Do not read this review. Instead find a copy of Thrillcraft. It is a powerful book. The dramatic photos, captions and layout illustrate the threats to our last fragments of wild land by unlimited and uncontrolled motorized use. A couple dozen essays by diverse experts provide insightful analysis and a better vision for our public land. The list of contributors itself is impressive.

There are more than 100 stunning and often disturbing photos in this 300-page, “coffee table” size book. Do not start at the beginning to read it through. First look at all the photos and captions. Take your time. Then maybe read the Foreward, Afterword, and the Introductions to several of the seven parts.

“Part I Estrangement from Nature” is academic and philosophical. It is not for everyone. “Part II How Did It Come to This”, “Part III Environmental Impacts”, and “Part IV Bearing Witness Across America” might be better places to start. Or just start on whichever essay catches your interest. Many are excellent.

Ask for the book at the library. If they don’t have it, request that they get it. If enough people do, they will. If your favorite bookstore doesn’t have it, tell them to stock it. People need to see this book. If you buy a copy, share it with friends and relatives.

Many ATV fans may take offense at the image of motor-folk presented in the book. They might say that they, their friends and organizations are not like that. They will claim to be responsible OHV riders. Many of them may just not recognize their own image in the mirror – or claim not to.

Responsible OHV users should be easy to identify. They would support the Pryors Coalition’s proposal for the Pryors. They would support strong protection for special public lands, strict and clear rules limiting where visitors are privileged to use off-road vehicles, and consistent enforcement to transform the current culture of disregard to one of respect for nature, the law, and other visitors.

There are clearly thrillcraft problems in Montana, but not yet as serious as in some other parts of the country. It is important for land managers and decision makers to get ahead of the curve and avoid repeating the mistakes made elsewhere. This book could help us protect the last remaining fragments of our public wildlands from the growing plague of thrillcraft.

The Pryors Coalition is distributing copies of Thrillcraft to Custer National Forest and BLM officials, Montana congressional offices, and public officials.

The overwhelming majority of users of public land – including the wildlife – do not use thrillcraft. Let’s keep The Last Best Place worthy of the slogan.

Also see the essay ORVs: No Right Way to Do the Wrong Thing by George Wuerthner.