Transcript OHV Use and National Forest Policy Powerpoint

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 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.
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.
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
Number OHV registered
2003 - 0ver 11 million OHV visits to National Forests
Year
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 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.
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:
(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 populated
areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors.
Conflicts and Opposing User Views
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.
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.
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2) Keep slides clear and simple
3) Point out/highlight important points
4) Use slides as outline rather than notes
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10) Practice, practice, practice (out loud!)