OHV REGULATION

For those of us who spend time outdoors, it is obvious that the use of OHVs is dramatically increasing year to year. We also get to see first hand, the people who abuse the privelage of accessing public lands with these vehicles. I am happy to see the Forest Service and BLM beginning to take action towards effectively regulating and managing OHV use on our public lands. For some information on OHV use and management, click here.

Some of the main concerns are that when OHVs are used off of designated trails and roads, they can cause extensive soil erosion. They also help to spread invasive weeds and plants to the open or exposed areas where vegetation has been destroyed. One of the most obvious concerns related to abusing the recreational rights of OHV use is the negative externalities that the person creates. During the deer hunt last year, I went to one of my favorite spots. It was about a two hour hike from the bottom of the canyon, and this spot has always been successful for me. I can't tell you how upset I was when I reached the area and discovered that a 4-wheeler had driven down off the top, across the sidehill, and then through a 200 acre meadow, leaving a foot- deep trench in the ground. It is because of the irresposibility of a few that all of those who use OHVs must yield to management and enforcement strategies.