A major sanctuary management issue for Houston Audubon and other wildlife managers is damage caused by trespassers using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The damage that irresponsible drivers (often with wirecutters and chainsaws in hand) cause to land can take decades or even longer to recover. More appalling has been the damage to Texas rivers and streams by ATVs as their drivers cross, recross, and churn up and down waterways. In an attempt to stop the horrific damage, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 155, which went into effect in January, 2004.

It is now illegal to ride wheeled vehicles in navigable waters in Texas. Attempts have been made to repeal the law, but it is important to keep this law strong. Our rivers and streams need it. We need it.