FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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UNMANAGED OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE

Nationally, the number of off-road vehicle (ORV) users climbed sevenfold in the last 30 years -- from five million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.

Concerns have arisen over the number of unplanned roads and trails, erosion, water degradation, disturbance to wildlife, spread of noxious weeds along roads and trails, and other forms of habitat destruction from ORV activity.

There is a growing need for rules and standards for the use of off-road vehicles on public lands which will find acceptance among the varied public that uses these lands.

In April 2003 and again in January 2004, Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth identified unmanaged off-road vehicle use as one of the four greatest threats to America's national forests, along with fire, the spread of invasive species and habitat fragmentation.

In July 2004, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) proposed a new rule concerning use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and other ORVs on America's national forests.  Although it represents a step forward, it falls far short of what is needed to address one of the greatest threats to national forests.  It does not establish a timeline for implementation, and clearly states that it will have no effect on the ground until roads and routes are formally designated by the Forest Service in local planning processes.

The BLM also has initiated a process for planning travel on all public lands that it manages, which would cover off-road vehicles.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs supports strong protection from identified unmanaged off-road vehicle use on our national forests, as well as on lands managed by the BLM. The agencies with responsibilities for what is happening need not only to promote understanding by the public of the problem but also need to oversee and enforce rules governing the proper use of off-road vehicles on public lands.

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