter, dale.russell@foxtv.com
Mark Teichner, Reporter, mark.teichner@foxtv.com
Tony Thomas, Reporter, tony.thomas@foxtv.com
Randy Travis, Investigative Reporter, randy.travis@foxtv.com
Paul Yates, Reporter, paul.yates@foxtv.com

 

Dale Russell is the I-Team reporter/investigator.  But emails to the general manager and other reporters as well may help.  I would let any and all of them know how we feel.

 

Here's a website you can contact ALL your elected officials, even the governor, President Bush, and FOX5.
www.congress.org/congressorg/home

 

Durhamtown appreciates your support!!!!

 

Thanks Mike


I SENT MY EMAIL TO EVERYONE ON THE LIST.  IF YOU DONT TAKE THE 15MIN TO DO THIS AND THE GOVERNMENT WINS YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THIS WILL STEAM ROLL EVERYWHERE.

WE HAVE OVER 4000 MEMBERS ON THIS SITE SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP.

[HondaATC]

I just got that same email this evening. I've been wanting to go and ride at Durhamtown for a long time but haven't had the oppertunity. I've sent emails to Mike and David both with my experience thus far with trying to get the track approved in Live Oak. I hope its of some use to them, I hate to see any riding area closed no matter where its at.

[eric]

sent the email below to all the county commissioners @
http://www.greenecountyga.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=59 and a simliar one to feedback5@foxtv.com

Dear Commisioner,
I recently was made aware of an investigation of Durhamtown Plantation. I understand their is some investigation into recent injuries at their facilities. I would like to say that I am a regular atv rider located in Sanford, FL who spent a full weekend at Durhamtown with my family. During my entire time riding there we felt the facility was safe and kept up well. Trails signs were posted to give directions and caution when necessary and there was ample staff to assist with questions or instruct on riding. While there we witnessed families enjoying time riding together, exploring nature, camping and meeting other fellow riders from all over the US. I hope you do everything in your power to make sure Durhamtown remains open for myself and thousands of other riders who think its worth spending our time and money to visit your county because of places like this. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear some good news soon.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
City, state, zip
phone
email

[americanhighlander]

Start, emailing dirtwheels magzine about it.
And start calling or emailing all main proriders out there across
united states.

And one more thing just contact, all atv companys and all atv dealers
in every state..And start emailing to cnn or fox news and to every media
out there..

I know this going be a major ohv war on this iuess and even alot
big protest rallys going hit that place up there.
I'm sorry whats going happen to dp and it sounds
like fox5 and goverment of ga to try to frame them to find way shut down place and make them look bad on land owners.
I guess they just open up alot can of whip azz on this iuess here.

I saw dp on oln channel on atv magzine last year and I would
love go riding there and even nighttime rides look kind cool to ride there..

[Hoosier Daddy]

DAAMMNN THE MAN!...... DAMMMMMNNNNN HIMMMMM 

[Chuck_Norris]

OK!! Lets shut down druhamn town because of to manny accidents, logical theroy. Let apply that thought process to the Nations Highways and see how well it works. to many deaths on I95 you can drive on it any longer. 

[americanhighlander]

We should get neal boortz on this topic here
to blah it out on talk radio stations all over united states..

Well neal boortz doesn't like bushs terms in other ways and he's
Great  dude and my dad listens to him all time at work in lake city..

I have seen neal boortz in gainesville last year at boarders book store
doing autographs for his new book on about irs taxes over charging too much on taxes in united states..

Go to
http://boortz.com/index.html

[AintSkeered]

I'm not condoning the carelessness, recklessness, accidents or whatever you call what caused those deaths/injuries at DP. In fact, I view that carelessness and recklessness as a threat to my freedom to ride responsibly. And, didn't the great majority of those injuries/deaths at DP occur on the MX tracks and not the trails? Why shut down the whole operation? How many people are killed/injured on our nation's baseball/football/soccer/hockey fields, ski/snowboard slopes and we're not closing them down? 
http://www.kaplanco.com/playgrounds/HelpfulLinks.asp
Each year, over 200,000 children are injured on America's playgrounds. That's one every 2 1/2 minutes. To address the growing concern for playground safety, the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) was established in 1995 through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The DP attackers should APPLY TO DUBYA FOR A GRANT to address the growing concern for ATV safety!
http://www.teamsofangels.org/news/press_release_72204.shtml
More than 300 children die each year while playing youth sports, most deaths are from preventable sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), according to statistics compiled by Teams of Angels, a non-profit whose mission is to reduce the number of catastrophic injuries and deaths in youth sports.

[Roostin300ex]

new rumor has it that the interview will be discussing the zoning issues that may require the closure instead of the injuries......however the comercial says " when fun turns fatal" in big caps and shows riders n the drag strip

[Ida_Mann]

highlander has a good idea,,,,anybody got a contact with DirtWheels?

Id@

[Honda328i]

Here's what I wrote to the reporter Dale Russell at Fox 5:

****************8

Dear Mr. Russell,

It is my understanding that there is an attempt to shut down the Durhamtown Plantation by Greene County along with criminal charges potentially being sought for involuntary manslaughter and other criminal charges by the GBI. Greene County wants DP closed due to alleged injures and accidents. They are trying to use zoning and permits to get this done if possible as a 1st attempt, and 2nd thru criminal actions.

Closing of a riding area such as this will also adversely impact the local hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and shopping, in the loss of all the money from out-of-state persons.  Believe me, people are coming from hundreds and thousands of miles away to use the Durhamtown facility, and bring a lot of income to the local economy.  I am planning a trip to Durhamtown this year from Florida, and I want to have the opportunity to enjoy the facility.

Apparently FOX 5 does not have all the correct statistics, and is party to various untrue statements about the number of deaths and injuries at the plantation.

What concerns me further is that recreational freedoms continue to be encroached on for very unfair and unsupported information, and misrepresented points of view.  Every kind of person that participates in a sport or activity knows the risks and should assume personal responsibility.  Should we ban youth sports because 300 children are killed every year playing sports:  http://www.teamsofangels.org/news/press_release_72204.shtml ?  Should we ban auto racing, horseback riding, rock climbing, baseball, football, soccer, hockey, skiing/snowboarding simply because accidents happen?  Should we ban golf because players get drunk at the clubhouse and then roll their golf carts?  Life itself has its inherent risks, and any one of us could be hurt simply crossing the street or driving our automobiles.  It is simply not right to single out one particular activity.  Banning smoking, alcohol or fast food would go much further towards saving lives, but people still choose to do that damage to themselves, knowing the risks.

Fortunately, there are ATV rider safety programs, such as those offered by the ATV safety institute, http://www.atvsafety.org/ and are often sponsored and paid for by the vehicle manufacturers.  These courses cover proper safety gear, machine control and operation, riding techniques and safety precautions.  A person new to riding an ATV should take one of these courses, perhaps even as a requirement.

Lastly, enjoying ATV riding should not be negatively stereotyped to a particular type of person. There are riders from all walks of life and many of them, as myself, are professionals in business, manufacturing, healthcare and banking.  I can’t tell you how good it feels to unwind the stress out of my life by riding my ATV and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.  It is what brings us all together as “a family” or brotherhood of riders with race, income, religion, age, or walks of life aside.  Losing a place to ride is like losing our family’s home.  As you make your reports for your station, please remember that we are people who want to continue our freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness guaranteed as Americans, and not be run over by over-controlling government.

Steve S.,
Orlando, FL

[Bigscrb15]

I don't know the whole story but I will say this.

1 disgruntled Ex-Employee now working at Broad River
1 interview with that employee
Lots of false facts given to GBI about DP.

Almost makes me not want to ride at Broad River. Mike at Dtown is the nices guy you will meet. He runs that place great and provides a service noone else can match.

[dreth]

I don't know the whole story but I will say this.

1 disgruntled Ex-Employee now working at Broad River
1 interview with that employee
Lots of false facts given to GBI about DP.

Almost makes me not want to ride at Broad River. Mike at Dtown is the nices guy you will meet. He runs that place great and provides a service noone else can match.

my 1st time there i was not happy with the trails and mike told me to try trail A and i was not satisfied  he would give me all my money back!!!!!!! 1/4 of the way in trail A AND I WAS SO STOKED THAT THAT I RODE IT 4 MORE TIMES THAT DAY.  THANKS MIKE

[AintSkeered]

From DP's website forum; Update From Mike At DP Thursday April 27th 

The following is from Mike McCommons owner of Durhamtown Plantation:

1st I am overwhelmed with all of the support and response I have recieved in this matter I no longer feel alone in this I even got to smile for a few minutes today it has been mostly tears from reading so many responses of testamony and support over 700 of them

I never dreamed that DP could touch so many people good or bad when it was started it has built a family of friends beyond belief

sherre and I talk every night of so many friends we have made and how it has changed our lives

the staff of DP shares the same feelings it is discussed often

Today channel 5 was here for more pictures they did not notify us they were on the property my employees saw them I have told them they are welcome but a curtesy stop in the lodge is cordial

next I visited the chairman of commissioners at his home and we sat in the yard with the yard chickens roaming all around our feet I felt at home we played ball together in high school I was assured the comissioners were not behind this but was aware of this situation

the commisioner will not shut DP down for any zoning issues all issues are pending and awaiting final deeded plats DP has been working with the commisioners for over 14 months he stated if he wanted DP shut down he could have done so last march

next stop was up town visiting bussinesses in greensboro checking public opinion all were shocked and concerned 3 business owners were in one building and all stated at the impact DP had on their business thye had heard the rumours but did not believe them
numerous have been spread throughout the town over the past 6 months I am seeking the root of those

I continued to search for more info I will wait and post those results in soon time

when a snake is spooked he slithers

to my knowledge DP will not close this friday but there is a possibility for the future for a short shut down but with all the support I foresee it temporary with the support that is showing up on the forums when and if we need to join mega forces I will call on all supporters

we have alot of media wanting a piece of the cherry pie talkshows competeing stations and some national media is wanting a chance at it all because of YOUR results of support

they did not have a clue who the riders of the USA are and where they sit in society

I saw one response where it was stated there were stirring up some real rednecks in the real south

we believe in our rights and we will stand for them always

My Grandfather recieved this land we ride on as a land grant for fighting in the Revolutionary War in 1776 he fought with George Washington to have our rights in this country and not be dictated he recieved 200 acres in Greene County as paymet for a soldier which was Named after a General named Nathaneal Greene in the same WAR I attended Nathaneal Greene Academy for my education and learned why he fought for this land

today I stand 230 yrs later fighting for my rights again
for the land we recieved as payment for freedom of the United States I will fight principal to the end as my forefathers did No man in my family has lived past 60 yrs old most around 50 I only have 10 -13 yrs left if you figure averages I will fight hard as they did

I moved back to this property from 10 yrs in Atlanta 1980-1990 because I love this property and wanted to raise my family here as all of my family before me was and hope it continues for more generations

I will post again tmorrow after the segment

Thanks Mike

[Bigscrb15]

if you want to punch your monitor watch this 

http://media.putfile.com/Fox-5-Atlanta-storey-on-Durhamtown-Plantation

  I dont see how they can blame durhamtown.

Mike just posted that they have been served papers.


WE WERE SERVED TODAY WITH PAPERS TO TO BE IN COURT TOMORROW AT THE GREENE COUNTY COURT HOUSE AT 3:00

NO JUDGE IN THIS DISTRICT WOULD HEAR THE CASE SO THE SHERRIF FOUND A JUDGE IN DUBLIN TO HEAR IT

THEY WANTED IT QUICK SO NO FORCES COULD PULL TOGETHER QUICKLY

MY ATTORNEY IS OUT OF THE STATE TILL MONDAY

WE ASKED FOR A CONTINUANCE

THEY WANT DP CLOSED THE DAY OF COURT AND CHAIN THE DOORS SO I CAN NOT OPERATE

HOWEVER I AM ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO RUN A HUNTING CAMP HERE

THEY SAY NO STATE PERMITS TO RUN A RIDER PARK I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY THEY WANT IT SHUT DOWN FROM RIDING

I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT SOMEONE HAS ALSO STARTED PETETION TO CLOSE DP BECAUSE OF INJURIES BASED ON RUMORS I ASSUME

THEY SENT AN INVESTIGATOR OUT HERE TODAY TO QUESTION ABOUT POSTING THE SHERRIFFS EMAIL ADDRESS

IF WE GET A CONTINUANCE I WILL POST TODAY IF NOT TOMORROW MY TELL FOR THE TIME BEING

THEY ARE PUSHING HARD TO DO THIS ASAP

THANKS MIKE

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW

HOPE TO SEE YOU TOMORROW IF IT HAPPENS TOMORROW

[Honda328i]

I can't get the video clip to work, but then again, maybe I don't really want to see it afterall    Communists 

[Bigscrb15]

Steve, you don't want to watch it. There was a teenager whos stepfather was a professional dirtbike rider and the kid was on his way to becoming one and he decided he wanted to try the freestyle ramp, it was his first and last time because it killed him. The dad and mom said it is durhamtowns fault for having the ramp there. If you are a professional rider you know what that ramp is and what its for. That investigative reporter is the most slanted reporter I have ever seen. This is what Mike wrote explaining what he told the reporter and why he was cryin the interview. They never bothered to air his entire answer and instead I believe they mad him look like a cold hearted mad man, which his as far from the truth as you can get.

_________________________________________________

"we began recieving calls 2 weeks ago from riders who were injured or knew someone who was injured at DP about the GBI or Channel 5 visiting with them

we have heard from the riders that the investigations were stemed from rumours that there had been over 25 deaths at DP in the past 2 years alone and something should be done the first investigation was with the EMTs here they were told that they were not certified or liscensed

1st DP contracts the company from atlanta but I will assure you that there have been certified Paremedics and or EMTs here every weekend and holiday for the past 2.5 years some time they have brought EXTRA personel for training

these guys have saved many lives here at DP just one last thursday heart attack 8:30 in the morning an employee had cardiac arrest no pulse and no breathing for over 5 minutes Lewis was coming down the road heard the ambulance call and rushed from 3 miles away and revived the employee he worked today in the parking lot he was the happiest person at DP today

Rumours that DP was restriciting ambulance and helicopters from DP property NOT TRUE we did move our ambulance service to Wilkes County for a shorter responce time they have 4 ambulances 17 minutes response time Greene County 2 ambulances 30 minutes response time were regular this was for the benefit of our riders with the permission of the Greene County Manager with a contract

Helicopters--- I have no radio that will talk to them my radios come from Walmart again we used a helicopter here today for precautionary masures on the peewee races

Dale Russell asked me hadn't I made enough money and why don't i quit now.... he was told I had made tons of money and was gitting rich at the expense of rider injuries I asked him to just look around at all of the money spent and equipment used to maintain the property
also everyone assumed I made $25 on every rider
facts: very few pay $25 members average $5 /day ride fees kids 8 and under free,, spectators $5 Youth and ladies $15 milti-day rides are discounted

the average attendee of DP is $10- $12 /day alot of maintaince money not alot of profit as it may appear many of the new facilities will see this as well as they grow

I was asked about how I felt about the injuries and deaths of Durhamtown this is where a small clip is being shown on the tv clip this weekend only a few words are shown not the entire answer....

I answered them that every injury and death at Durhamtown bothered me imensely because the riders of DP are like family here Until this last year I kenw almost every rider by face and or Name if he came more than once many I felt like i knew from the emails or phone calls before they arrived here. I told him of the countless night I lay awake in bed thinking of the families and the hurt they are expeiencing it bother me every day

during this part of the interview
I also told them with tears streaming from my face that my father had died as a result of a motorcycle accident in my front yard and my son had also had a bike accident in the last year my father refused to allow them to amputate his leg because he had a farm to run and a familly to support and also lost the use of his left arm I watched him cry when he wanted to go out and feed the cows and or fix a fence because he did not want to depend on someone else the rest of his life he finally gave up when our farm went into repossesion and was being sold on the courthouse square the next tuesday because he could not go out and do the chores needed to continue to operate and keep cash flow he would hobble thru the turkey houses on crutches to feed the birds to be one of the top growers to get a small bonues from the COMPANY...

thanks to the former Mayor of UnionPoint BEN STEWART he gave my father a loan to to save the farm from being sold...

I am still paying that debt monthly today

SO IF ANY ONE ASK I DO KNOW THE PAIN OF DEATH AND INJURY OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT I live it every day with my father and with the ones who get hurt here

I prominsed my mother I would never let this farm be sold and I would die protecting it It is ironic that the riders have helped to save it and now the govt wants to stop it

my mother passed this past November with a heart attack and was helping at DP until the last day

the sherrif was told to shut me down any way possible for parking on the road side for registration "illegal parking" no permit to cross the road I was not aware of a permit needed we have been doing this for 75 years
with animals and vehicles no permits for the for DP as a business

I have had meeting with the county managers for 2 years about this issue and they were here just 3 weeks ago giving me new permits there is some additional permits that are pending until the resolution of the estate settlement for my mother passing I was told when it is settled we will complete the process but is allowed to continue operations

we will be resolving these issues imediately with the county there have been new zoning laws just passed to create a classification for a DP type facility here in Greene County

I am also being told that the GBI is tyring to find the land owner responsible for the deaths and presecute with involuntary manslaughter this will also try to shut DP down

this will be going beyond DP by the time it gets resolved I was told

more info will follow as it developes

thanks for your support

mike dp"