National Monument Planning Finally Begins
After a long delay, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will
finally begin to develop management plans for the nation's newest
National Monuments. On April 24, the Bureau published notices
in the Federal Register formally launching this process in 11
Monuments (links
to notices). While this process will address many significant
issues, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-road
vehicles pose one of the most serious threats to the long-term
health of these areas. And the BLM's track record when it comes
to controlling off-road vehicle abuse is far from stellar. Participation
in the planning process will be absolutely critical to implementing
the prohibition on vehicular travel off road contained in most
of the Presidential Proclamations that established the Monuments.
