4x4,quad,mountain bike,dirt bike need somewhere to go play?
 

If you all don't know there is a review out on the Hoosier National Forest. In accordance with applicable federal law, the Forest Service is proposing a revised planning framework to guide management of the Forest for the next 10 to 15 years. National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires that Forest Plans be revised at least every 15 years (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1604(f)(5)). This Plan revision was developed under the 1982 planning regulations at 36 CFR Part 219. The Hoosier National Forest provides areas for mountain biking. Indiana also ranks high in equestrian use. The Forest and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are the only two major providers of these opportunities, and they complement each other by providing trails and horse camps at strategic locations in southern Indiana. A 1987 ROD for off-road vehicle (ORV) use determined that no use areas would be provided on the Forest. In 1987, ORV was a general classification for motorized vehicles. The 1987 decision noted that all roads open to the public are available for use by ORV users. Since 1987, terms defining vehicles have changed. For the purpose of this document, off-highway vehicle (OHV) is a general classification for a variety of vehicle types. Please refer to Chapter 3, Table 3.55 for vehicle definitions. Over time, the popularity of OHV use has grown, and the subject was raised during the public comment period for this analysis. For the purpose of this analysis, the term “ATV” (all-terrain vehicle) refers to motorized, floatation-tired vehicles with at least three but no more than six low-pressured tires, 50 inches or less in width. This analysis considers the limited application of ATV use on the Forest. We all know that most of the general public does not understand the term "Tread Lightly". We all know that if ATV's or anything else, the rules applying to "Tread Lightly" would be applied and strictly enforced as they should. When most laws are made there is no public input from the people that know and care. They only see the places like Combs Rd that was severely abused by people that didn't care and think that is just what happens with ORV's and people that drive them. So what can we do??? There is public meetings scheduled for these planned revisions. They need input from people like the Monroe County 4x4 Club. We all need to understand that things happen in numbers. So we as a club need to be in attendance at these meetings. To let it be shown that off roading is our passion, we are responsible and most of all that we can work together. Did you know that there are organizations that not only want to stop off road vehicles but also mtn bikes, horses and even hiking. We are already seeing this happening in our neighboring states. That is why it is so important to attend. If even half of the club shows up it will make a strong statement. The meeting dates are May 10th in Martinsville at the Morgan County Fairgrounds and May 11th in Paoli at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Each meeting starts at 5:30 and will last about 3 hrs. If you would like to read more of the proposed revisions?http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/plan...f_Contents.htm.

I will attend the May 10th meeting. We need to help out before it's to late!!!