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NEW FEDERAL REPORT SHOWS GROWTH
AND POPULARITY OF OHV RECREATION
 POCATELLO,
ID - A national trail-based recreation group says
a new federal report on off-highway vehicle (OHV)
recreation in the United States shows popularity
of motorized recreation among diverse ethnic communities.
The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) says that the study
published by the USDA Forest Service’s Southern
Research Station shows OHV use is widely recognized
now as one of the fastest growing outdoor activities.
The report was prepared for the Forest Service
in relation to a National OHV policy initiative
expected to be finalized in August 2005. The policy
will direct forests to designate roads, trails and
areas available for OHV use. The source of the data
is the National Survey on Recreation and Environment
(NSRE). The NSRE is a collaborative project between
the Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the University of Georgia and the
University of Tennessee.
The study showed the proportion of people age
16 and older who said they participated in OHV recreation
increased from 16.8 percent in 1999-2000 to 23.8
percent in 2003-2004. It also shows that Hispanic
participation grew at the fastest percentage rate,
more than doubling between 1999 and 2004. The African-American
participation growth rate also outpaced that of
Whites, growing 50 percent compared to 36 percent
for Whites.
NSRE data also noted that BRC and other groups
may have different positions, but they typically
share the concern that OHV use be carried out in
a responsible manner.
Don Amador, Western Representative for the BRC
commented; “This report shows what many of us have
known for a long time; that OHV recreation is growing
and is popular among all Americans.” Amador said
the growth in popularity of OHV use is no mystery
to the estimated 36 million OHV enthusiasts in America.
“OHV recreation is a wonderful way to view and enjoy
America’s backcountry.”
Amador stressed that this report should send
a clear message to Congress, the Administration,
and agencies such as the Forest Service that increased
management and funding is needed in order to help
land managers better provide for this popular activity.
Amador added; “I am proud the study recognized
the effort that BRC has undertaken to promote and
protect responsible OHV recreation on public lands.
This report is of critical importance and will serve
as a useful tool for all land managers.”
The report can be found at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/OHV_final_report.pdf
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