Off-Road Vehicle Damage Prevention Campaign
Leadership OpeningsWhat is this about?
Hobby users of off-road motorcycles, trucks and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are pushing government to turn public lands over to their use, thereby taking away wild and scenic places that hikers, bicyclists, and hunters have long used.
Why should I be concerned?
The powerful spinning wheels of ATVs, dirt bikes and mudder trucks are inherently destructive to the delicate plants, thin soils and steep slopes of the our state's prairies and forests. Erosion multiplies their damage and pollutes our valued trout steams, wetlands and beautiful lakes. When they proliferate, rare wildlife habitats are degraded and residents and visitors lose cherished peace and quiet. This displaces historic users and harms our tourism businesses.
ATV clubs want control of the state snowmobile trails like the North Shore State Trail (NSST) and local "grant-in-aid" snowmobile trails, even though these trails were not designed for summer use by powered wheeled vehicles. The NSST crosses over 250 wetlands and 100 trout streams. ATV advocates wants "scramble" tracks for ATVs built with tax dollars that could otherwise be used for needed highway repairs.
What are the solutions?
These recreational machines can be limited to a few sensible places so our state doesn't become a destination for non-resident riders. Since only a small proportion of Minnesotans use these machines, in fairness only a small proportion of public lands need be set aside for their use. The environmental impact of each proposed trail system can be disclosed to the public well before final decisions are made. High standards for trail design can protect other users and sensitive lands and waters. Non-motorized areas need to be designated in public forests. Wildcat trails need to be promptly closed and the land restored.
How can I help?
Call Clyde Hanson at 218-387-9081 to volunteer for the campaign committee (a sub-committee of the Forest Committee). Use your skills or learn new ones — writing, speaking, lobbying, and mentoring. Needed: liaison to coalition, web page writer, policy researcher, letter writer, organizer of in-district meetings with legislators, and more. Periodic evening conference calls and events across the state.
Off-highway vehicles have nearly surpassed snowmobiles in popularity in Minnesota. Unfortunately, OHV use is far more damaging to state lands and waters than their winter-based counterpart. Where these machines are permitted, and how much damage they do, is under scrutiny in Minnesota's national forests, state forests, and wetlands. Will there be a quiet place left in the woods?
National forest ruleThe US Forest Service is writing a national rule to make ATVs stay on trails. But what's a trail? MORE State forest designations.The Department of Natural Resources is evaluating its ability to effectively manage Minnesota’s state forests and to monitor the destruction caused by ATVs. MORE ATV enforcement issues.Who is enforcing ATV regulations in our state forests? The Department of Natural Resources says it cannot manage all six million state forest acres. Their answer is to use ATV clubs. What exactly will be enforced, and who will keep the ATV clubs accountable? MORE |
National forest plans.Does a tree make a sound if it falls when nobody is around? Only if no one speaks out about it. The Forest Service chose Alternate E to address logging and ATV cries for less quiet land. Your voice is needed to turn back this destructive plan. MORE ATV damage on public land.Imagine a herd of ATVs rampaging through your home and your property. Now imagine how our forest and wetland friends feel when ATVs rampage through their home. They are helpless. You are not. MORE ATV legislation.In spring 2004 the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to allow ATVs to ride in wetlands. MORE |