House panel told public lands overrun by ORVs

"The key to the success of these is active management," Ehnes said. "Well-managed systems are not only environmentally sustainable they also provide more fun for the riders and increased economic and social benefits to the surrounding communities."

Ehnes acknowledged that agencies' budgets are "extremely tight" so it will be up to an increased number of volunteers to work on proper OHV use. But in order to bring more help from the administration, Ehnes said OHV users are willing to pay users fees to help support the areas they use.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, who is the top Republican on the subcommittee, said that it is clear the administration needs to work with the riders and those who use the land.

"Problems always exist, but overall (off-highway vehicle) users are the first to offer solutions," Bishop said.

Bishop also said there is no excuse for riders who cross into private property that borders BLM land. Victoria Fuller of Joshua Tree, Calif., discussed how riders cross onto her property all the time, and her neighbors have been threatened by them.

"The 'checkerboard' pattern of private, public and BLM lands can create misunderstandings and ambiguities in the interpretation of the law," Fuller said.

Bishop said swapping public land for private land to create more consistent areas might help solve this problem.

"The abuse of private property is unacceptable," Bishop said.

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