BLM publishes national OHV management strategy

Download National Management Strategy for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Public Lands (pdf 148 kb).

From U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management
January 2001

The Bureau of Land Management has released its final National Management Strategy (Strategy) on motorized off-highway vehicles (OHV), which is aimed at promoting environmentally sound OHV use on BLM lands. The title is National Management Strategy for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Public Lands.

	Family on the Highline National Recreation Trail in Idaho

"This Strategy seeks to recognize the interests of motorized OHV users while protecting environmentally sensitive areas on the public lands," said Henri Bisson, the BLM's Assistant Director for Renewable Resources and Planning. "It also highlights what the BLM needs in the way of staffing and funding to manage motorized OHVs more effectively."

The final Strategy takes into account more than 14,000 comments from the public. Mountain bicyclists in particular were concerned about being included in the motor vehicle strategy. The BLM removed human-powered vehicles from the final Strategy and is recommending a separate management strategy for mountain bikes and other mechanized vehicles.

The document also recommends ways to review and resolve OHV issues, including signs, maps, and public information; monitoring OHV impacts; road and trail design; and maintenance and restoration. It also seeks to clarify for BLM land managers their legal authorities in managing motorized OHV use and activities.

The Strategy also aims to reduce conflicts among public land user groups; promote responsible motorized OHV use and reduce habitat degradation; and provide an opportunity for long-term involvement by the public in motorized OHV management on public lands.

The final Strategy recognizes that, consistent with the BLM's existing policy, motorized OHV use is an acceptable activity on public lands wherever compatible with the Bureau's resource management objectives and when in compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. Revision of existing OHV regulations can occur only in the formal rulemaking process, with full public participation.

Download National Management Strategy for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Public Lands (pdf 148 kb).

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