DrBillz made the post---I sent it to the AMA---now the wheels are turning---everyone on the AMA E-mail list recieved this post.
G00028 Contact: Bill Kresnak
Aug. 4, 2000
Phone: (614) 856-1900
For Immediate Release
Fax: (614) 856-1920
Off-road riding Banned in Tennessee Forests
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Tennessee officials have banned the off-road use of
motorized vehicles in all state forests under emergency rules announced July 20,
the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Under the new rules, announced jointly by the state's Agriculture
Department, Department of Environment and Conservation, and Wildlife Resources
Agency, all motorized vehicles are banned from state forests except on specified
roads.
"Personal motorized vehicles may travel on paved roads where they're
licensed to do so and on all gravel roads maintained by (the Division of)
Forestry," the announcement said. "They may also be used on certain dirt roads
if designated by signs. They are not allowed off roads at any time."
Violators face fines of up to $2,500 and a year in jail.
State officials said a permanent rule-making process to control off-highway
vehicles (OHVs) will follow, but provided no details.
Major riding areas affected by the ban include the Chickasaw State Forest,
Natchez Trace State Forest, Prentice Cooper State Forest and the Cedars of
Lebanon State Forest.
"This amounts to a statewide ban of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain
vehicles from nearly all public land," said Royce Wood, AMA legislative affairs
specialist. "Off-highway enthusiasts must get involved now to ensure that these
'emergency' rules don't become permanent."
Wood noted the Volunteer State Trailriders Association (VSTA) has been
working with the state's Division of Forestry to create a state program that
would manage OHV recreation while protecting the environment. The AMA supports
the VSTA efforts and urges motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle users to log on
to the group's website at www.vstarider.com to learn how they can help.
-30-
The American Motorcyclist Association is a 266,000-member non-profit
organization. Established in 1924, the Association's purpose is to pursue,
protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of
its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at
www.AMADirectlink.com.
G00028 Contact: Bill Kresnak
Aug. 4, 2000
Phone: (614) 856-1900
For Immediate Release
Fax: (614) 856-1920
Off-road riding Banned in Tennessee Forests
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Tennessee officials have banned the off-road use of
motorized vehicles in all state forests under emergency rules announced July 20,
the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Under the new rules, announced jointly by the state's Agriculture
Department, Department of Environment and Conservation, and Wildlife Resources
Agency, all motorized vehicles are banned from state forests except on specified
roads.
"Personal motorized vehicles may travel on paved roads where they're
licensed to do so and on all gravel roads maintained by (the Division of)
Forestry," the announcement said. "They may also be used on certain dirt roads
if designated by signs. They are not allowed off roads at any time."
Violators face fines of up to $2,500 and a year in jail.
State officials said a permanent rule-making process to control off-highway
vehicles (OHVs) will follow, but provided no details.
Major riding areas affected by the ban include the Chickasaw State Forest,
Natchez Trace State Forest, Prentice Cooper State Forest and the Cedars of
Lebanon State Forest.
"This amounts to a statewide ban of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain
vehicles from nearly all public land," said Royce Wood, AMA legislative affairs
specialist. "Off-highway enthusiasts must get involved now to ensure that these
'emergency' rules don't become permanent."
Wood noted the Volunteer State Trailriders Association (VSTA) has been
working with the state's Division of Forestry to create a state program that
would manage OHV recreation while protecting the environment. The AMA supports
the VSTA efforts and urges motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle users to log on
to the group's website at www.vstarider.com to learn how they can help.
-30-
The American Motorcyclist Association is a 266,000-member non-profit
organization. Established in 1924, the Association's purpose is to pursue,
protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of
its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at
www.AMADirectlink.com.