Given the mounting threats to off-roading, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) is expanding its commitment to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Unreasonable government actions limiting motorized recreation have long been a problem. Unfortunately, restrictive land-use designations still threaten thousands of miles of roads and trails across the nation.
Wilderness areas, where no motorized access is allowed, currently encompasses more than 109 million acres, representing 16% of the United States. National Monument designations, which prohibit new roads and trails and require new land management plans, also pose a significant threat to motorized recreation.
To date, President Obama has established or expanded 19 national monuments covering more than 260 million acres of land and water. In California alone, motorized access to the backcountry deserts has shrunk from 50% open use on public lands in 1976 to 12.5% in 2007. Phrased differently, only 2% of the California desert is currently open to OHVs.
Politicians and regulators are being lobbied from many different directions on how to manage millions of acres of federal public lands. The SAN is at the table as an advocate for motorized recreation.
To enhance this effort, our website includes a dedicated section for off-road issues and news, which can be found at
www.semaSAN.com/OffRoad. The SAN will begin sending out a new monthly newsletter via email, The Navigator, which is focused on keeping you informed on key legislative and regulatory issues impacting the OHV community.
The SAN is committed to keeping roads and trails open. Staying united, informed and engaged is crucial. You can help. Please feel free to forward The Navigator and enlist others to join the SAN—it’s easy and free.
