The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for approving House Resolution 689 on June 2, which would put the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area in California solely under the control of the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The measure, introduced by U.S. Rep. Wally Herger (R-Calif.), now goes to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.
The Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding in northern California currently is under the control of both the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, which creates a dual bureaucracy for users of the land.
"For years, many of my constituents have raised their concerns over difficulties in dealing with two federal agencies to use one OHV area," Herger said in a speech on the House floor. "Issues such as duplicative permits-at substantial and unnecessary cost to the users-and even different opening dates for the same area have resulted in frustration from the thousands of users, from across California and elsewhere, who try to cope with this redundant management."
To read Herger's floor statement, click here:
www.americanmotorcyclist.com/legisltn/herger_bill_passes_house_06-02-09.pdf
The resolution represents collaborative efforts between the federal lawmaker and the local OHV community, including the Redding Dirt Riders.
"This is a great example of how a local OHV community can work with a federal lawmaker to get needed changes made," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But while the measure has cleared the House, it still needs to earn full Senate approval. Concerned riders are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators to encourage them to support H.R. 689 and approve it as quickly as possible."
OHV enthusiasts can get more information about the AMA's position on access to public land at "Position in Support of Access to Public Lands" under "AMA Position Statements" in the "Resources" section under "Rights" at the AMA website at
AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
