Most Popular Resources

(or THE ROAD TO DESTRUCTION)
by Reed Noss, PhD

Author: Jason Lathrop (Missoula, MT, 406-327-1501)
Prepared for Wildlands CPR through the University of Montana's Environmental Studies Scientific Approaches to Environmental Problems

Introduction

Over the past two decades, advances in off-road vehicle technology have enabled riders to drive on nearly any type of terrain, up steep slopes, and onto lands that once were accessible only on foot. At the same time, the popularity of off-road vehicle recreation has soared.

This document contains citations and abstracts of the most up-to-date research on the impacts of ORVs on the environment. This is a compilation of ORV research published since 2000, categorized according to resource affected with key findings underlined.

What you don’t know can hurt

In June, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) sent a letter to the Forest Service asking some pointed questions about management of their road system (see attachment at bottom of page). In October the Forest Service finally responded to her letter (see attachment). The unfortunate thing is that even though Senator Cantwell asked some very good questions, she didn’t really get many very good (let alone just plain good) answers from the agency.

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Wildlands CPR commissioned The Center for Environmental Economic Development (CEED) to research the economic benefits and costs of a national road removal program. The study is complete and we have summarized the findings for you. See how road removal can create jobs and provide other important economic and ecological benefits.

excerpted from Izaak Walton League of America website:

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By Scott Bagley

Hit-and-Run Leaves Retired Officer Injured
Bitterroot National Forest, Spring 2007

Bill Burgund, a retired police officer, was injured in March when an ATV rider ran him over on a road that the Bitterroot National Forest had closed to all vehicles. The ATV rider fled the scene.

Davenport, John, and T Adam Switalski. 2006. Environmental impacts of transport related to tourism and leisure activities. In: The Ecology of Transportation: Managing Mobility for the Environment, editors: John Davenport and Julia Davenport. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 333-360.

Click here to download file (598 kb PDF)

Introduction:

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By Dan Wright

This is a comprehensive guide to preventing the use of ORVs on public lands and stopping the abuse they cause. Dan Wright, a dedicated wilderness advocate, began this guide while an intern for The Wildlands Project in Tucson, Arizona. On his way to an environmental law degree, his already extensive knowledge of the law relating to wildlands and ORVs comes through in this guide.

The “User Conflict Incident Report Form” is a must-have item for every visitor to public lands. The simplest of Wildlands CPR’s monitoring forms, the “User Conflict Incident Report Form” prepares and enables citizens to document damage and conflicts caused by off-road vehicles riding where they’re not supposed to be. The form helps citizens capture simple, observable information and outlines the steps to report incidents. Please carry a copy of this form every time you visit our public lands.

This letter was sent by scientists to Chief Bosworth in 2004, and details many of the adverse affects of motorized recreation on the National Forest.

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The necessary information for creating a successful model road removal program that agencies, counties, private property owners, and activists can use.

Road Decommissioning that Works: Communities, Cash, and Collaboration

• Full Report (187 kb Word document)
• Summary Report (173 kb Word document)

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By Keith Hammer

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By David Bahr and Aron Yarmo

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by Dan Stotter