PLEA FROM SEMA   For the first time, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has issued a draft rule to manage motorized recreational use in national forests and grasslands in response to a sevenfold increase in the level of off-road vehicle (ORV) activity over the past 30 years. All ORVs, including all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, would be restricted to designated trails. According to the USFS, cross-country travel by ORVs through areas with no roads or trails or on unsanctioned roads has caused mounting environmental damage. Under the proposal, forest managers would work with the local community leaders and recreational specialists to designate roads, trails and other areas where ORV use would be permitted. It likely would take several years to complete the inventory of sanctioned roads and trails, and then begin enforcement activities. Current policy on ORV use varies widely from forest to forest. The Forest Service's proposed plan to regulate motor vehicle use in the forests and grasslands was published in the July 15, 2004 issue of the Federal Register. Please help us to formulate more hobbyist-friendly regulations by letting us know your concerns or comments on this proposal. Kindly send them to conradw@sema.org at by Wednesday, September 1. If you'd like, you may contact me by phone to discuss. If you know of others who would like to comment on this issue, please feel free to pass this message along to them. Thanks very much in advance. Conrad W. Wong Director of Government and Public Affairs Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 1317 F Street, N.W., Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20004-1105 (202) 783-6007, ext. 39 (202) 783-6024 (Facsimile)
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