Know Your Land Rights

The Proven Way To Stop Trail Closures
John Lavina (March 2010)

It seems as though every year another favorite trail or even a whole region of land that you used to ride is has been taken away and closed off due to development or environmental conservation, endangered species, or other reasons.  It's enough to get anybody upset, but what can you do?

Get Educated

The first thing to do is get educated by finding out who is working for you and who is working against you, before it happens. These battles are won with voices, emails, and warm bodies.  You have all the tools to win, and in most cases, if can organize, you have the numbers.  Check out the organizations below, and see how they fight to keep lands open for everybody's use.

Blue Ribbon Coalition    NOHVCC    ATVA    AMA

Get Motivated and Make Your Voice Heard

Also don't forget to contact your state governors and senators to let them know are out there. For an example, you are wondering how a section of land gets designated as a wilderness, it's because someone or some organization has to recommend a specific area to get the process rolling. After taking in considerations, factors and opinions from the public, it is ultimately forwarded to the president. If the president signs the bill, the suggested land will officially become a wilderness area.  It never works the other way around, and as a President, it's a no-brainer to sign that kind of bill because it makes you look you good and builds your legacy.  But, as you can see, if you pay attention and make your voice heard you have the ability to help decide the future of your lands. If you pay taxes, those lands belong to you too.  For more information, check out the following links:

Your Senator    Your Governor    Wilderness Designation

Get Involved

Contact one of the local clubs in your area.  It's great way to get your hands dirty and make a difference, as well as to meet great people and find new people to ride with.

Your Local Clubs and Organizations