I received this email and thought those who could attend express their support for ORV use. I am on the mailing list from some environmental oriented groups but do not agree that ORV use is bad. I work and thus will not be able to attend.
From: joseph@kswild.org
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:10:31 -0700
Subject: BLM Recreation Workshops
To: joseph@kswild.org
Friends of Western Oregon BLM -
I have spoken with several of you about the recreation figures in the Draft Resource Management Plan (DEIS) for Western Oregon BLM. I thought I would share some of the facts from the Draft Plan. These might be useful for you as you reach out in your communities or if you are attending one of the upcoming recreation workshops (there is one scheduled for Thursday March 18, from 6-9 PM at the Grants Pass High School, and in Salem and Eugene next week).
The BLM Draft Plan takes a step forward for recreation by establishing Recreation Management Areas (RMAs) but the RMAs cover a large range of potential activities ranging from nature study/wildlife viewing to extreme off-road vehicle use on steep slopes and in sensitive riparian areas. Here are some important factoids:
-In 2012, 2,564,574 "participants" visited Western Oregon BLM lands for wildlife viewing and nature study. That number is projected to rise to 4,056,276 by 2060.
-Off-road vehicle recreation is dwarfed by wildlife and nature viewing yet receives a disproportionate recreational focus by BLM. Only 826,556 "participants" utilized BLM land for ORV travel in 2012.
-Camping and picnicking (1,273,349 participants) and non-motorized travel (1,211,201 participants) were both significantly more popular that ORV recreation on BLM lands.
-Page 456 of the DEIS reveals that the most recreation-focused alternative (D) would only manage 3% of BLM lands "primarily" for recreation. All action alternatives overwhelmingly value timber production over recreation regardless of economic value of recreation vs timber.
-Page 458 indicates that the BLM is considering promoting ORV dominance on over half a million acres (561,676) of public lands.
-Currently hiking within an hour of the Medford District attracts 137,371 visitors whereas ORV travel attracts only 30,041. DEIS 465.
-In 2012 Oregon BLM lands recreation generated $223 million in economic activity while timber production only provided $23 million. DEIS 472.
-"Increases in timber industry activity in the planning area could bring additional exposure to greater economic instability." DEIS page 472. Not so for the recreation economy.
-10.8 million recreation participants on Oregon BLM lands in 2013.
-"The most common outdoor recreation activities, requiring the least equipment or specialized skill, have the greatest participation numbers, and...provide the greatest total net benefit." DEIS 493.
-Oregon/BLM recreation related jobs are growing at a much faster rate with less volatility than are timber jobs. DEIS 567.
-"Because the timber industry has a long, national history of high volatility, alternatives with harvest volumes that exceed current levels are likely to introduce greater instability into local economies, based on past business cycles." DEIS 568.
--
Joseph Vaile
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
POB 102 Ashland OR 97520
p: 541-488-5789
http://www.kswild
From: joseph@kswild.org
Date: Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:10:31 -0700
Subject: BLM Recreation Workshops
To: joseph@kswild.org
Friends of Western Oregon BLM -
I have spoken with several of you about the recreation figures in the Draft Resource Management Plan (DEIS) for Western Oregon BLM. I thought I would share some of the facts from the Draft Plan. These might be useful for you as you reach out in your communities or if you are attending one of the upcoming recreation workshops (there is one scheduled for Thursday March 18, from 6-9 PM at the Grants Pass High School, and in Salem and Eugene next week).
The BLM Draft Plan takes a step forward for recreation by establishing Recreation Management Areas (RMAs) but the RMAs cover a large range of potential activities ranging from nature study/wildlife viewing to extreme off-road vehicle use on steep slopes and in sensitive riparian areas. Here are some important factoids:
-In 2012, 2,564,574 "participants" visited Western Oregon BLM lands for wildlife viewing and nature study. That number is projected to rise to 4,056,276 by 2060.
-Off-road vehicle recreation is dwarfed by wildlife and nature viewing yet receives a disproportionate recreational focus by BLM. Only 826,556 "participants" utilized BLM land for ORV travel in 2012.
-Camping and picnicking (1,273,349 participants) and non-motorized travel (1,211,201 participants) were both significantly more popular that ORV recreation on BLM lands.
-Page 456 of the DEIS reveals that the most recreation-focused alternative (D) would only manage 3% of BLM lands "primarily" for recreation. All action alternatives overwhelmingly value timber production over recreation regardless of economic value of recreation vs timber.
-Page 458 indicates that the BLM is considering promoting ORV dominance on over half a million acres (561,676) of public lands.
-Currently hiking within an hour of the Medford District attracts 137,371 visitors whereas ORV travel attracts only 30,041. DEIS 465.
-In 2012 Oregon BLM lands recreation generated $223 million in economic activity while timber production only provided $23 million. DEIS 472.
-"Increases in timber industry activity in the planning area could bring additional exposure to greater economic instability." DEIS page 472. Not so for the recreation economy.
-10.8 million recreation participants on Oregon BLM lands in 2013.
-"The most common outdoor recreation activities, requiring the least equipment or specialized skill, have the greatest participation numbers, and...provide the greatest total net benefit." DEIS 493.
-Oregon/BLM recreation related jobs are growing at a much faster rate with less volatility than are timber jobs. DEIS 567.
-"Because the timber industry has a long, national history of high volatility, alternatives with harvest volumes that exceed current levels are likely to introduce greater instability into local economies, based on past business cycles." DEIS 568.
--
Joseph Vaile
Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center
POB 102 Ashland OR 97520
p: 541-488-5789
http://www.kswild
.... and still working like you.