I have so many questions, which I know will never be completely answered. Smoke and mirrors—that is what it all comes down to.
As land closures continue to deny land usage, the questions on my mind have been asked time and time again. Answers are vague, as finger pointing and accusations fly at the sport my family and I love.
Snowmobiling has become a convenient villain for many causes. The face of their Evil Snowmobiler is not one that I am familiar with. The snowmobilers I know are responsible, self-policing, educated riders. We, as avid enthusiasts, take every precaution to stay safe, and to respect other people and the land we utilize.
Are there exceptions? Absolutely. I had to have a chuckle. One day, I was driving home from work and wobbling on the side of the road was a cyclist—obviously impaired—with a case of beer strapped to his bike. Is that the face of the average cyclist? Obviously no. Deductive reasoning would tell us that this man is clearly a very irresponsible exception to the rule.
The same courtesy is not bestowed upon the snowmobile community. A few bad apples, even bad apples decades ago, are used to paint the picture of riders today. Not very smart, or is it?
Now I am, by far, NOT an expert—simply a shredding mom who has a LOT of unanswered questions. Is it smart to point the finger at the wrong people? I’m thinking yes. Yes, of course. Look how much land has become secured in the name of “saving nature from the evils of sledding.” Confusion sets in for me when I read studies done by experts who contradict what the foundation for the land closures cites. When exactly is the highest mortality of the caribou? The study I have in front of me right now tells me it is August. Now, I’ve had some early-season rides, but never once have I rode in August.
Do people actually know that snowmobiles have a very low-impact footprint on the environment? I would love to be given a chance to contribute to the efforts towards caribou conservation. I believe that these creatures are magnificent. I also know that snowmobilers are a very dedicated community who could truly make a difference in a good way. I believe that we can all work together to create parameters everyone could be happy with. Conserve, enjoy and thrive. Do my beliefs have any validity?
I wonder when the rights of the caribou became more important than the rights of individuals in this area—than people who try to earn a living. How about people who enjoy the recreation this land brings. Do the rights of children come into play at all? These are children who could grow up able to play in their own backyard. When exactly did the rights of caribou become more important than other species in the area? I really, really wonder—a lot—staying awake trying to understand. Certainly I am perplexed to say the least.
In the name of “conserving nature,” a cat-ski business is going to cease operations in my local area. This cat-ski outfit employed many individuals in our community, and reached out generously to the people of the Wildhorse. Now, I’m new to this area, but many people have shared how the children of the Wildhorse are treated to special ski days simply for being neighbours. I certainly appreciate the kindness this outfit has bestowed upon us, offering to lend us a hand any time we’re in need.
I wonder how many ski enthusiasts have hated sledders and vice versa because we are forced to fight for exclusive rights to enjoy this land? Did we start out this way? Nope, I know there is another hand intervening. Kind of like the masters who stick roosters or pit bulls into a ring to fight to the death, conditioned to fight, while the masters rake in the dollars. Master manipulation at its finest.
It’s funny, most of the people I know who are passionate about skiing and boarding also sled. A crossover culture is emerging. Part of it is the thrill untouched pow accessed by a sled can bring, and part of it comes down to finances. For our family, it is way cheaper for us to take the sleds up the mountain using them as a chairlift for the kids. We shuttle them up and down all day, enjoying awesome family time and cost savings.
As a mom, with four kids who enjoy boarding and skiing, lift tickets are simply something I can’t afford right now. But I can afford the $25 in gas and oil it costs me for a day of pure enjoyment for the kids.
I am thinking we really don’t need to fight against each other. It would be smarter to go to the source and target the hypocrisy, right? Let’s get it done, many have thought—but man, it’s like taking a toothpick to a gunfight. Let’s fight back! A novel idea but unfortunately “they” have more money than all of us enthusiasts combined. Am I a part of “they”? Yet another question I have.
Am I funding this campaign to close the land all around me? Who pays for that pan flute guy in the conservancy commercials? Man, that music makes me sad and pulls at my heartstrings. I don’t even have to know where the land is they are trying to secure to become enveloped by emotion as I watch the cute little baby ducks and baby deer. Smart thinking by the producers of the commercial. Everyone loves baby ducks. They should put some baby bunnies in those commercials too. Bambi and Thumper—holy man, I cried when Bambi’s mom dies. Voila—smoke and mirrors.
So, one final thought. The caribou continue to leave the areas they are transplanted to. It’s not really suited for their survival, apparently. They are wanting to relocate, which throws all of the conservation, pan-flute-hiring people into a frenzy. They MUST stay here—we’ll make it even better for them, they pledge. Would anyone care if my family moved from this area? What if we weren’t able to earn an income sufficient to survive? What if all of the people here couldn’t make a financial go of it? Would anyone care? Or would it simply be a part of nature taking its course? Would commercials air with a pan flute showing my kids, my neighbour’s kids and cute little babies? I think I’ll teach the children of this area to play the pan flute. I can play the violin, so combine the two instruments and we should see an outpouring of love and dollars from Canada, right? Better stock up on tissues!
