OHV Use on National Forest Lands

OHV Use on National Forest Lands

Background

From 1982 to 2000, the number of people driving motor vehicles off roadin the United States increased over 109 Percent

From 1997 to 2001, the number of ATVs in use increased byalmost 40 percent

OHV users accounted for between 11 and 12 millionvisits to national forests and grasslands.

Background

From 1982 to 2000, the number of people driving motor vehicles off roadin the United States increased over 109 Percent

From 1997 to 2001, the number of ATVs in use increased byalmost 40 percent

OHV users accounted for between 11 and 12 millionvisits to national forests and grasslands.

Background

OHV = Off Highway vehicle (ATV, ORV, motorcycles, dirtbikes)

1982 – 2000 - 109 % increase in # people driving OHV

1997 to 2001 - 40 % increase in ATVs use

2003 - 0ver 11 million OHV visits to National ForestsN

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Issues:

1) Environmental damage - Current regulations prohibit:trail construction operation in manner damaging to the land, wildlife, or vegetation

BUT Have not controlled proliferation of routes or environmental damage

2) Inconsistency - One National Forest restricts motor vehicles to roads/trails, adjoining National Forest or other lands allows unrestricted cross-country travel

USDA National Forest OHV Policy 2005

“We believe that off-highway vehicles are a legitimate use of the National ForestSystem. But it’s a use that should be managed carefully.”

1) Each national forest and grassland designates roads,trails, and areas open to motor vehicle use with public input, specifying type of vehicle.

2) Exceptions:fire,military, emergency, and law enforcementexisting right of ways (landowners, permitees)

May designate roads open for dispersed camping orretrieval of a downed big game animal

Wilderness areas are closed to motor vehicles by statute.

Responsible official shall considerwith the objective of minimizing effects:

(1) Damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and other forest resources;

(2) Harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of wildlife habitats;

Must also consider:(1)Conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle use of

National Forest or neighboring federal lands.

(2) Compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populatedareas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors.

Designating Roads:

Conflicts and Opposing User Views

Americans have unrestricted right to unlimited access to National Forests with motor vehicles .

USFS: The Department disagreesNational Forests belong to all Americans, but Americans do not have a right to unrestricted use.Congress established USFS so that future generations cancontinue to enjoy them.

OHVs should not be allowed. NationalForests should be managed forpreservation of natural values, waterquality, wildlife habitat, endangeredspecies, biological diversity, quiet, andspiritual renewal.

USFS: The Department disagrees.National Forests are managed by law formultiple use.

Suggestions for oral presentations:

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