Jim Baird: “I appreciate the sincere effort to reduce the damage to the existing areas, but there are, however, very precious and…”

“I appreciate the sincere effort to reduce the damage to the existing areas, but there are, however, very precious and unique lands that are currently left out of this legislation and that the amendment offered by the gentleman from Colorado would address. My fear is we do not address that. And my other fear, as I understand the legislation proposed, is it would manage areas at current management levels, but not at more potentially restrictive designations. Mr. Chairman, I think we need to make sure that two things happen: we restrain and restrict and stop the destruction currently caused by ORVs in the existing and proposed areas and that we expand those areas recognized for their unique features. It is indeed the area that the gentleman represents, and I respect that very much. But it is also an area cherished and regarded by the entire country as a unique national resource. That is why we are here today to speak on their behalf, the U.S. Congress speaking on behalf of that.”