No more riding around the Broken Bow Area, all of Three Rivers Management will be closed as of August 1st. There are some things in the works to reverse this, but you can thank Weyerhauser Paper Company for doing this. I would contact your Oklahoma representatives regarding this, since hundred of thousands of acres will be closed.

When you read this article they make it sound like the only people who go up there are Hunters and Fishermen, and the 15,000 permits sold were for only these people. When in fact 95% of those permits were sold to Atvers, and when you get the permit it only says Hunting and Fishing, and nothing about Atving, so there is no real way of telling how many were sold to which group. The majority of people hunting and fishing in this area are mainly locals, and their friends and families.

It goes to show you what scumbags the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Weyerhauser are in not recognizing Recreational Atving.

New Three Rivers agreement approved


At its May meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to accept a new land use agreement with Weyerhaeuser Company for the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in McCurtain County.

Under the new three-year agreement, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will lease 250,190 acres at 50 cents per acre per year for recreational public access as the Three Rivers WMA. As in the past, a Land Access Permit will be required of users.

Beginning Aug. 1, the cost of that permit will increase to cover the cost of the new lease. Oklahoma residents ages 18-63 are required to purchase the annual Land Access Permit, which will be available for $40 at any vendor that sells hunting and fishing licenses. A three-day non-hunting and non-fishing permit will be available to Oklahoma residents for $10. A non-resident permit will be $85 per year, with no exemptions. Permits purchased prior to the price increase will be valid through the end of the year.

Additionally, ATV use will only be allowed during deer season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 15) and only by licensed deer hunters. The following guidelines will apply to ATV use on the area:
* Any hunter while operating an ATV/ORV at any time must comply with daylight florescent orange requirements as required for deer gun seasons. If a crash helmet is worn, only the fluorescent orange chest covering is required.
* ATV/ORV use is restricted to WMA roads that are on the current Three Rivers WMA map unless otherwise closed.
* Only unaltered standard manufactured ATV/ORVs with a 700 cc motor displacement or less are allowed.
* ATV/ORV use shall be restricted to a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour.
* ATV/ORV operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a crash helmet that complies with standards established by 49 C.F.R., Section 571.218.
* Passengers in addition to the operator are not allowed on ATV/ORVs unless that ATV/ORV has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers in addition to the operator.
* Leaving any ATV/ORV unattended on Three Rivers WMA without the owner’s name and address conspicuously attached is prohibited.

Use of ATV/ORVs off of delineated roads for retrieval of lawfully taken and tagged deer is permissible only with the following restrictions.
* ATV/ORVs shall not travel more than one half mile from the nearest road.
* ATV/ORVs shall not cross rivers and streams unless on a road with constructed stream crossing structures.
* ATV/ORVs used for deer retrieval shall not be used in areas otherwise closed to the use of motor vehicles.

“For the past 10 years Weyerhaeuser, through an agreement with the Wildlife Department, has allowed hunters and anglers to use our property; however, that contract will expire this May,” said Matt Williams, Weyerhaeuser timberland manager in Oklahoma and Arkansas. “Many things have changed in the past 10 years, including the economies of timber production. Although this new agreement will be much different than our previous one, we think it represents a significant opportunity for hunters and anglers, with over 1,000 miles of private roads, hundreds of streams and rivers for all types of outdoor recreation.”

Williams said the company looks forward to building on the success of the last 10 years, which has included both opportunities for sportsmen and benefits for conservation.

“There’s been quality hunting and fishing experiences for the public to enjoy. There’s been a reduced incidence of wildfire, unauthorized access and dumping on the property that is critical to our continuing this agreement,” Williams said.

Williams said the Department’s agreement with Weyerhaeuser involves what may be the largest property in the country of its kind where a private timberland company and public entity have entered into a cooperative agreement to allow public access.

“Although we manage our properties primarily for timber production, Weyerhaeuser is dedicated to enhancing fish and wildlife resources and we hope to continue providing quality public recreation on a good portion of our property,” Williams said. “This new agreement solution is positive for all parties involved — Weyerhaeuser, the Wildlife Department and the sportsmen.”

Richard Hatcher, assistant director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the encouraging thing about the new agreement is that both the Wildlife Department and Weyerhaeuser are very committed to maintaining the strong tradition of public hunting and fishing in the area.

“This area is a large contiguous area that will continue to allow us to focus our resources and management efforts,” Hatcher said. “Every dollar brought in from the land access permit goes right back into the area, whether to pay the lease or manage the property.”

Though there are different terms and conditions with the new agreement than there has been in previous agreements, Hatcher says it is important for sportsmen to look at the big picture.

Located in McCurtain County, Three Rivers WMA comprises thousands of acres of timberland in the rugged hill country of the Ouachita Mountains. Each year about 15,000 users purchase a Land Access Permit. The area is a popular spot among deer hunters, and last year, hunters harvested more than 1,200 deer on the area.

Composed primarily of pine and mixed oak forests, Three Rivers supports large numbers of whitetail deer and eastern wild turkey, as well as plentiful numbers of small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The area also supports an abundance of non-game wildlife, particularly songbirds. Several highland streams flow through both areas, offering excellent fishing opportunities for a number of game species, particularly smallmouth bass.
Land access permit holders also have access to the nearby Honobia Creek WMA, an additional 75,000 acres of land.
For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Well that is prime example of what ANNIE trys get across to ppl. If you sit back and wait for someone else to take actiion you lose. PPL will get irrate now that it is to late, where were they when this was in the works? This isn't the only area lost and won't be the last, ppl just sit back and say well it can't happen to our trails. When it duz they can't believe that one day they had a place to ride the next not.

I am sure I get bashed for fighting over what has went on at BUNCE but this is an example of what can happen once they get their foot in the door. A Wide open door is the next step.

Yep, I agree Cob, I have been fighting writing, etc... regarding this situation, and trying to spread the word.

But, in all fairness since this land is basically privately own it was done in the dark of night and under the table so to speak. We have our theory's on why they are doing this.

However, with the number of people complaining, etc... The State Legislator in Oklahoma may pass a bill to force Weyerhauser to pay full taxes on this land, if recreational atving is not allowed. This could amount to possibly millions of dollars in taxes.

But, the large closures we are seeing especially in the National Forest can be traced right back to this current Bush Administration. I cannot wait until the Village Idiot is out of office, I honestly believe he couldn't screw things up more, and people thought he was for the outdoors, and not limiting activity...

"WASHINGTON — 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 public’s 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."

Annie will post some thing to do with land issues and if she gets 3-4 responces that is a good turn out. that just is not right we as a whole, must act and stick together get off our backsides and go to the meetings send letters and in what ever way let the TREE HUGGERS know that we think they are FRUITCAKES and will not sit still for them to stick it to us.

Cob, let me ask you this, and Annie may know more what is the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council doing about all these closures?

Do they lobby Congress? because obviously the environmental nuts are.

How much power or clout does the NOHVC have?

And all of this is total crap to.... We just got back from ride there with LaMig and it was great.... These tree huggin' b...... need mind their own bus....

Let's outlaw Malls and see how the yuppies like that....

Without them and BR ands the other organizations we would be in far worse position than we are right now.

The president of BR lived here in DENVER and belonged to local snowmobile club. One meeting I was talking to JACK and of course about all this stuff. He told me that BR had a budget of 4 million dollars at the time. The TREE HUGGERS thanks to REDFORD and the rest of the HOLLYWOOD FRUITCAKES that support them had a budget of 30 million. We need that kid with the slingshot that killed the GIANT.

As always it comes down to who has the bigger bank account, which means who can get out lobbied.

I read in one trail closure article, a particular trail was closed because the Atv tires were carrying pollen seeds from one area to the next.

Its really getting close to taking this country back.

Carrying Pollen???????????

What A Crock!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what part of "we the people" has gotten lost over the last 150 years. i thought federal means we are part of it and that doesn't mean we need to elect people to tell us what we can or cannot do on or with lands that we own. most elected officials are not put into office by the majority , only by the majority of regestered voters who choose to vote. things are not as good in this great country as they were in it's young years, and IMO, this is because people don,t give a damb about the overall picture........stroker

quote:

Originally posted by LaMigraTx:
Yep, I agree Cob, I have been fighting writing, etc... regarding this situation, and trying to spread the word.

But, in all fairness since this land is basically privately own it was done in the dark of night and under the table so to speak. We have our theory's on why they are doing this.

However, with the number of people complaining, etc... The State Legislator in Oklahoma may pass a bill to force Weyerhauser to pay full taxes on this land, if recreational atving is not allowed. This could amount to possibly millions of dollars in taxes.

But, the large closures we are seeing especially in the National Forest can be traced right back to this current Bush Administration. I cannot wait until the Village Idiot is out of office, I honestly believe he couldn't screw things up more, and people thought he was for the outdoors, and not limiting activity...

"WASHINGTON — 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 public’s 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."

We were told this was coming as far back as 1999, how is that Bushes fault? It lays in our lap for sitting back and doing nothing while others were working against us. You know as well as I do that just like here in Arkansas you cannot convince people that this is actuall going to happen. That think it is their God given right to ride in the forest. I love riding there as much as anyone, but the fact remains there are laws to follow just like driving a car, you just can't drive anyplace you desire. Bottom line we are behind the eight ball do to our own in action.
I listen to people complain all the time, yet when it is time to pitch in and help try to keep something open they all disappear and shut up. We have a seminar between the NOHVCC, Forest Service and Land managers and users on Trail sustainability. How many ATV'ers have offered up their time to attend, learn and help create a relationship to build on in the future. ANSWER---VERY FEW! How much do they really care? How many have started 501C3 Incorporated clubs so they can have some clout with Politicians and to be able to work with the forest service? Lots of talk and very little action. I myself am abouit ready to sell my wheeler do to the lack of action. The few of us getting down and dirty just cannot get it done on our own while others just don't have time to mess with it. Crap I have a busy schedule too.Nuff said!

quote:

Originally posted by LaMigraTx:
Cob, let me ask you this, and Annie may know more what is the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council doing about all these closures?

Do they lobby Congress? because obviously the environmental nuts are.

How much power or clout does the NOHVC have?

NOHVCC does not lobby. Their purpose is to help educate us.

BRC lobbies.

quote:

Originally posted by Cob:
Annie will post some thing to do with land issues and if she gets 3-4 responces that is a good turn out. that just is not right we as a whole, must act and stick together get off our backsides and go to the meetings send letters and in what ever way let the TREE HUGGERS know that we think they are FRUITCAKES and will not sit still for them to stick it to us.

Exactly what I was saying in my earlier post.

Quit yer griping and get into action!

Hey we are getting involved as much as we can, and apparently its not doing a damn thing.

Listen, when you have over 30 local businesses in the Oklahoma area petitioning and lobbying their representatives, and nothing is getting done that should tell you something. These business people have mortgaged nearly their entire life savings so they have a lot more at stake then I do, if I lose this as a riding area I won't lose my livelihood.

My point is these local businesses are fighting the hardest, more than you, more than me, or any organization.

Its tough for out of state residents to have any say in these matters, since Politicians know we can vote.

I belong to every major organization , and its pretty discouraging when the other side is gaining more momentum than we are.

Like I said you have the National Forest in Wolf Pen Gap talking out two sides of their mouth. First they emailed all the main players for their GPS maps, then every single one of those trails became closed, so much for helping. Then they said they were going to delay the closure of those trails until Spring of 2009, due to the number comments, well of course they are currently bull dozing down trees across the trails. Great job!!!

Greg the area in Arkansas you are talking about has been slated for closure for a long time as it is in a Wilderness Area. Not much we can do there. But we do have areas that they are looking to add some trails for us. Point here is, we cannot wait nor should we expect businesses and politicians to get it done. We as users need to get down and dirty, just belonging to the BRC, NOHVCC and ATVA will not get it done either. The BRC and ATVA will go to bat for us if we do our part. Thr BRC already has the OZARK Forest in their sights and is taking on info about the Ouachita forest. That info has to come from us. Here is a great way to get into the trenches. The area Northeast of WPG is a great area to try and get some additional trails open. Contact Liz Gross (Caddo-Womble Forest Ranger)at 870-867-4555 - ext 106. Or John Strom at 479-675-3233. John is filling in for Liz as she is taking some time off due to a family illness. Let them know that you a starting up a 501C3 incorporated ATV Club that would like to submit a plan for additional trails in that area and that the plan will include how your group will volunteer to maintain those trails. Then of course you will need to take the ATV Safety course and chain saw course so you can be covered under their insurance. That will also allow you to use their vehicles for the work. (trucks).Then you may have a chance of getting something left open. You do not have to be from Arakansas to do this, nor do you have to be from Arkansas or Oklahoma to have a great effect on the politicians. If as a 501C3 incorporated club you get enough names of people no longer doing business as out of state residents of either state it could have a great impact.As per this staement."I belong to every major organization , and its pretty discouraging when the other side is gaining more momentum than we are". That is a start, but again you will have to get in the trenches to get anything done. These Orgs will fight for us but we have to be the ones in the trenches.The other side is gaining momentum because we started after the fact instaed of up front and they have their people in the trenches.
You may wonder why The Arkansas Trail Voyagers do not take on the trails Northeast of WPG and that would be a valid question. The answer is simply we are already looking at other areas and the forest service knows there is no way we can take care of all of them.
Gerg, I am not trying to get on your case, but this is what it will take to have any chance.
And don't forget the mandate that is promoting the closures in Arkansas is National, not just state. Every state in the USA is going through the same thing.

Unfortunately, most people in East Texas are into mud riding, and could careless about the trails in Arkansas and Oklahoma. There are only a handful of us who care, and take the time to write and support the groups who are trying to do stuff.

Then you talk to some of the locals in Arkansas or the WPG area, and they can care less. Basically, they say they saw this before, and will continue to ride and use those trails like they have from the 70s. I don't quite agree with this, but that is the attitude.

Unfortunately, its a 5 1/2hr or more ride for most Louisianans and Texans to ride in Arkansas, and when they take vacation or spend $500 in gas they want to ride and not work. I know its a catch 22, if they don't put in the work to keep these places open, then they won't have a place to ride, but unfortunately that is the reality of it. Heck, I wish it was a lot closer I would take a group, and maintain a section.

Most of these places are going to see a drop in attendance anyways with fuel prices. I can't tell you how many people have emailed me and said they are pretty much done with riding out of state, and will be riding locally. Heck, even some people have just plain sold their Atvs, and are completely out. When it comes to recreational fun or paying for fuel to go back and forth to work most people are giving up the fun. My point is its tough to get people to do anything especially out of state and 170 miles away.

That is why I tried so hard to push people to AOCA, with 1600 hits a week on my site, and one of largest followings in TX, LA, and OK I would love to know how many people actually joined from our area.

Like I said we will keep doing as much as we can.

As far as the Three Rivers Management Area that is going to come down to a Political matter, totally opposite from WPG situation. Whats happening in WPG is happening to all National Forests...

"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."

I only know of one man that joined the AOCA from Texas. You say people around Mena are not doing anything.The Ouachita ATV club is doing things around Mena. They hav a lot of members and are growing. Everyone seems to not have time. Heck we all work and many Arkansas people have to drive just as far as some out of staters. Wew see a lot of people who have time to ride but no time to get in the trenches. How important is it? I bet very few have registered for the trail sustainability work shop coming up. I have to take the same time off work as anyone else but yet I will be there. Again how important is it. Greg I just get really tired of all the complaining and lack of action. What is one or two weekends a year to maintain a trail? It can be done as a ride and work weekend.Again how important is it? By the way, the greenies are attacking private land also. So as you put it unfortunatly I forsee alot of areas going bybe-bye.

quote:

Originally posted by LaMigraTx:
"WASHINGTON — 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 public’s 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."

"Dat's da name o' dat tune, LaMigra!"

You've seen my accounts of a June 5 Senate Committee (Energy and Natural Resources) hearing I attended (Forest Service Travel Management Plan OHV route and area mapping completed by December, 2009; BLM effort due in about 10 years).

Now, an exercise for the class:

HOW MANY, aggrieved at trail and area closings, COMMENTED, on the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, during the comment period (announced by Annie, et al)?

Not being critical, not condemning anyone, but . . . just as I thought!

Back to the current situation (area closure at Broken Bow), a proposal to approach the OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE to change a decision already made? Good luck! The "standing" of an out-of-state petitioner seems on thin ice (e.g., donor of tourism dollars), to me . . . you're not likely to vote in Oklahoma for state legislators' re-election, or to contribute to their compaigns.

Don't get me wrong; I'm sensitive to the concept of responsible access, but--looks like a hard row to hoe, to me.

Now, an exercise for the class:

HOW MANY, aggrieved at trail and area closings, COMMENTED, on the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, during the comment period (announced by Annie, et al)?

Not being critical, not condemning anyone, but . . . just as I thought!

Back to the current situation (area closure at Broken Bow), a proposal to approach the OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE to change a decision already made? Good luck! The "standing" of an out-of-state petitioner seems on thin ice (e.g., donor of tourism dollars), to me . . . you're not likely to vote in Oklahoma for state legislators' re-election, or to contribute to their compaigns.

Don't get me wrong; I'm sensitive to the concept of responsible access, but--looks like a hard row to hoe, to me.[/QUOTE]

Comments on proposed actions are great and were very needed. Sorry part many turned in complaints and not comments to the forest service. They were seeking comments that included proposed solutions and not complaints. Complaints went in file 13. Comments must be replied to by law. Although they will make one reply to several comments if they pertain to the same area and are basically the same comment.
As to the politicians there are those they pay attention to local economies and out of state tourists, vacationers, ATV'ers, boaters ect put alot into the local economies. So that said they would be fools (of course a lotofthem are) not to tke notice of out of state letters and/or comments. We have politicians here in Arkansas, and one for sure in Oklahoma trying to get more areas open and possibly even nix the National Mandate. The forest service was handed a Mandate from above that they have no controll over. They were told to inventory routes, roads and trails in their districts. Then put together a plan for maintenace of those same areas. With no monies appropriated for the Mandate. In other words here is the law, put it into effect, but we are not going to give you any money for it.
These ploiticians would love to have your backing as these are National forests not state and the local economies were suffer when they lose the out of state visitors.

Hard row to hoe. YES, BUT WITH LITTLE OR NO HOEING NOTHING WILL CHANGE.


Finally the area in Oklahoma being discussed is private property. That said they do pay little if any tax money. Hopefully that can be changed. But a bigger concern is the closing of the federal lands just as in every state in the USA right now.

quote:

Originally posted by Arkyrider:
The forest service was handed a Mandate from above that they have no controll over. They were told to inventory routes, roads and trails in their districts. Then put together a plan for maintenace of those same areas. With no monies appropriated for the Mandate. In other words here is the law, put it into effect, but we are not going to give you any money for it.
These ploiticians would love to have your backing as these are National forests not state and the local economies were suffer when they lose the out of state visitors.

Quite so.

Referring to the links in my posts on the Senate hearing on OHV management, Ed Moreland, AMA VP for Governmental Affairs, testified the mandated survey, without adequate resources (including manpower and funds) to perform the task adequately, correctly, and thoroughly, might lead to ill-advised closure of otherwise appropriate OHV trails and areas; closures which might, literally, take an ACT OF CONGRESS, to re-open.

In the hearing, a Senator (from Idaho, I think; gotta check my notes) lamented the closure of trails open to recreational use for perhaps 50 or 100 years, with access by citizens in his state considered a RIGHT.

So, facts:

1) OHV uses is increasing, dramatically.
2) Unmanaged OHV access causes damage to soil, ecology, watershed, wildlife habitat, etc.
3) ATVers can work to influence the Forest Service and BLM to implement reasonable and sensible management policies.

As to # 3, how? By joining and supporting AMA-ATVA/Blue Ribbon/NOHVCC/etc.; and--by exercising our right to contact government agencies (as in, commenting on proposed Forest Service rules, attending public meetings on the issues, and contacting our elected representatives with our positions).

I'd encourage ATV QuadSquad members to do all the above; each an effort at PREVENTION; infinitely more effective than an after-the-fact post stating, "Ain't it AWFUL?"

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I think the "Travel Management Rule," the Forest Service's umbrella trail inventory, designation and closing, etc., came out of the Clintonista "Roadless Initiative," an Executive Order Bill signed during his last days in the White House.

The Obamans and the Clintonians aren't far apart on policy, as a rule; what can we expect from a Barrack administration?