Groups File Lawsuit Against Montana Travel Plan

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008 – The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Motorcycle Industry Council have joined with a coalition of recreation groups in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Montana challenging the Travel Management Plan covering part of the Lewis and Clark National Forest.  The final plan developed by the Forest reduces access for off-highway vehicles (OHV) by over 50% and places more of the Forest off-limits to OHVs than any proposed alternative that was considered.  In addition, the agency failed to identify a preferred alternative that would have focused public review.

SVIA Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano commented, “SVIA and MIC are strong supporters of managed OHV use; however, the Lewis and Clark plan favors wholesale closures over effective management.”

The Lewis and Clark developed the plan in an effort to implement the national Travel Management Rule finalized by the U.S. Forest Service in November 2005.  The rule requires each Forest to undergo processes to designate roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicles.  

Vitrano stated, “The industry continues to support the Travel Management Rule as well as efforts by the Forest Service to effectively manage OHV use, but in some cases, like the Lewis and Clark, it will be necessary to take additional steps to ensure an equitable outcome.”   

The suit was filed by the Russell Country Sportsmen, Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association, Great Falls Snowmobile Club, Meagher County Little Belters, Treasure State Alliance, Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and BlueRibbon Coalition.  Representing the plaintiffs are Paul Turcke of Boise, Idaho, Bill Horn of Washington, D.C., and Rob Cameron of Helena, Montana.

Since 1983, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America^® has promoted the safe and responsible use of All-Terrain Vehicles  through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics, and vehicle standard. The SVIA, based in Irvine, California, is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, CROSSRUNNER, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. For membership information, call 949.727.3727; for safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse^SM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org and click on “Online Enrollment” or call 800.887.2887.

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV parts and accessories and members of allied trades, located in Irvine, California.

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