OHV Use on National Forest Lands

1. OHV Use on National Forest Lands

2. OHV Use on National Forest Lands

3. Background From 1982 to 2000, the number of people driving motor vehicles off road in the United States increased over 109 Percent From 1997 to 2001, the number of ATVs in use increased by almost 40 percent OHV users accounted for between 11 and 12 million visits to national forests and grasslands.

4. Background From 1982 to 2000, the number of people driving motor vehicles off road in the United States increased over 109 Percent From 1997 to 2001, the number of ATVs in use increased by almost 40 percent OHV users accounted for between 11 and 12 million visits to national forests and grasslands.

5. 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 Forests Number OHV registered Year

6. Issues: • 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

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

8. USDA National Forest OHV Policy 2005 “We believe that off-highway vehicles are a legitimate use of the National Forest System. 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 enforcement existing right of ways (landowners, permitees) May designate roads open for dispersed camping or retrieval of a downed big game animal Wilderness areas are closed to motor vehicles by statute.

9. Designating Roads: • Responsible official shall consider • with 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: • 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 populated • areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors.

10. Conflicts and Opposing User Views Americans have unrestricted right to unlimited access to National Forests with motor vehicles . USFS: The Department disagrees National Forests belong to all Americans, but Americans do not have a right to unrestricted use. Congress established USFS so that future generations can continue to enjoy them. OHVs should not be allowed. National Forests should be managed for preservation of natural values, water quality, wildlife habitat, endangered species, biological diversity, quiet, and spiritual renewal. USFS: The Department disagrees. National Forests are managed by law for multiple use.

11. Suggestions for oral presentations: • Talk, don’t recite • Keep slides clear and simple • Point out/highlight important points • Use slides as outline rather than notes • Use specific numbers/data over vague generalizations • Never put humor over content or “flash” over substance • Keep pace moderate (slow down) • Finish on time • Know the sequence and content of each slide • Practice, practice, practice (out loud!)