The attached document is the input of the motorized community on the Trail Stewardship Phase 1 Launch and Learn Guidebook (Hereinafter referred to as “The Guide”) of the US Forest Service Sustainable Trails Strategy.
For purposes of this document, ORBA, One Voice, U4WD and USA will be referred to as “The Organizations”.
- The Off-Road Business Association “ORBA”
- One Voice
- United Four-Wheel Drive Association “U4WD”
- The United Snowmobile Alliance “USA”
Sustainability Concept Part Motorized Trails History
The Organizations welcome the programmatic review of sustainability as this concept has been woven into the multiple use trails network on USFS lands for more than 50 years.
While the sustainability concept has been woven into motorized trails for more than 50 years, the advanced nature of sustainability analysis for motorized usage compared to all other usages is not addressed in the Guide.
We would like to see that remedied both to recognize a partner of the USFS but also to provide learning experiences to other trails interests on how to effectively create legally defensible sustainability of a trail or network.
Motorized Trails Community Closest to Sustainable Trails Uses
We submit that the motorized trails community is the closest to sustainable of all trails uses and should be recognized as such. No other usages have been subjected to the scrutiny and review of the motorized trails community around the issue of sustainability and we are also your largest funding partner for sustainability efforts.
NEPA, rulemaking, judicial review and funding collaborations are discussed in greater detail in subsequent portions of this attached document.