Science trumps fun with respect to OHV use

LETTERS

Re:

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are undoubtedly fun. But OHVs are causing terrible erosion and water pollution problems in the mountains and foothills of Alberta. The work some members of the CNP (Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad) club have done to try and reduce their OHV impacts is appreciated. But it has not prevented many huge mud holes, eroding soils, and contamination and sedimentation of sensitive ecosystems.

The CNP Quad Squad letter states environmentalists and academics “attack every activity which makes life possible in Alberta, … if our government were to agree to every ‘the science is clear’ open letter, Alberta would come to a stop.”

The scientists did not “attack every activity which makes life possible in Alberta.” Failure to protect the environment has and will hurt our economy. Scientists who signed the letter represent a large portion of the independent tenured environmental scientists in Alberta and B.C. Most are senior researchers with decades of experience directly related to these matters. The job descriptions of every one of those scientists state they should share their expertise and speak out on critical issues in society. Hence, our letter to the minister.

The implication that scientists signing several letters to government makes the science less relevant is incorrect. Trying to delegitimize the science letter because those scientists have spoken out and/or signed other letters on critical environment topics in society is equivalent to stating doctors should not speak out about more than one health concern.

OHVs do not belong in the Rocky Mountains and foothills. Even a few OHVs will cause soil and water erosion, and air and water pollution. OHVs bring noise pollution that disturbs wildlife and most other users who value natural soundscapes.

With respect, the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad shares the opinions of a vested interest group. Do opinions have equal value to the science conclusions of 57 experts in the field? Metaphorically speaking, Mr. Clark’s letter is a group of smokers declaring they are careful about smoking (many are not) and they don’t believe the doctors (scientists) saying smoking causes respiratory illnesses; and secondhand smoke hurts nonsmokers. The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad believe they can smoke safely while all of us have to breath the second-hand smoke. We all pay the costs.

Sorry. Science trumps fun. OHVs cannot be in these sensitive headwaters.

James Byrne, PhD.

Professor, University of Lethbridge