RECREATIONAL ACCESS GROUPS LAUNCH JOINT DIRECTIVE TO U.S. FOREST
SERVICE REGARDING FOREST SERVICE OHV INITIATIVE
Two of America's largest recreational access advocacy organizations,
the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and United Four Wheel Drive
Associations (UFWDA), have asked U.S. Forest Service Chief Dale
Bosworth to address serious
concerns of the Off Highway Vehicle community in his new nationwide
OHV policy. The new OHV policy is designed to limit OHV use to
designated roads, trails and generally ban cross-country travel.
Carla Boucher, Legal Counsel for United Four Wheel Drive Associations
and nationally-known land use attorney said, "Although we generally
support the broad goals of the OHV initiative we have serious
concerns that must be
addressed". Bill Dart, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition
added: "Our organizations will aggressively participate early on in
this process to make certain recreational access is preserved for
all."
"We have strongly cautioned the Forest Service that any change in
management must be done legally, with full public involvement and not
by 'special order' or 'emergency order' short cuts", stated Dart.
The Organizations also focused on the importance of a complete
inventory of all roads and trails, including the public early and
often in the inventory and designation process and expressed strong
opposition to any attempt to implement a national Closed Unless
Posted Open policy.
"BRC and UFWDA joined together to make it clear to the agency that
the recreation community is united and that we?re committed to making
sure the new OHV policy is fair", stated Boucher.
"The Forest Service must adequately plan for both current and future
OHV use" Dart said. "If the Forest Service does their job right, this
initiative will provide enjoyable, sustainable and manageable OHV
travel systems that
will meet the current and future need of Americans who enjoy OHV
use." he added.
Both groups emphasize the importance of local OHV user involvement in
the new policy, noting that local involvement will be critical to
protecting OHV routes so all can enjoy America's public lands.
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The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting responsible recreation, equal opportunity and
recreation access to all. The BlueRibbon Coalition works to "Preserve
our natural resources FOR the public instead of FROM the public," and
to promote cooperation among the various user-groups.
United Four Wheel Drive Associations is an international organization
comprised of four wheel drive enthusiasts, clubs, associations, and
businesses dedicated to providing community services around the
world, education in responsible land use and safe vehicle operation,
and protection of our natural resources through conservation
practices and utilization of "PUBLIC land for PUBLIC use".
