Mud bogs and traps, another view...

[Charle5170@aol.com]

I wrote this for the Daily News but they put my column off for a week so it 
won't run until Monday the 24.

Spiking muddy meadow bogs-Recent reports have detailed how supposedly 
dastardly environmental wackos have spiked mud bogs that were formerly 
meadows.  It seems the motorheads among us have decided to ruin yet another 
good thing with all-terrain vehicles and 4-wheel drive trucks.  That is, when 
they see a moist little forest meadow, they pulverize it throwing mud all 
over themselves and their rigs.  You've seen them at the local car washes on 
Sunday evenings.

The spikes are welded rebar set in retaliation and to prevent the idiots from 
continuing.  Good idea, bad execution.  Local buzz on the Moscow Vision 2020 
listserver has suggested perhaps the understaffed, underfunded U.S. Forest 
Service begin spiking mud bogs themselves and placing notice of same up so 
the activity will stop.  Better idea, still bad execution.

A look at the design of the devices shows some to be two pieces of rebar bent 
in a "vee" and welded while interlocked at the apex.  Sort of a steel 
chicken's foot and leg shape that will always land with one spike pointed up 
and three legs supporting it.  It's not a new idea; the device is called a 
caltrap.

Caltraps date back to the heraldic armorers who produced them as a defense 
against an advancing cavalry.  The symbol is used in numerous shields and 
emblems including that of the Third Marine Division where the three grounded 
points stand for valor, fidelity, and honor.  The fourth stands for 
literally, "don't tread on me!"

Now all we need is for a legitimate equestrian to ride into a caltrapped mud 
bog and injure a horse.  Whether placed by environ-lack-of-mentalists or 
anyone else, devices that are intended to injure and maim have no place in 
society.  The fact they've gotten tires so far is beside the point.

I might add that once again it is a minority of ORV users who are screwing it 
up for the aged and infirmed who can legitimately use a minimally impactful 
ride to lands they pay taxes for.  Too bad, it happens all the time.... 
assholes!

Charlie Powell
Moscow, ID