Wilderness

Re “Value of ‘Plain’ Wilderness,” editorial, July 19: Urban dwellers need a place of respite from the noise and bustle of city life. Nevertheless, one cannot travel into the desert areas around L.A. without encountering the ubiquitous off-road vehicle. These ORVs (dirt bikes, quads and ATVs) are a nuisance to non-motorized desert visitors. They are noisy, raise clouds of dust and cause accidents with their reckless behavior. Worst of all, ORVs permanently damage wildlife habitat as well as scarring the hillsides with vehicle tracks.

Let’s ban ORVs in natural areas while there’s still some nature left. Let ORV users buy their own land on which to put up their courses. We need the wilderness intact.

DOUG PARHAM

Palmdale