Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn criticizes off-roading limits in Ouachita National Forest

Chris Casteel

WASHINGTON — Sen. Tom Coburn on Monday criticized a U.S. Forest Service decision to ban most cross-country travel by off-road vehicles in the Ouachita National Forest.

Coburn, R-Muskogee, said the decision, which will take effect this spring, would have "a devastating impact on the economy in Southeast Oklahoma.”

He said, "I’m outraged by Forest Service’s Washington-knows-best attitude and total disregard for the Oklahomans whose livelihoods depend on tourism in the Ouachita National Forest area.”

Under the decision announced last week, under development for four years beginning under the Bush administration, there will be designated routes for off-road vehicles. Those wanting to use those routes will have to get a map from a ranger’s office and make sure they comply with the designations.

Forest Supervisor Norm Wagoner said in a prepared statement that most riders of off-road vehicles had ridden "legally and sensibly and have been responsible in their use of the National Forest.”

"But in order for the forest to balance the desires of off-highway riders with the responsibility to maintain a healthy and sustainable forest, it required a project like this that took a hard look at the problems and then designated routes that allow access, protect against damage and result in a sustainable travel system,” Wagoner said.

The Forest Service’s approach to the matter, Coburn said, had been "a case study in bureaucratic incompetence and arrogance.”

He said, "This plan will not only hurt the economy of Southeast Oklahoma but will also hurt the very forest they are trying to protect.

"Mass road closures will result in greater concentration of off-highway vehicles in limited areas, resulting in greater damage to the forest.”

AT A GLANCE

Hunters can still reach game

The new rules will allow large-game hunters to use their vehicles to retrieve legally downed game within one half mile of some designated routes. And certain roads will be open in October, November and December, when the majority of hunting for big game occurs. Most cross-country travel, however, whether on user-created roads or just riding in the forest in an off-road vehicle, will be prohibited.

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Source: http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-sen.-tom-coburn-criticizes-off-roading-limits-in-ouachita-national-forest/article/3431328

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