Motorized and nonmotorized. Access versus preservation. Foot-power or pedal-power. Greens versus plaids.
Can't we all just get along?
Outdoor users groups continue to butt heads and as long as we battle, everybody will lose to some degree.
It's no wonder some sections of our outdoor recreation groups are decreasing in numbers and funding for trails projects and infrastructure maintenance is lagging.
We can't even agree on who's allowed to use a section of trail, so how do you expect us to get along when it comes to asking for money or getting a kid involved in the outdoors?
The battleground isn't new as all-terrain vehicle riders find themselves facing off against recreation advocates who are against ATVs on the trails.
The conflict surrounding ATVs is nearly as old as the machines themselves and has grown steadily as more and more people buy and ride them.
In recent years land-management agencies have tried to catch up on the debate and referee the brawl, pushing the battle to a fevered pitch. The resulting rule-making has only intensified as both sides scratch and claw to gain the upper hand.
Nonmotorized folks try to push the machines off the trails and the ATVers seek more access.
You'd think there would have been some compromise by now, or at least they would have run out of trails over which to argue.
That would be easy and when it comes to ATVs, the discussion is never easy.
Camps from both sides of the issue too often exhibit the standard "me, me, me" attitude that pervades this and many other issues.
At some point, we have to get away from the "This is what I want," and look more at "This would be best for the largest number of people."
Don't get me wrong.
I'm pretty much a middle of the two-track guy here.
I don't own or ride ATVs, but I have nothing against the legal and ethical operation of the machines.
An ATV isn't my cup of tea. Although I would definitely ride an ATV at times and would find great fun in using an ATV, I personally would rather use my feet and, for the most part, would prefer to hike than ride an ATV.
But, my opinion doesn't - and shouldn't - dictate what others are able to do.
What I think shouldn't weigh an ounce more than what an ATV rider wants. My view is no more important than what someone who is against ATVs thinks.
That's the level of respect that is missing from this debate. Just because I don't ride an ATV doesn't mean I want to keep them off the trails.
There are, however, places they shouldn't be due to the risk of trail damage, erosion, and other potential impacts.
Where the trails are capable of handling ATV traffic, they should be allowed.
I've known many, many ATV owners who are great people, respectful of others and careful in their riding.
They stay on trails, don't ride when trails are muddy, ride at safe and sane speeds, keep their rigs muffled and tuned to prevent excessive exhaust, and whatever else goes into being a good steward of the land.
As with any other group, there are the outlaws.
It doesn't matter what outdoor activity you pick, there are idiots.
There are poachers who call themselves hunters, although I'll never mix the two words.
There are hikers who tromp down muddy trails and circle mud holes, there are anglers who don't obey limits or size restrictions, skiers and boarders who go under the ropes and ski out of bounds and mountain bikers who bomb downhill without regard for anybody else who might be on the trail.
There's just a certain percentage of people who won't follow the rules and there are ATVers who, right now, fall into this category.
You can close, or refuse to open, all the trails you want and you'll still have rogue ATVers on those trails.
You can't manage for the 2-percenters. You have to manage for the resource and access that best serves the most people. All user groups deserve places to play.
Space is not always a luxury and we're going to have to share the trails. Finding the right balance won't be easy. But it needs to be done.
Maybe, just maybe, we can all get along.
Darren Marcy is a local outdoor enthusiast. His Web site is http://www.darrenmarcy.com/. E-mail him at darren@darrenmarcy.com.