Dear Volusia County Council,

I truly cannot think of a better scheme to destroy something being used for the greater good for the benefit of the few than the ill-conceived notion of allowing ATVs the recreational use of our state forests. Y’all made headlines, so Tiger Bay comes to mind. Where to start?

The property was purchased with tax dollars with the intent of natural preservation and water quality. This is a gross betrayal of that trust.

Most folks cannot afford the expense of such a hobby, and this will be to the benefit of only those who can; another betrayal.

No matter the number of signs posted and warnings issued, alcohol will be consumed, accidents will happen, and the taxpayers will be on the hook for the additional expense. Think emergency rescues.

It’s not hard to imagine folks carrying firearms also, what with all those dangerous animals wandering around.

No matter the number of signs posted and warnings issued, riders will stray from the assigned paths (Hold my beer!), and the destruction will only spread, degrading natural systems and disrupting wildlife. (Hold my beer!)

Who’s paying for the additional enforcement personnel and policing actions that will be required? Who will pay to clean up any messes left behind? There will be litter, we’re Americans, that’s a specialty of ours.

Heritage SW Volusia Inc. is 100 percent behind Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower’s opposition to this shortsighted scheme, and we encourage you all to drop the idea.

Tom Burbank

Deltona