2017 was an important year for both summer and winter
motorized recreation. Also, eBike use on
public lands has become a critical factor in the outdoor recreation equation. As trail enthusiasts get ready to ride into
2018, QWR wanted to share some quotes from our various 2017 articles covering
trail management for OSV/ SxS/ MC/ ATV/eBikes, outdoor recreation economic
reports, agency studies, etc.
Feel free to send in comments on the following quotes or
article and/or send in or post your own quotable quotes. Send feedback to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com
Dec. 11 - QWR continues to believe it is important for
both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with eBike
enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to
try and find common ground on joint trail use where appropriate.
Nov. 17 - QWR believes that E-bike stakeholders should be
proactive and work with trail managers to create a strong land-use ethic and
regulatory platform that both protect the resource and the long-term viability
of the sport.
Oct. 18 - I was proud to see the RBDC [SxS basic driver
course] graduates use the skills they learned at class during the group trail
ride the next day. Several students told
me the safe use of a SxS requires a healthy dose of common sense when out on
the trail and to not be afraid to stop before attempting a challenging route
segment that is beyond their comfort zone or ability.
Oct. 16 - QWR understands that Adaptive Management is the
current term used by land agencies to describe how they look at new issues and
challenges and include them in the decision-making process. However, the term “Dynamic” infers a more
energetic or enthusiast process that agencies can embrace as they engage with
users, partners, and other stakeholders in collaborative efforts.
Aug. 6 - QWR believes that signs are the most effective
(and often the only management tool the public sees) method by which a land
agency communicates its commitment to the public and the resource. And, the quality of an agency’s signing
program is directly proportional to the level of user enjoyment, public
compliance with regulations, and success of the unit’s mission, vision, and
values.
July 26 - While OHV management certainly has its
challenges, QWR believes it is important for agencies and partners to highlight
success stories where new trail opportunities are being created and/or trails
are being reopened after mitigation measures are completed that address
important resource concerns.
May 16 - QWR believes successful OHV programs are the
result of substantive collaboration between agency leadership and the user
community.
May 9 - QWR believes there are three key components (3
Cs) to successfully managing a unit that offers mixed-use or shared-use
trail-based opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation. Those factors are commitment, communication,
and collaboration.
May 2 - Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation
programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21st Century. QWR believes the need for a trained
professional volunteer workforce will continue to grow as federal agencies roll
out new programs such as the Forest Service’s National Trail Strategy or face
fiscal impacts such as budget cutbacks.
April 25 - LINK TO OIA 2017 REPORT
This report highlights and details the significant
economic impact that both motorized and non-motorized recreation has in this
country.
QWR believes this comprehensive and inclusive report
indicates the growing collaboration and partnership between motorized and
non-motorized user groups as they work with agency staff and elected officials
to support sustainable and diverse recreation opportunities on public lands.
April 20 - One of those critical issues [in OSV subpart C
planning] is related to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which is a non-motorized
trail that runs north-south through the western U.S. and along the crest of the
Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California.
It exists primarily on Forest Service lands including the Tahoe National
Forest where the PCT crosses the current OSV route network. QWR believes the agency should ensure that it
designates PCT crossings that retain the current form and function of the OSV
program.
April 11 - With that increased popularity [of SxS/UTVs] comes
the responsibility for land agencies and their OHV partners to look for
opportunities to designate and sign legal routes for SxS recreation in areas
where that use is appropriate and sustainable.
March 1 - QWR believes that trails can provide an
important link to our past. For car
enthusiasts, nowhere is that statement more relevant than on a short section of
Historic Route 66 that has been designated by the BLM as an OHV trail near
Needles, CA.
February 22 - Roberta Pickett, who currently serves as
Assistant Governor for the Amador County clubs of Rotary’s District 5190,
states, “I feel Don deserved this award for his integrity in the way he does
business and collaborates even with those with whom he may have significant
disagreements. His work with land
managers, elected officials, recreation clubs, conservation groups, and
environmental organizations promotes peaceful resolution to difficult
challenges.”
February 2 - QWR believes the [Forest Service] National
Trails Strategy outlines a path for success that can be used by units that are
in the process of creating and managing a sustainable trail network. The report can also be used by ranger
districts to help infuse new energy and ideas into their existing recreation
program and partnerships.
January 16 - LINK TO FS REPORT WEBSITE
The report states that between 1999 and 2009,
nature-based outdoor recreation generally increased, although trends differ
across individual activities. The number of U.S. participants1 in 50
nature-based outdoor recreation activities increased 7.1 percent between 1999
and 2009, while the number of activity days increased at least that much.
Activities oriented toward viewing and photographing nature have been among the
fastest growing activities, both in terms of number of participants and
activity days of participation. Off-highway vehicle driving realized a
34-percent increase in participants. Several physically challenging activities,
such as kayaking, snowboarding, and surfing also had relatively large increases
in this timeframe.
January 3 - Second, many non-traditional “off-road motorcycle” interests from the tech
world, conservation movement, 4x4 community, and other stakeholder groups have
found that Adventure riding is a great way to escape the city and experience
the great outdoors.
QWR wants to thank you for your support over the past
year and for being engaged in OHV recreation.
Happy New Year,
Don Amador/QWR
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