S
S Curtiss
Guest
The new rules for management in National Forests are out and show a victory
for off-road cyclists. There is even a small victory for motorized users as
well. The new rules do regulate all types of human interaction in National
Forest lands, but are not as vague or open to interpretation as before.
Motorized ORVs (quads, motorcycles 4X4s, etc) are designated with specific
rules allowing access to roads and/or trails determined by Local Management.
These users will be able to enjoy their sport by working with Local
enforcement for designated fire road or trail access. Of course there are
provisions in the new rules for preservation and minimum disruption of
wildlife and other users. Essentially, motorized users will continue to have
access and have more definition for acceptable usage in public lands.
Off-road cyclists (mountain bikers) have a clear victory for access as the
Forest Service has determined that bicycles are NOT ORVs. They define ORV as
a "motorized vehicle". Bicycles and horses are not motorized and do NOT fall
into the classification.
Local officials may continue to designate some areas not compatible with any
or all trail usage or access. However, the new rules clearly define ORV,
bicycle and other types of human incursion into National Forest land.
It comes down to Local authorities, Local user groups, and Local
designations for trails and fire roads and the cooperation of these groups.
Off-road cyclists will continue to have access to trails and possibly
expanded access as the new rules allow broader use of multi-use areas. There
will always be places designated too fragile (real or imagined) for bicycle
traffic. This is acceptable and admirable to preserve more of the accessible
areas.
Perhaps now the focus can be on the real dangers facing forest areas. This
is the complete and total destruction on the premise of building and sprawl.
Urban sprawl in most cases is inexcusable as many areas within city limits
fall to ruin and people choose to expand rather than rebuild. This bickering
about bicycles on trails is a waste of time and effort. A few bicycles in
the woods is certainly preferable to having no woods at all.
Reference: USDA Forest Service website: http://www.fs.fed.us/
"Final rule, as sent to Federal Register" (PDF file)
S Curtiss
for off-road cyclists. There is even a small victory for motorized users as
well. The new rules do regulate all types of human interaction in National
Forest lands, but are not as vague or open to interpretation as before.
Motorized ORVs (quads, motorcycles 4X4s, etc) are designated with specific
rules allowing access to roads and/or trails determined by Local Management.
These users will be able to enjoy their sport by working with Local
enforcement for designated fire road or trail access. Of course there are
provisions in the new rules for preservation and minimum disruption of
wildlife and other users. Essentially, motorized users will continue to have
access and have more definition for acceptable usage in public lands.
Off-road cyclists (mountain bikers) have a clear victory for access as the
Forest Service has determined that bicycles are NOT ORVs. They define ORV as
a "motorized vehicle". Bicycles and horses are not motorized and do NOT fall
into the classification.
Local officials may continue to designate some areas not compatible with any
or all trail usage or access. However, the new rules clearly define ORV,
bicycle and other types of human incursion into National Forest land.
It comes down to Local authorities, Local user groups, and Local
designations for trails and fire roads and the cooperation of these groups.
Off-road cyclists will continue to have access to trails and possibly
expanded access as the new rules allow broader use of multi-use areas. There
will always be places designated too fragile (real or imagined) for bicycle
traffic. This is acceptable and admirable to preserve more of the accessible
areas.
Perhaps now the focus can be on the real dangers facing forest areas. This
is the complete and total destruction on the premise of building and sprawl.
Urban sprawl in most cases is inexcusable as many areas within city limits
fall to ruin and people choose to expand rather than rebuild. This bickering
about bicycles on trails is a waste of time and effort. A few bicycles in
the woods is certainly preferable to having no woods at all.
Reference: USDA Forest Service website: http://www.fs.fed.us/
"Final rule, as sent to Federal Register" (PDF file)
S Curtiss