Protecting Public OHV Off-Road
Land Access
::Continued::
We can do the same. Here’s how:
I’m quite certain you’re already doing this, but just a quick reminder. When you are out in the forest playing around make sure you are setting the proper example for others to see. It isn’t enough to just say that we follow the Tread Lightly mantra; we have to demonstrate it at all opportunities.
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"Tread Lightly" means stay on the designated trails and to be respectful of nature and the public lands that offer off-road riding without causing any damage to the terrain
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If you are at that gathering where off-roading comes up and you know that unfair stereotype is on the tip of someone’s tongue, don’t get offended or pick a fight. But calmly and coolly make the point that the vast majority of 4x4ers are responsible folk.
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The Dixie National Forest is just one of many government owned lands that are open to the public for off-road riding access |
Similarly, if someone is themselves painting that unfair picture – glorifying the irresponsible use of automobiles, boasting about the needless destruction of the land – make sure you let them know (politely works best) that those actions are helping aid the cause of those that seek to close off the forests for our use.
Educate yourself, locally
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Be involved with your local Forest Ranger District or BLM Field office to be aware of issues that may effect land access locally |
If you want to get involved in the political debate about public land access, I recommend diverting your focus from the national level, and get down to the nitty-gritty on the local level. This means taking part in the process at your nearest local Ranger District (if your adjacent public land is managed by the Forest Service) or Field Office (for BLM-managed land). By getting your ear to the local ground, you’ll know when decisions that affect land access are on the agenda and you’ll be in a position to take part in that process, by getting involved in the public commenting and public meetings (by law they are required to have these things) that come with any policy decision.
Join OHV Clubs & Organizations |
There are an estimated 53 million off-highway vehicle (OHV) users in the United States, yet it is further estimated that only 2% of these people are active members of an OHV club or organization.
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Joining an OHV club or an organization is one of the best ways to help preserve public land access for off-road. You can find a local OHV club in your area by visiting www.rohva.org |
As mentioned earlier, the environmental movement is well-organized and has built themselves a powerful lobby. Many prominent OHV organizations hope to build an equally powerful counter-lobby, but they need your help. Join a national organization and look into local clubs and groups, too.
About Jack Payton:
Jack Payton has been an active participant in several groups and organizations dedicated to the preservation of public land access for off-roaders and other recreational land uses. He is also a freelance writer whose work appears courtesy of the online tires retailer Tires-Easy.
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