By Riley Ridge
Staff Writer, The Trailhead Network
In the heart of the off-roading community lies an unmatched spirit of adventure and a passion for the great outdoors. Yet, this very essence of our community is under threat as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes changes that could severely restrict access to beloved trails and routes. It’s a pivotal moment that calls for every off-roader, every enthusiast who has ever felt the thrill of conquering trails, to stand up and make their voice heard.
- BLM’s proposals to close 40-65% of off-road routes.
- Misclassification of e-bikes as OHVs, limiting access for those with physical limitations.
- Reliance on outdated data to justify route closures.
- The importance of personalized comments to the BLM through the Blue Ribbon Coalition.
- Strategies for sustainable off-roading and route management.
The Crossroad of Adventure and Preservation
At the core of the proposed changes is a plan that, while intended to protect the environment, could inadvertently strip away the freedom and access off-roaders currently enjoy. The plan includes closing over 40% of routes in one travel area, significantly reducing public access to our public lands. This decision, wrapped in the guise of sedimentation control, wildlife protection, and the prevention of invasive species spread, overlooks the potential for sustainable use and management of these routes.
Alternative D, though the least restrictive, still proposes closing 554 miles of routes and an additional 587 miles for motorcycle races. Such extensive closures would leave a stark 1,123 acres per mile of open OHV year-round routes, drastically limiting the spaces available for off-road enthusiasts.
E-Bikes: The Unfair Classification
Adding to the controversy is the plan’s approach to e-bikes. Despite Secretarial Order 337 allowing e-bikes where bicycles are permitted, the BLM’s current proposal categorizes them as OHVs. This classification bars e-bikes from non-motorized routes, a move that contradicts the order and fails to accommodate individuals with physical limitations who rely on e-bikes to enjoy the outdoors.
The Misuse of Data and the Push for Closure
One of the most concerning aspects of the BLM’s proposal is its reliance on outdated data to justify route closures. The absence of systematic surveys means that the actual impact of motorized use on wildlife and habitats remains unquantified, leading to decisions that could unnecessarily restrict access based on speculative rather than concrete evidence.
Your Voice Matters: How to Take Action
This is where you come in. The off-roading community can influence this proposal’s outcome by submitting comments to the BLM. Through the Blue Ribbon Coalition, enthusiasts like you can express their concerns and suggest how these closures could be managed more effectively without cutting off access to our trails.
Highlight how the concerns raised by the BLM, such as sedimentation and the impact on wildlife, can be mitigated through responsible off-roading practices.
The Trail Ahead
The proposal by the BLM presents a significant challenge to the off-roading community, but it also offers an opportunity. An opportunity to unite, to demonstrate our commitment to responsible off-roading, and to ensure our trails remain open for generations to come. Let’s take this moment to stand together, to raise our voices in support of our passion, and advocate for a future where adventure and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Click Here to Leave a Comment for the BLM!
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- Website: TheTrailheadNetwork.com
- Email: Riley@thetrailheadnetwork.com
- Phone: (719) 408-0132
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