Contact: Larry Smith, 202-336-5116

June 5, 2008 

ARRA Commends Senate Committee for Commitment to Management

Today the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing "to receive testimony regarding off-highway vehicle (OHV) management on public lands."  Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the American Motorcyclist Association, the BlueRibbon Coalition, The Wilderness Society, Trout Unlimited and the Nevada Sheriffs’ and Chiefs’ Association testified before the Committee about issues related to OHV use on National Forests and BLM Units.

ARRA Executive Director Larry Smith said, "We are pleased that each Member of the Committee present at the hearing and all witnesses recognized OHV recreation as a legitimate use of public lands, that’s important." 

He continued, "We applaud the Forest Service and BLM for moving forward with travel management plans and we will continue to work with them as they implement designated routes."  "Managed systems of trails and areas for OHV use are not only more sustainable but can also provide a better experience for OHV enthusiasts, provided the systems are adequate for demand and developed using effective management principles."

Witnesses at today's hearing pointed to the San Bernardino National Forest (CA), the Paiute Trail (UT) and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails (WV) as examples of successfully managed OHV trail systems.  Smith noted, "It is important to highlight successful OHV trail systems and also make sure that land managers know that the OHV community has developed tools to help replicate those successes in other areas."

Smith thanked the Committee for holding the hearing, saying, "This hearing presented a good opportunity to discuss OHV recreation and management on the record.  Everyone was in agreement that OHV use is appropriate on public lands and that the use needs effective management.  With both the Forest Service and the BLM moving to designated route systems all parties involved have an opportunity to offer OHV access that both meets the needs of enthusiasts and protects the environment.  I hope we take advantage of that opportunity."
 
Based in Washington, D.C., Americans for Responsible Recreational Access represents the interests of millions of Americans who enjoy the great outdoors and who believe public lands and waterways should remain open for recreational pursuits.  Check out its web site at www.arra-access.com.