Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-15-2013
Faculty Sponsor
Scott Lowe
Abstract
In the last twenty-five years, Idaho has noticed a dramatic increase in the usage of motorized vehicles in Idaho’s backcountry. This land has mass appeal for its remote wilderness qualities that include hiking, fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities. To accommodate the increased amount of off-road vehicles, Idaho’s government agencies have found it difficult to designate cohesive usages of the land. With the expansion of ATV use in Idaho backcountry, ecological damages have progressively gotten worse. In order to address these damages, in 2005 travel management plans were implemented for future ATV usage. Because these restrictions were put in place, conflict has increased between special interests groups who are for open access, and those who are for the conservation and preservation of this land. Through research of environmental impact studies and cost benefit analyses, we have determined a value of both protecting and expanding usage of Idaho wilderness. Increase usages of this land from off-road vehicles will result in further ecological destruction. In order to avoid this dilemma, a comprehensive strategy must be designed that will benefit both the conservationists, off road enthusiasts, regulatory agencies, and the land itself. The most preferable solution to appease both parties is to allocate adequate opportunity equally for both motorized and non-motorized recreational users.