Most hunters that spend their autumn in the woods don’t need a scientist to tell them that the biggest bucks and bulls favor habitat with the least motorized disturbance. And most of us understand that when a wet meadow is turned into a mud-bog, habitat value is lost.
Our understanding comes from observation, yet too often observation is not enough to convince decision makers that in some areas, off-highway vehicle (OHV) misuse and abuse is indeed a problem that needs to be dealt with. For this we turn to the science, which over the years has clearly illustrated that:
As road densities increase North American Elk experience higher levels of stress, higher mortality rates, decreased reproductive success, and lower bull to cow ratios
As motorized use increases sedimentation of streams increases, reducing the productivity of fisheries
Even one-time off-trail use can lead to significant declines in plant productivity, destruction of top soil and degradation of habitat.
Articles and literature reviews which provide detailed information on each of the key points above can be found in the “Responsible Off-Road Vehicle Use” section of the website, or by clicking here.
We hope that you can use these scientific resources when commenting on Travel Management Plans, or speaking-up for roadless habitat protection, or to encourage a fellow sportsman to ride responsibly.
Thanks for all that you do.
Our understanding comes from observation, yet too often observation is not enough to convince decision makers that in some areas, off-highway vehicle (OHV) misuse and abuse is indeed a problem that needs to be dealt with. For this we turn to the science, which over the years has clearly illustrated that:
As road densities increase North American Elk experience higher levels of stress, higher mortality rates, decreased reproductive success, and lower bull to cow ratios
As motorized use increases sedimentation of streams increases, reducing the productivity of fisheries
Even one-time off-trail use can lead to significant declines in plant productivity, destruction of top soil and degradation of habitat.
Articles and literature reviews which provide detailed information on each of the key points above can be found in the “Responsible Off-Road Vehicle Use” section of the website, or by clicking here.
We hope that you can use these scientific resources when commenting on Travel Management Plans, or speaking-up for roadless habitat protection, or to encourage a fellow sportsman to ride responsibly.
Thanks for all that you do.
(We are traditional-values Minnesota hunters and anglers who cherish the peace, solitude and challenge of the quiet-use backcountry experience.
Minnesota Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (MN BHA) is an all-volunteer, statewide grassroots group working aggressively at all levels to conserve and protect our public lands fish and wildlife habitat, so that future generations will have the same traditional, quiet-use, muscle-powered hunting and fishing opportunities from time immemorial.)
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