Issue Overview

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to provide a basic understanding of the issue by factually describing the issue, its scope, and dimensions.

OHV growth in Utah has increased significantly over the past decade. Since 1990, registrations have more than doubled. There are increasing demands for more OHV opportunities and experiences. Clearly, the onset of significant OHV growth brings with it a number of issues including demand for new riding opportunities, economic benefits, impacts on resources, and user conflicts.

Options & Trade-Offs

On average, each OHV registration contributes about $35 in property tax revenues within the respective county. As a result, OHV growth may result in an increasing revenue base. With this growth however, each county inherits some responsibility for provision of OHV recreation opportunities. Consequently, it is in each county's interest to evaluate OHV growth within their area.

Potential for Conflict

Clearly, increasing OHV growth results in a number of issues that counties need to address. As mentioned above, these include demand for new riding opportunities, impacts on resources and user conflicts. As with boating, Utah State Parks is the agency responsible for interpretation of Utah 's enacted legislation relating to OHV management. State Parks has mandated responsibilities in the areas of OHV law enforcement, education and safety programs and OHV registration. In this capacity, the agency recommends that counties consider the following issues.

• Well-designed trail systems are essential in managing OHVs in a given area. Without carefully designed trail systems, resource damage, user conflicts or other negative impacts may ensue. The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) has access to trail planning and design documents that help determine the desired quantity and quality of trail systems to effectively meet user needs and protect resources. State Parks is willing to assist counties with trail design and engineering.
• OHV users need to be provided with the right information to make good choices. Trail maps and related information, brochures regarding opportunities, trailhead locations – information that helps a user know “where to go and how to go” is essential. State Parks can likewise provide such assistance to counties in need.

Range of Alternatives

Counties should identify issues regarding OHV use, determine priorities and develop strategies to manage potential use. These issues revolve around the demand that the county faces for OHV opportunities as well as the ability the county has to accommodate OHV use. Once opportunities are identified, potential impacts – both positive and negative – must be thoroughly examined. The county should then determine strategies that will help resolve issues and meet stated goals for OHV use.

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Existing Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the existing condition.

Data Review

Economic benefits may be considerable in areas that provide OHV recreation opportunities. State Parks has worked with local governments, communities, and federal agencies to identify the impacts that OHV use may have on local economies. The Piute Trail system in central Utah is an example of an effort that has helped revitalize the local economies of cities and towns adjacent to this trail system. For example, Piute Trail riders spend approximately $110 per rider, per day. The trail system attracted over 55,000 riders in the year 2000.

Items to Consider
State Parks has strong support from OHV user groups/clubs and OHV dealers in securing and managing OHV recreation opportunities. The agency is willing to help coordinate with local users or groups to help counties resolve specific OHV-related needs.

In describing the Existing Condition, the author should address… (opportunity costs).

Boilerplate Language

Include what types of language can be used in a local plan to describe existing condition with examples that exist already.

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Desired Future Condition

The purpose of this section is to provide information and boilerplate language that will help to describe the improvements and changes that need to be made to the existing condition in order to achieve the desired future condition. It also provides the basis for the development of policy statements that support the desired future condition.

Range of Alternatives

State Parks provides local governments with grants and other financial assistance in the management of OHVs. State Parks provides assistance in the following areas:

• Trail map development
• Signing of designated routes
• Financial assistance for trail engineering/design, education, and limited maintenance

Are there any more alternative future conditions?

Boilerplate Language

We also need to link this to the “items to consider” list. Can you site examples of a desired future condition.

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Policy and Position Statements

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate policy statement language that will support the desired future conditions. A range of possible conditions is provided here.

Boilerplate Language

Are you aware of any examples of county planning that is effective?

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Goals, Objectives, and/or Action Items

The purpose of this section is to provide boilerplate examples of the types of improvements or changes that typically would be needed to reach the desired future condition. “Goal” is the desired condition. “Objectives” are improvements or changes that need to be made to reach the goal. “Action Items” are specific actions that can be taken in order to achieve the objective.

The county should determine the demand for OHV opportunities and assess current trends, and evaluate the capability of meeting these demands. The county should determine its own OHV-related goals regarding would like to see (or not see) occur, identify related issues and implement strategies to meet these goals. Effective management of OHVs will require a strong cooperative effort between the county, user groups, impacted citizens and all agencies with a regulatory or jurisdictional stake in OHV management. Clear lines of communication, an understanding of applicable laws, regulations or permits, and good interagency working relationships will ensure more effective and efficient management of OHV use. Utah State Parks can advise counties on a wide array of needs from trail planning to resource protection to effective education and information about programs. Furthermore, State Parks is willing to work with the counties to assist in the enforcement of state law.

• Counties should design relevant OHV management plans to meet a defined OHV need. Issues or problems should be identified and specific actions should be developed to meet a particular objective. Successful OHV management plans include strategies to measure and evaluate how well the implemented actions are working in resolution of the problems identified. State Parks can provide technical assistance or advice as counties develop OHV-related management plans.
• Counties work cooperatively with State Parks in enforcing OHV laws. State Parks provides training to help local governments with OHV-related law enforcement issues. The county's ability to effectively secure OHV property tax revenues is essential in funding necessary law enforcement elements to ensure provision of safe and enjoyable OHV experiences.

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Monitoring Methods and Mechanisms

The purpose of this section is to provide suggested techniques and methods for monitoring progress towards the desired condition.

How does a county monitor the effectiveness of their planning efforts for OHV?

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Sources and Resources to Assist

This section is intended to be a reference guide to help locate any sources of assistance.

Utah State Parks and Recreation
Fred Hayes, OHV Program Coordinator
1594 West North Temple,
P.O. Box 146001
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6001
(801) 538-7435
http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv/

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