Policy limiting off-road vehicles propos
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 07-07-2004 - 9:44pm |
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1152&slug=Off%20Road%20Travel
Wednesday, July 7, 2004 · Last updated 5:48 p.m. PT
Policy limiting off-road vehicles proposed
By SANDY SHORE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
DENVER -- The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday proposed restricting many off-road vehicles to designated roads and trails in federal forests and grasslands as part of efforts to curb environmental damage and ease conflict between visitors.
Under the proposal, each forest and grasslands district would work with the public to identify routes, trails and other areas suitable for off-road vehicles.
An environmental analysis would also be required on each site to determine potential environmental effects, Rocky Mountain Regional Forester Rick Cables said.
The result would be a "use map" to outline what activities are allowed in which areas. The plan would also halt the proliferation of new roads and trails, helping ease maintenance and enforcement problems, Cables said.
Environmentalists and hunting and recreation groups said the proposal is a good start but should include more effective enforcement and money to pay for it.
"We think it's well-intentioned, but it needs to be significantly strengthened," said Suzanne Jones of The Wilderness Society's Denver office.
Jack Troyer, the Forest Service's intermountain regional forester, acknowledged the proposal does not include specific funding but said money for implementation and enforcement could be taken from budgets for specific areas within the agency.
Environmentalists, ranging from The Wilderness Society and the Sierra Club to the American Hiking Society, recommended that the agency set a two-year deadline for final implementation and immediately ban off-road vehicles from unauthorized routes.
If the proposed draft becomes final, it could take up to four years for the policies to take effect, but they could be implemented in some areas more quickly.
Between 1976 and 2000, the number of off-road vehicle users increased from 5 million to 36 million, causing conflicts with other users such as horseback riders as well as with the growing number of homeowners who live near national forests.
---
On the Net:
Forest Service draft policy: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/index.shtml
The Wilderness Society: http://www.wilderness.org/
Community Leader: In The News
& Sports Talk
I can also be found at Washington
,
Be sure to check out the Crafts
messageboard for fun, creative & unique projects!




Pages
Frankly, I see no reason why these vehicles would have ANY place in national parks and forests.
But that's just me.
________________________________________________
"If you don't stand up for something, you'll lie down for anything." -- Bob Day, Marriage Equality Rally, Rochester NY
Help in the fight against a constitutional amendment!
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
________________________________________________
"If you don't stand up for something, you'll lie down for anything." -- B
I agree 110%!
ITA They're noisey, smelly, dangerous, detract from the pleasure of those who want to enjoy nature in all it's majesty.
As I said, the vast majority of people who used those trails on a daily basis (twice or three times a day even) were people walking their dogs (and having a lovely time I might add). I'm a little angry that people who only go in there once or twice a year can complain and get this rule passed. I suppose I'll just have to walk my dog by their houses from now on as I have no other alternative now.
I do agree with the off-road vehicles though. I can't stand those things. I suppose one person's off road vehicle is antoher person's lab/collie cross.
;o)
Edited 7/8/2004 11:42 am ET ET by suemox
I have a 1½ mile route I bike in my neighborhood - and typically, I average about 12 mph for 10 laps, or 15 miles.
________________________________________________
"If you don't stand up for something, you'll lie down for anything." -- B
There are no sidewalks where I live so the kids ride all over the road. Another neighbour almost hit one with her car, he turned into her. Same neighbour works p/t at home & has a teething baby & an 8yrs. old. My DH programs about half the time at home. We're all dreading this Summer, I call the troopers again, I'm mean. ;)
They're really annoying with that loud buzz, smelly fumes & dangerous. These parents have too much money, IMO. Ride a frigging bike, get some excercise.
This is part of an email I sent to a neighbour........
I
They're dangerous - and I have to seriously question the intelligence of ANY parent who would buy one and let the kid just go, go, go on them WITHOUT monitoring them.
________________________________________________
"If you don't stand up for something, you'll lie down for anything." -- B
Here's what various cities in WA State are doing about them!
Pages