no more trails say its not so
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
--
HarryS
JAFGBR
JAFTJO
"KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
>
>
> Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
>
> BY BILL THOMPSON
> STAFF WRITER
>
>
> OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
cut
> down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
>
> The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
areas
> where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
>
> The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
>
> Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
call
> announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
page
> across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> travel cross-country unfettered.
>
> But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
>
> That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> doing" in defining those areas.
>
> Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
>
> A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
completed
> next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
review
> of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
>
> The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
and
> not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
>
> Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> widely as the areas they serve.
>
> The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
use
> on federal lands, Troyer said.
>
> While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
>
> OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
buggies.
> It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
>
> Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
Service
> will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
>
> Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
habitat
> and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> tranquility to enjoy the forest.
>
> The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
be
> sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
84122-1150.
> Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
>
> Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
"user
> map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> its input known for each one.
>
> "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> we're trying to do," Troyer said.
>
> Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
>
> The purpose of
> the new proposal
> is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
>
> of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
>
>
>
--
HarryS
JAFGBR
JAFTJO
"KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
>
>
> Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
>
> BY BILL THOMPSON
> STAFF WRITER
>
>
> OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
cut
> down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
>
> The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
areas
> where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
>
> The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
>
> Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
call
> announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
page
> across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> travel cross-country unfettered.
>
> But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
>
> That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> doing" in defining those areas.
>
> Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
>
> A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
completed
> next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
review
> of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
>
> The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
and
> not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
>
> Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> widely as the areas they serve.
>
> The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
use
> on federal lands, Troyer said.
>
> While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
>
> OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
buggies.
> It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
>
> Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
Service
> will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
>
> Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
habitat
> and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> tranquility to enjoy the forest.
>
> The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
be
> sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
84122-1150.
> Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
>
> Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
"user
> map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> its input known for each one.
>
> "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> we're trying to do," Troyer said.
>
> Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
>
> The purpose of
> the new proposal
> is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
>
> of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
>
>
>
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I agree with them though....
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I agree with them though....
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I agree with them though....
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: no more trails say its not so
I agree with them though....
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >
There are enough old trails that making new ones to just tear up the
place is BS.
We call it 'Tread Lightly'.
Areas up here in southern Canada are getting closed totally because of
Yahoos tearing it up and littering. Way too many areas to!!!!
A bunch of us from this newsgroup got together for a big clean up of one
local area and it got messed back up so fast it is now closed. Bummer,
it was our 'day trip' area.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291902217
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
HarryS wrote:
>
> Sounds like the tree ***** have struck again.
>
> --
> HarryS
> JAFGBR
> JAFTJO
> "KC" <kcmidget@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:ZjcHc.17138$Bv.1740775@twister.tampabay.rr.co m...
> > Off-roaders may be tied to trails
> > Forest riders who go cross-country would be outlaws
> >
> >
> > Published July 08. 2004 7:30AM
> >
> > BY BILL THOMPSON
> > STAFF WRITER
> >
> >
> > OCALA - Federal foresters proposed a new regulation on Wednesday for
> > off-highway vehicles in national forests and grasslands in an effort to
> cut
> > down on habitat destruction caused by outlaw trail riders.
> >
> > The proposed regulation will force 176 federal recreation areas around the
> > country to identify individual systems of designated trails, roads and
> areas
> > where motor vehicles will be allowed to travel.
> >
> > The bottom line for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts is that "cross country
> > travel won't be allowed once this rule becomes final," said Jack Troyer,
> > regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Intermountain Region and
> > leader of the agency team that developed the new rule.
> >
> > Troyer and other officials who participated in a nationwide conference
> call
> > announcing the rule on Wednesday acknowledged that the agency's attempt to
> > establish something that now doesn't exist - a consistent policy regarding
> > off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, that puts the Forest Service on the same
> page
> > across the country - might create a ruckus in some areas where OHVs can
> > travel cross-country unfettered.
> >
> > But the announcement seems to hold little impact on Florida, home to three
> > national forests, including the nearly 400,000-acre Ocala National Forest.
> >
> > That's because OHV trail networks were already in the works for them.
> > Roberta Moltzen, deputy regional forester for 13 states across the South,
> > said agency staff in Florida will simply "keep on with what they've been
> > doing" in defining those areas.
> >
> > Denise Raines, Forest Service spokeswoman in Tallahassee, said
> > environmental-impact guidelines, including for OHV use, have already been
> > set for the Osceola National Forest near Lake City.
> >
> > A similar document for the Ocala National Forest is expected to be
> completed
> > next month, although it will cover only about half of the forest. The
> review
> > of the rest of the forest should be finished next year.
> >
> > The Forest Service has already banned some OHV activity in the Ocala
> > National Forest. In January, a rule went into effect limiting unlicensed
> > OHVs to daylight use only, defined as 90 minutes or less before sunrise
> and
> > not later than 90 minutes after sunset.
> >
> > Overall, the 155 national forests and 21 federal grasslands already have
> > guidelines pertaining to OHV use, officials said. But those rules vary as
> > widely as the areas they serve.
> >
> > The purpose of the new proposal is to protect federal lands by preventing
> > the proliferation of impromptu "user-created" roads and trails left by the
> > small percentage of outlaw visitors taking part in the explosion of OHV
> use
> > on federal lands, Troyer said.
> >
> > While OHV users made up only 5 percent of the total number of visitors to
> > national forests and grasslands in 2002, their overall numbers had swollen
> > from 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
> >
> > OHVs include motor vehicles designed or retrofitted primarily for
> > recreational use off road, such as minibikes, amphibious vehicles,
> > snowmobiles, motorcycles, go-carts, motorized trail bikes and dune
> buggies.
> > It also includes sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
> >
> > Troyer acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem, largely because of
> > constraints on the agency's $4 billion annual budget. But the Forest
> Service
> > will rely on volunteers and other users to help report violators.
> >
> > Raines said the current "spaghetti system of trails" in the Ocala National
> > Forest needs to be straightened out and structured to protect animal
> habitat
> > and environmentally sensitive areas and to help other visitors who seek
> > tranquility to enjoy the forest.
> >
> > The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed rule. Such comments may
> be
> > sent to: Proposed Rule for Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle
> > Use, Content Analysis Team, P.O. Box 221150, Salt Lake City, UT
> 84122-1150.
> > Remarks will be accepted by e-mail to or by fax to (801) 517-1014.
> >
> > Troyer said the individual forests and grasslands will each develop a
> "user
> > map," which will become the governing document of OHV use in those areas.
> > While some may finish defining their OHV areas in as little as a year,
> > others could take up to four years. And the public will be allowed to make
> > its input known for each one.
> >
> > "Designated routes, local decision-making is really at the heart of what
> > we're trying to do," Troyer said.
> >
> > Bill Thompson covers county government and can be reached at 867-4117
> >
> > The purpose of
> > the new proposal
> > is to protect federal lands by preventing the proliferation
> >
> > of "user-created" roads and trails left by outlaw visitors taking part in
> > the explosion of OHV use on federal lands.
> >
> >
> >