RECREATION GROUP APPLAUDS FOREST SERVICE RULE

Americans for Responsible Recreational Access today commended the U.S. Forest Service for its final rule regulating off-highway vehicle use on public lands.  “The important thing is that the new rule recognizes the rightful role of motorized recreation on public lands,” said ARRA Executive Director Larry E. Smith.  “While the rule might not be perfect for everyone, we are pleased that it sustains the Forest Service’s view that public lands belong to all Americans, not just an elite few.”

Mr. Smith said the new rule will challenge local riders and rider groups to help with the job of mapping designated OHV roads and trails in the nation’s forests.  “This will be a huge job,” Mr. Smith said, “but who knows the trails of our forests better than the riders themselves? I would urge all interested individuals and groups to work with local forest officials to help locate and map roads and trails.”

“Our objective at ARRA is to keep public lands open to a wide variety of recreational pursuits,” Mr. Smith said.  “This rule recognizes the tremendous growth in OHV ridership and the need to assure that riders have access to our nation’s forests.  When the mapping job is completed, riders will know where they can go and where they can’t.  In our view, that’s just a better way to manage our national forests.”

Mr. Smith said the rule, if implemented successfully, could serve to lessen the issue of rider conflict in the national forests.  “Assuming an adequate number of trails and good communications with riders, we believe the rule strikes a good balance between protecting public lands and managing the growing popularity of OHV use.”

Mr. Smith commended Forest Service Chief Dale N. Bosworth and his staff for listening to OHV rider groups in developing the rule.  “We are particularly pleased that the Forest Service took the time to listen to all interests in shaping this policy.  We believe one of the true strengths of the rule is that it moves authority for designating trails to the local level.”

ARRA – one of the fastest growing recreation groups in the country – represents the interests of millions of families and individuals who enjoy outdoor recreation and who believe that federal lands should remain open to recreational pursuits.  Check out our website at www.arra-access.com.   

The full text of the final rule can be read by clicking here.