Here's the AMA version:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/landstestimony.asp

Read all about it yourself; even watch the archived webcast, at the website below.

I attended the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Chairman: Bingaman (D), NM) hearing on HOV management on BLM and Forest Service lands on Capital Hill yesterday.

Ed Moreland, VP for AMA Governmental Affairs, testified, along with BLM, Forest Service, and Geological Survey representatives, plus Blue Ribbon, Trout Unlimited, Wilderness Society, and Nevada Sheriff's Association folks.

You can read ALMOST all you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask at the Senate website: http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=He...4a-8a55-3945b88b484e

I say "ALMOST," because--the questions-and-answers uttered at the hearing aren't published, although you can probably watch 'em on the archived telecast. accessible from the link above.

With time and ambition, I'll post my summary of significant issues raised, and my opinion of things to come for OHV users of public lands.

Stay tuned!

That is interesting, glad to have you there representing our side.

The hearing, in my opinion, was extraordinarily fair.

Basically, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman, Senator Bingaman, wanted to know about the explosion of OHVs now accessing public lands and their effects; how the Forest Service and BLM were managing this deluge; and, what they needed to manage OHVs more effectively.

Basically, OHVers (as in, ATVers) have grown astronomically in numbers (192 million visitors of all kinds to National Forests yearly); unmanaged, considerable damage occurs from OHV use, especially in stressful climatic conditions (e.g., recent drought), damage in the form of watershed compromise, ecological damage, and erosion.

The Forest Service is working on its Travel Management Plan to identify routes in areas now in use for OHV's, to keep the ones open that make sense, and to close those that don't (in the local officals' view). The BLM guy said he wanted to do the same thing, but he's WAY behind even the Forest Service, as in 10 years; the Forest Service expects of be finished by the end of 2009 with the survey (a problem pointed out the the AMA representative; without adequate resources to do this right the first time, off-roaders may lose perectly appropriate trails that may have been open for 50 or a hundred years . . .

As to resources; law enforcement for enforcing rules is spread mighty thin; and--violators, with no-number OHV's are hard to ID and to catch. Cooperative agreements with local law enforcement, in contrast to the "Feds," appears a cost-effective and accountable way to go about it.

So, look for some trail designations; and--some trail and area closures. Look for a push for visible identification on OHVs so violators can be reported and prosecuted.

As mentioned, this hearing was "fair and balanced," even though called by a Democrat Senator.

Regardless, watch out, if we have a change of parties this November. Don't forget the 60-million acre land grab of the Clintonistas, in Bill Clinton's last lame-duck days as President.

I'd be surprised if such a convivial and fair hearing is possible under a Democratic administration; given their "green" complexion, their "global warming" mentality, etc.

While Hillary-Billary appears unlikely as a chief executive this time; Obama ain't terribly dissimilar from the Clintons, policy-wise.

This is where it all started...

WASHINGTON 2007 ; ATVs, motorcycles, motorized trail bikes and other off-road motorized vehicles would be confined to designated routes under a new off-highway vehicle (OHV) plan proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Wednesday. The policy would affect use of OHVs in all national forests and grasslands. With OHV usage climbing sevenfold in the last 30 years, a clear, consistent policy regarding motor vehicle use on national forests and grasslands is needed, the U.S. Forest Service says. There are 155 national forests and 21 grasslands that all have separate guidelines regarding OHV usage. Currently, OHV users account for about 1.8 million or 5 percent of visitors to national forests and grasslands, according to the U.S. Forest Service. OHVs are a great way to experience the national forests, but because their popularity has increased in recent years, we need an approach that will sustain natural resource values through more effective management of motor vehicle use; states Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth. The benefits of improving OHV use include enhanced protection of habitat and aquatic, soil, air and cultural resources. The Forest Service wants to improve its management by balancing the publics enjoyment of using OHVs with ensuring the best possible care of the land. Under the new proposal, each separate U.S. Forest District would draft plans to identify routes, trails and other areas slated for motor vehicle use. This designation may take up to four years, but it may come together quicker in some forest and grassland districts. Once each district restricts OHVs to certain trails, all cross-country travel will be prohibited. The U.S. Forest Service is calling on motorized sports enthusiasts, conservationists, state agencies, local governments, tribal governments and others to help identify routes in each forest and grassland. The public is also invited to participate in the designation of routes and would receive advance notice to allow for public comment on proposed or revised designations, according to the U.S. Forest Service. While some forests have begun to designate roads, trails and areas for OHVs, I expect units to make significant progress in improving management of OHVs in the next two years, says Bosworth. We want to improve our management of outdoor recreation by having a system of routes and areas offering the best opportunities for OHV use while still meeting our responsibility to sustain National Forest System lands and resources. Snowmobiles would not be affected by the new proposal, continuing to be managed as they are currently. With designated trails, routes and other areas deemed acceptable to ride OHVs, the hope for many using motorized trail bikes is a clearer concept of where they can and cannot ride. For more information on the U.S. Forest Service OHV proposal, visit www.fs.fed.us.