The following article was printed in this months Dirt Wheels Magazine, It is very important that those who really care about our sport read this. I took the time to copy it for those that do not have access to the magazine.
There is a popular saying that “the world is run by those who show up.” It’s easy to get ATVers to “show up” for a day or weekend of riding. However, it is not so easy to get them to “show up” for a meeting to help defend their recreation access. But when the closure signs go up they are ready to fight. Unfortunately, by then it is often too late to undo the damage.
We need more ATVers to “show up” when recreational access decisions are being made. It’s hard to get recreationists involved in land use issues. You bought that ATV to go out and enjoy the trails. That’s what we all want to do. But there are folks whose mission in life is to kick you out of your local riding areas.
You don’t need to make it your mission in life to stand up to the anti-access people, but we need more folks to be a least a little more involved. And you need to be more involved before the closures signs go up. Following are ten tips on how to keep trails (areas) open.
1. Anticipate potential threats to your access by getting to know your local land managers and keep track planning processes for areas where you ride. Don’t wait ! Comments and involvement during the early phases of land use planning are the most effective. The best way to find local land managers is to look in the U.S. government section of the phone book.
2. Educate yourself about laws and regulations and how to best participate in the planning process. Be specific in your comments on recreational access plans; don’t just say you should be able to continue using the area as you have in the past. Also educate yourself on ATV user ethics and safety. Ask your local dealer about the training available through the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. ( SVIA ).
3. Promote responsible ATV riding by working with the local media on positive articles about ATV recreation in your area. Focus on family recreation. Don’t wait for negative articles in your local media to set the tone of the discussion.
4. Cooperate with land managers and other recreationists. Volunteer to help your land management agencies to maintain your local riding areas. Adopt local trails and make sure that all of your volunteers trail work hours are documented. You should also contact the local media about your volunteer work to see if they will do an article about it in your local newspaper.
5. Join a club or form a club. You have a greater chance of being heard if you are a group instead of one person. Invite your local land managers to a club meeting. Join the Blue Ribbon Coalition to increase our clout on a national level. We are defending your access against large “national” anti-access organizations, and numbers count.
6. Be persistent. Some land managers may be skeptical and not very responsive to your needs. Do not let it stop you. Keep trying. Don’t be shy, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification in writing.
7. Question trail closures. Ask under what authority a trail has been closed. In many cases where trails have been closed you can get them reopened just by asking. If the proper procedure hasn’t been followed, including an opportunity for input by local users, these decisions can sometimes be reversed.
8. Meet elected officials. Meet your elected officials and let them know that you care about your trails and they should too if they vote. Tell them about yourself, your family and your recreation. Tell them if you have a good working relationship with your land managers. If not, tell them your land manager is unresponsive and you want your elected official to look into trail closures or blocking of volunteer efforts. The squeaky wheel often gets grease. Getting to know the field office staff of your local congressional delegation is a great way to get your senators or congressman involved in your access issues.
9. Ride Responsibly ! Excessive sound and irresponsible use are a major problem. A high performance racing exhaust system may add a couple of horsepower, but excessive sound will make new enemies faster than anything. Riding on unauthorized trails or areas can also lead increased closures. Set a good example for others to follow.
10. Don’t overdo it ! Don’t forget why you got involved in the first place. Go for a ride. Have a good time! Don’t spoil a good ride or campout by talking about the land use issues. Do not get discouraged. Just do what you can to keep your trails open and speak up when there are closures or proposed closures. You can make all the difference.
For more information, contact the Blue Ribbon Coalition for specific guidance on how to be the most effective at a local level. If your efforts fail there may be one last opportunity to reverse bad recreation access decisions. Legal action is sometimes necessary, but not practical for an individual rider or even most clubs. The Blue Ribbon Coalition has a legal action team and is another reason to join. Blue Ribbon Coalition has won many recreation access cases including one in the Supreme Court. More information on the Blue Ribbon Coalition is available on their website at
www.sharetrails.org or call 800-258-3742
