NEWS & OPINION
Snowmobilers MUST get involved in the Forest Service OHV Plan
Posted: 1/13/2006
As you know, a couple of years ago the Chief of the Forest Service outlined what he considered to be the four threats facing the Forest Service. They were (1) fire and fuels, (2) invasive species, (3) loss of open space, and (4) unmanaged recreation.
Because of the increased use of the national forests for outdoor activities, specifically by off-highway vehicles, the Chief felt the need to become actively involved. We met with the Forest Service immediately after the four threats were announced, during the initial planning stages of the OHV framework. We were told at that time, and several times since that time, that snowmobiles will not be affected. And, in fact, the framework specifically exempts snowmobiles and defines snowmobiles as over-snow vehicles.
However, I am becoming more and more aware that snowmobiles may be affected as a result of unintended consequences.
The snowmobile community is very organized and has been very effective in the battles to protect our privilege to ride. We may be tired of the battles, but we are very good because of the involvement of the grassroots.
Unfortunately the OHV community is not as organized as the snowmobile community. OHV use has grown from 5 million in 1972 to 51 million in 2004. Because of their rapid growth and the lack of the need to be involved like snowmobilers because of our trail and grooming programs, they do not have the advantage of mobilizing their grassroots.
It is time we, the snowmobile community, become actively involved in the OHV process.
The Forest Service has stressed the fact that OHV use is a legitimate use of NFS lands in the right places. In fact, Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth said, "OHV and other motorized vehicles are fun and exciting ways to experience national forests and we've seen dramatic increases in their popularity in the last decade." He went on to say, "Land managers will use the new rule to continue to work with motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists, state and local officials and others to provide responsible motorized recreational experiences in national forests and grasslands for the long run."
This national OHV framework is intended to guide the local designation of roads, trails and areas for OHV use on national forests. Under this framework, cross-country travel while on off-road vehicles will not be allowed.
The new travel management policy requires each forest to identify and designate those roads, trails and areas that are open to motor vehicle use. Local units will seek public input and coordinate with federal, state, county and other local governmental entities before any decision is made on a particular road, trail or area. Unplanned, user-created routes will be considered at the local level during the designation process.
It is of the utmost importance that snowmobilers are involved in the identification of these designated roads, trails and areas. It is of the utmost importance that snowmobilers are at the table during these discussions at every Forest where snowmobiling takes place.
It is my understanding that winter users will be invited to participate. It is our obligation to participate.
The truth is that many of the roads, trails and areas that will be discussed are the same roads, trails and areas that the snowmobilers use.
New routes will also be discussed in the process as well. If we want new roads, trails and areas, now is the time to be at the table proposing and discussing our ideas.
The agency expects that it will take up to 4 years to complete the designation process for all 155 national forests. Each unit will also publish a motor vehicle use map. Once the designation process is complete, motor vehicle use off these routes and outside those areas (cross-country travel) will be prohibited.
The rule will impact motor vehicle use on roads, trails and areas under Forest Service management. State, county or other public roads within national forest and grassland boundaries will not be included in the designation process.
There is no reason to doubt the agency's sincere desire to manage the OHV use rather than to ban OHV use. We have to appreciate that.....it is always easier to ban rather than manage, we know that from experience.
There is also no reason to doubt that the Forest Service really wants to have balance and multiple use. But, make no mistake about it, there are forces out there that would like see all motorized users banned -- those folks that do not believe in balance or multiple use.
It is really important that snowmobilers involve themselves in yet another challenge, the public process that will ultimately designate the roads, trails and riding areas.
My fear is that roads, trails, riding areas, and staging areas that we currently use and depend on may be the very roads, trails, riding areas and staging areas that may not be designated as open. If they are not open for the "OHV" community, will they be open for us?
Remember the days of "Open"? Then there were the days of "Open Unless Posted Closed" and of course "Closed". It appears we are entering a new phase of "Designated Open for OHVs".
Please keep in mind that this prohibition will not affect over-snow vehicles, such as snowmobiles, intentionally at least. But there are always unintended consequences....and I really would hate to end up there.
If you do not receive an invitation or notification, please contact the management at the Forest where you recreate. Let them know you are interested and would like to be involved. Request that your name be placed on the notification list for upcoming meetings.
It's really important that we involve ourselves in this process. Getting involved now, in the planning stages, will certainly be easier than trying to fix something later.
If you would like additional information, please contact the ACSA office. ACSA will continue to work with the Forest Service and the other OHV groups on the national level.
Thank you to every snowmobiler out there -- thanks for believing in organization and thanks for answering the call to duty, and thanks for being responsible.
The ACSA provides leadership and coordination on national snowmobile issues, supports state associations in their efforts to address state issues, and to advance the efforts of all organizations to promote responsible snowmobiling in the U.S. ACSA also educates and informs the public about snowmobiling to increase awareness and acts a national coordinator and spokesperson.
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