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TWO IDAHO OUTDOOR GROUPS ANNOUNCE INITIATIVE TO
ADDRESS USE OF ATV'S WHILE HUNTING
 BOISE, ID (March 16, 2006) Two of Idaho's
largest outdoor recreation groups announced a
major initiative at a joint press conference
held in Boise, Idaho, today. Speaking from the
offices of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife in
Meridian, Idaho, representatives from the
BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and the Sportsmen for
Fish and Wildlife-Idaho (SFW-Idaho) announced a
5-Step initiative to address the use of ATV's
while hunting.
"Idaho's hunting community does not feel
threatened by restrictions when the resource
will be protected for the long term and there is
adequate opportunity for collaboration and
public input," said Nate Helm, Executive
Director of SFW-Idaho. He added, "It is our
intention to use this set of action items, which
identify our common interests, to improve
communication and instill a spirit of
cooperation."
"Our groups are committed to find solutions
to legitimate issues associated with vehicle use
while hunting," said Brian Hawthorne, Public
Lands Director for BRC.
The group's 5-Step plan calls for increased
cooperation between the Idaho Department of Fish
and Game and the Idaho Department of Parks and
Recreation as well as updated federal travel
plans and increased enforcement of existing
rules.
The initiative addresses concerns about
providing improved recreational and hunter
access, quality hunting experiences, enforcement
of reasonable and lawful regulations and up to
date travel management plans.
The issue came to light during a recent Idaho
Department of Fish and Game Commission meeting
that proposed restricted trail use on additional
hunting units in Idaho. The Commission decided
to revisit the issue next year.
A primary concern is the lack of compliance
with travel restrictions that already exist on
lands in Idaho managed by the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Both
groups advocate an improved focus on enforcement
of existing regulations.
"There are some who would use this issue to
drive a wedge between outdoor recreationists,"
said Hawthorne. "Our groups are committed not to
let that happen."
To see the complete 5-Step Plan
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/PL/SFW-I/5%20Step%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
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