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ATVs Might Be History!? This article ATV enthusiasts fear sport is in jeopardy talks about the growing number of OHVs, namely ATVs, and how the use of them dramatically damages the environment. According to a source sited in the article "By Ingersoll's estimate, the number of OHV riders nationally has increased from about 5 million in 1970 to as more than 50 million today. Ingersoll is deputy forest supervisor for Nevada's Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest and formerly the national OHV program manager for the Forest Service." And the increase in ATV riders has lead to a reported increase in damage to the environment. The article states the following: "Off-highway vehicles can cause really significant environmental damage," said Stan Vanvelsor, off-road coordinator for the Wilderness Society. Vanvelsor said the ever-more-popular machines are polluting streams, tearing up vegetation and distressing wildlife. What all of this has lead to is the US Forest Service and Public Lands Travel Management Plan where the various government agencies are inventorying all of the existing trails for an area and then designating a limited amount that will be able to be utilized by OHVs. In the areas where this program has been implemented, we have seen a decrease in available trails by as much as 90%! So, they are dramatically decreasing the trails ATVs can ride on while there is an explosion in growth of ATV use. The available trails will ultimately get pounded and see an incredible amount of damage due to the huge amount of traffic. What will they then say about these trails? That is what everyone is wondering / worrying about in the OHV ranks. Off-Road Support Groups There are a number of off road groups which are waging the battle for land tro ride OHVs on. The following are those that we are familiar with. Please join a group so that your voice is heard in the battle over land rights. Western Slope No-Fee Coalition Group BlueRibbon Coalition TreadLightly National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council ATV Finance Tips ATVs have gone up in price just like everything else and buying a new one can put a dent in your pocketbook. But, you don't necessarily have to save up and pay cash for your new ATV. There are financing options available and here are a coupel of articles that will help you out in determining which finance option will work for you: ATV Financing Tips - this article talks about the preparation work you shoudl do before you attempt to find a lending source to buy your ATV. We think it offers some good basic tips and will be helpful to a number of folks. ATV Financing Options - this article covers the 4 basic lending alternatives available to help finance the purchase of a new or used ATV. Again, some good basic information for a person that has not gone through the entire process before. |