2002-06  CONTROL OF OHV IMPACT ON PUBLIC LANDS

As early as 1973, the Minnesota Division of the IWLA developed a comprehensive statement on the use and regulation of off-highway vehicles.  The statement opposed any mechanized vehicle traffic within wilderness areas.  Outside of wilderness areas, OHV travel should be on designated trails only and such trails should be opened only after completion of a comprehensive environmental impact study.  Additionally, once OHV travel was permitted, closing the area shall be at the discretion of the appropriate agency if it is demonstrated that the resource is being harmed or user conflicts arise.

In 1999, legislation was adopted allowing unrestricted, cross country OHV travel in state and county forest lands.  Recent public outcry has called attention to the extreme environmental damage caused by these vehicles within these forest lands.  The irresponsibility of the legislative action and the lack of oversight by the DNR is being cited by many conservation organizations and citizens who are seeing  the destructive impact of the OHV traffic in all parts of the state.

Prompt action is required to protect these natural resources and the related recreational activities, such as hunting and fishing,  which are valued by Minnesota citizens and important to the huge tourist industry affecting so many  small business operations within the state.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League in convention at Detroit Lakes, MN on April 28, 2002, urges the Minnesota Legislature and the DNR to take the following actions to protect these important natural resources which are negatively impacted by the OHV abuses:

• Immediately ban all off-trail OHV activity in state and county forests.
• Evaluate all current designated OHV trails and forest roads for resource degredation and close those showing resource damage, including erosion, stream siltation, destruction of plant life and conflict with other uses.
• Open new OHV designated trails only after completion of an  environmental review.
• Provide  additional funding for enforcement, environmental study and  resource protection.