FORESTS: Plans adjusted for shrinking OHV areas

Written by E&E News

Monday, July 13, 2009

National forest land managers are adjusting their forest plans to regulate motorized recreation.

For years, off-highway vehicle users were allowed to ride in an area unless there was a sign telling them they could not. Now, they can ride only where the maps say they can.

The flip is the result of a 2005 U.S. Forest Service rule intended to limit the effects of the off-highway vehicles, which can trample sensitive ecological areas. The noisy machines are also an object of derision from many hikers and other silent sports practitioners.

Off-highway vehicle advocates are unhappy with the change. "There is not one forest travel plan that increases trail milage," said Brian Hawthorne, public lands policy director for the BlueRibbon Coalition, a recreation access group. "Across the board, there are less roads and trains open to motorized vehicles."

OHV sales tripled from 1995 to 2003 but have since slowed, according to study by the Forest Service (Matthew Preusch, Portland Oregonian, July 12).

Source: http://www.eenews.net/

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“Once they chased our cow into a deep arroyo where it fell and broke its neck. I don't understand how anyone could think chasing livestock is fun.” As a result of the growing conflicts with off-roaders, the Gonzales family stopped their cattle ranching. It doesn't matter whether it is a plate or decal, what is important is that the identification is visible. The police could have tracked down the illegal riders if we had been able to photograph the IDs on their vehicles. I think that would have made them think twice before breaking the law.”

- Eleanor Gonzales, private property owner in Santé Fe County, NM