I tried to read Scott Benolken’s column last week with an open mind even though I’m pretty much opposed to the B2B. But near the end of his spiel, he said, “I need to be very clear in that the touring route riders are coming…whether the county supports the B2B or not.” Hmmm, that sounded like a threat, and it prompted me to go to the DNR’s website to see what has been said about the issue.
On the page referring to the Border to Border Touring Route, the first section makes it sound like it’s a done deal. It’s only at the beginning of the second section that there is a small disclaimer stating that the route is not yet final. The funding, according to the website, comes from “The Off- Road Vehicle account in Minnesota’s Natural Resource Fund.” So I contacted Andrew Brown, who is the project manager for this undertaking, to ask where the revenue for the fund comes from. It comes from off-road vehicle (ORV) stickers. So, my off-road Polaris, which very seldom leaves my property, pays for the on-road B2B. That must mean that the license tabs for my 4-wheel drive autos go for planting saplings in state parks. Makes perfect sense.
I have often wondered why the Department of Natural Resources is involved with what seems to be an unnatural road project and has always begged the question: What percentage of Minnesotan’s/Cook County Residents will benefit from a B2B? If the DNR is so flush with cash that it is involved with a road project, wouldn’t it be more within their realm to promote programs that show parents how to pry cell phones from the warm, live hands of their youngsters while urging them toward activities like fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, etc.?
The intentions of this being a family activity might be well and good, but I’ve heard the stories: Mom and Dad are in the front seat pointing out the flora and fauna while Susie and Billy are in the back seat playing “Grand Theft Auto” on their I Pads.
I don’t doubt the sincerity of these clubs when saying they will tread lightly, but it will only take a small number of cowboys to tear up some pretty fragile roadways, and the Natural Resource Fund will only “help support local road maintenance.” Really? Who pays the rest of the maintenance costs? What are the other unintended consequences? Hold on to your wallets folks because they’re “coming … whether the county supports the B2B or not.”
Ron Wizykoski, Hovland
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