Driving Force Newsletter - August 2010

[4N2NR]

Happy Trails?
How Wilderness Legislation Can Stop Off-Roaders in Their Tracks

Like all niches of the auto hobby, off-roading is an activity enjoyed by countless enthusiasts and families all over the country. Responsible use of OHVs (off highway vehicles) provides quality and exciting family time outdoors enjoying all that America’s landscape has to offer on two or four wheels. However, with increasing frequency, enthusiasts are encountering a road or trail closed sign on public lands. This is often the result of Congress passing legislation that creates an area called “wilderness.”

“A wilderness designation is the strictest form of public land management since virtually all mechanized equipment is outlawed,” said SAN Director Ethan Landesman. “Motorized recreation is non-existent on these lands. In fact, allowable use in areas designated as wilderness only includes travel on foot or horseback—without the luxury of toilets, tables or fire pits.”

Wilderness does serve an important environmental purpose in protecting plants and animals and America’s natural heritage. The question is the amount of land that needs such a restrictive designation and whether it is possible to permit some motorized activities on portions of the land. When Congress enacted the Wilderness Act in 1964, it set aside 9 million acres of land. There are now about 110 million acres, and Congress is considering requests to add another 20 or 30 million acres.

Only Congress can designate a wilderness by enacting legislation into law. There are some compromise OHV-friendly solutions when considering such bills. For example, one is to “cherry-stem” existing roads and trails so they do not receive the wilderness stamp. Another is the so-called “back country” designation— not as drastic as wilderness—that would permit motorized activity on certain lands while simultaneously protecting the environment.


Entire August Newsletter