Holey Land / Florida Wildlife Commission

[Thrumud]

A few weeks ago some riders from atvflorida, atvmiaxtreme and North Port Offroad did a clean up ride at Holey Land. On my way out I noticed a Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission just a quarter of a mile in from US-27. I approached him thinking he was an officer because some scumbags were shooting a 12 gauge in the air, the biologist went on to say that he has no authority but called FWC officers to the site.  Aside from the dirtbags shooting I wondered why would a biologist be sitting in his car with a list count of entry vehicles. If biologists are roaming around Holey Land this means something is up and it's a matter of time before they close it down, its obvious that the end of Holey Land is coming.

This past week I was out there, and again the biologists were in the west side (near the pump station). I have called and left messages with Jason Huckabee and John Reed. John Reed is the head person to speak to.  Please, if you really care about the future of Holey Land - please contact John Reed. Call 561-625-5122 please let him know responsible riders are concerned about Holey Land and we want to do what ever possible to maintain this area open to OHV.

[Gato]

D I called today and left him a messege but the officer I spoke with Sat. told me that the enviromentalist are going nuts cause the marshes are getting torn up I even told her that all the blame cant be put on atvs there are full tracks,trucks and atvs but the officer went as far as to say enjoy it while you can I think they want to close it except for hunters!I will keep calling

[digginfool]

Not to be a pessimist but the decision has probably already been made.  They are now only doing fact finding to support the decision.  One afternoon with a video camera and some selective editing will give them all the ammo they need.  There will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth over our so-called destruction of the wetlands, but they will never show or acknowledge that every summer, the sawgrass grows over every trail to the point that you can hardly tell where we had been the previous season.  Sadly, it will be us left wailing, gnashing our teeth and asking why couldn't we have done something. 

[Thrumud]

Not to be a pessimist but the decision has probably already been made.  They are now only doing fact finding to support the decision.  One afternoon with a video camera and some selective editing will give them all the ammo they need.  There will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth over our so-called destruction of the wetlands, but they will never show or acknowledge that every summer, the sawgrass grows over every trail to the point that you can hardly tell where we had been the previous season.  Sadly, it will be us left wailing, gnashing our teeth and asking why couldn't we have done something. 

Good point dig, very well said.

[americanhighlander]

I'll can see you guys need do a rally video
of holylands and the way it sounds like there going be alot major protesting
in near future up in tally at  main capital building.

I guess alot riders need do show up theses meetings and protest
very hard and don't give up on hope on it.. You guys need fight very hard
ASAP. If we don't do somting soon all FWC places will go up into smoke.
but,I hope you guys when that rally comes
in may 2007 you need make some good speachs about we need a fair florida state law for all atv riders
that can ride on unpaved roads here in state florida such as dirt roads  so the atv farmers can
do there gardening planting..Plus we need open up more OHV parks so more can go riding there
instead traveling 4hours out of way like some people do on here..

So you guys need fight hard at least we have alot good support out there on this web site.


But,i can understand where you guys are coming  from on this iuess..

Thanks,
AmericanHighlander   

[dreth]

this is sad! it is getting more and more important to rally the troops for the RALLY. SORRY to hear the news but we all know that if they so feel led ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$) they will build a new mall there

[Off Rode]

I agree with Dig & Thrumud.  I also do not want to lose hope, but it'll be hard to protest/defend Holeyland against the many issues that seemingly have not changed out there.  Now, if the biologist is collecting data, I too can't believe that it is in the defense of OHV's use of the area.

We can only hope that the State/County & any other agencies involved would attempt a solution instead of totally banning OHV's.  I know the RALLY sounds valiant, but look at Holeyland & tell me you couldn't list multiple things that are going wrong out there.

I'm actually surprised that you don't hear near as much discussion about Big Cypress.  I haven't ridden out there in many years but I guess the whole registration process eliminates a small % of riders.

We shall see...............