So much energy spent beating each other up. Save a little for riding in the Big Cypress. www.BigCypressSwamp.com
Steve  

The "Florida Off Highway Vehicle Titling Act" Chapter 317 Florida Statues was passed in 2002 on behalf of motorized trail users. The offical purpose is to title off highway vehicles (ATVs) that are sold in Florida and operated on public lands managed by federal, state, county or municiple governments.
The real purpose is to collect money.

Its the state that made the requirement, the NPS is only following it. The purpose was to collect money that can be given back to the government agencies for use in trail improvements. (More places to ride, not a bad thing). The Big Cypress operates more ATV (off road) trails then almost any other government agency in Florida, therefore the are in good position to get grant money for Trail improvements.

The NPS in the Big Cypress is applying for grants to get money for trail head improvements, such as parking areas for ATVs (ORVs). They are considering trying to get funds for radios positioned along the trails, for emergency use. So it is not totally a bad thing. Yep! state law is, they have to require you to produce a proof of title to get a Big Cypress Sticker for a ATV, the same requirement is on any government agency that allows you to ride on their land. Titles can be obtained from the County Tax collector in your county, if your ATV is not titled. New ATVs should come titled from the dealer. The money for titles goes to trail improvement.

www.BigCypressSwamp.com

JupiterSteve

Hello everyone! I'm new to your forum, so give me a break if I step on anyone's toes. I have been going into the Big Cypress Swamp for over 30 years, and don't want to lose the right to do that. The NPS has a ORV plan that is being implemented over 10 years. (Subject to pending lawsuits). I believe that it has to be fully implimented by 2012. That plan is going to put all of us, both Buggys and ATVs on about 300 miles of designated trails. Some of those trails will be substainable and other parts of it will be non-maintained. In the mean while, we are allowed disbursed use of the Big Cypress, in some sections, after traveling in one mile from the trail heads.

We will be allowed disbursed use, as long as we are not doing non-repairable damage to the Preserve. That is until 2012.
I guess my point is, the Big Cypress National Preserve is not a place for Muddin, it is a place to ride and enjoy nature. Its a place to act responsibly and travel lightly on the ground. This is true of both Buggys and ATV,s. Its unfortunate that more and more property is being removed from allowing ATVs. The way to keep the Big Cypress Swamp from becoming one of those areas, is to follow the rules. The park rangers that I have met, are nice people, but their job is to enforce the rules and they will do that at every opportunity. They don't give breaks.

So, Welcome to the Big Cypress and enjoy it, but please also respect it and the rules.

http://www.bigcypressswamp.com

JupiterSteve