BLM Waives Recreation-related Fees for Veterans on Veterans Day
November 10, 2008
The Bureau of Land Management will waive recreation-related fees for veterans and military personnel, along with their families, on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11.
BLM Director Jim Caswell, a Vietnam veteran, encouraged veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces to recreate on BLM-managed or other Federal lands on November 11, saying, “We want to thank the men and women who have served or are serving our country through military service. This is a small, but special way in which we can express our gratitude and our appreciation to them.”
The waiver of entrance and/or standard amenity fees on Veterans Day applies annually, starting in 2006, to public recreation lands under the management of the BLM, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation (all agencies of the Department of the Interior), along with the U.S. Forest Service (part of the Department of Agriculture).
The Veterans Day fee waiver takes place on November 11, even if the Federal observance of the holiday should occur on a different day. This year, the Federal observance of Veterans Day falls on Tuesday, November 11.
Recreation fee-setting and waiver authority for the BLM and other Federal agencies is based on the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, passed by Congress as part of a Fiscal Year 2005 appropriations bill that was signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2004.
The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands.
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Hunters Vital in Tracking Sage Grouse Data in South Dakota
September 22, 2008
RAPID CITY, S.D.—South Dakota’s short sage grouse hunting season is accompanied by a vigorous effort to collect data about the birds. That collection effort relies largely on the willingness of hunters to have their birds checked by Game, Fish and Parks.
“Hunters play a key role in helping us collect information about the state’s sage grouse population,” said John Kanta, regional wildlife manager. “The age, gender and harvest location information all go toward helping make the management decisions that will ensure future hunts.”
South Dakota’s limited sage grouse hunting season is open on Sept. 24 and 25. The areas open to hunting include public land in Butte County west of U.S. Highway 85 and on all public lands in Harding County. Private lands, except those leased for public hunting, are not open during this season. Public lands include those managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, state School and Public Lands and private land leased for public hunting as GFP Walk-In Areas. Shooting hours are sunrise to sunset with a season limit of one sage grouse.
Successful hunters are asked to bring their birds the same day they are taken to one of three check stations located at:
- GFP Regional Office, 3305 W. South St., Rapid City, SD, (605) 394-2391
- Camp Crook General Store and Repair, 102 E. Highway 20, Camp Crook, SD
- Bureau of Land Management, 310 Roundup St., Belle Fourche, SD, (605) 892-7000
“Hunters can also call State Radio and we’ll make arrangements to have the bird checked,” Kanta said. The telephone number of State Radio is (605) 394-8121.
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Are Off-Highway Vehicles And Hunting Compatible?
August 20, 2008
The Montana Hunter Behavior Advisory Council reported ten years ago that motor vehicle use during hunting, including off-highway vehicles, is creating serious problems. Today the situation is magnified, as growing numbers of hunters use OHVs.
“An estimated 30,000 hunters used OHVs during Montana’s 2007 hunting season,” said Ray Paige, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks motorized trails specialist. “OHV registrations in Montana climbed from about 23,000 in 2003 to about 54,000 today.”
Paige said that hunters who obey the laws and regulations guiding the use of OHVs during the hunt are in the majority. However, only a few motorized vehicles can do real harm to wildlife, wildlife habitats and the hunting experiences of others when hunters don’t know the law or choose to ignore it.
According to a 2007 Montana Wildlife Federation survey of private landowners, ATV use and abuse is cited as one of the top ten reasons a landowner would not allow the public to hunt on their lands.
“OHV issues occur on public and private land, but this survey makes it clear OHV abuses hurt all hunters’ chances for hunting access to private lands,” Paige said.  “If the trend continues, the FWP Commission has said hunters may see new restrictions on OHV use.”
FWP stepped up education on proper OHV use during the 2006 and 2007 hunting seasons, in a cooperative effort involving FWP, the Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Association, US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. One outcome, a brochure just for hunters titled Hunting and ATVs, is available at FWP regional offices and at many license providers.
MTVRA, with a Montana Trails Grant, administered by FWP, has also produced educational brochures, a youth education program in the schools and aired a television PSA promoting ethical use of OHVs.
 Paige said it is a tough task to change the behavior of riders who knowingly violate the law. Enforcement is one answer, but enforcement budgets, such as FWPs, are limited to user fees from OHV registrations.
“The USFS and BLM participate in FWP’s TIP-MONT program and receive information directly from callers reporting OHV and other violations,” Paige said. “FWP game wardens work on the ground with USFS and BLM rangers to respond to these reports.
FWP encourages hunters and others who observe hunting violations involving OHVs to report them to 1-800-TIP-MONT, that is 1-800-847-6668, and to gather appropriate evidence when it is safe to do so, including license and registration numbers, photos of the OHVs with the license plate in the image, and photos of tracks and other evidence of damage. Callers may remain anonymous and could receive an award for information that leads to a conviction.
Here are some tips for hunters to help reduce the impact of OHVs during hunting season.
- Know the vehicle use regulations for the area you are in.
- Stay on designated public roads or trails. It is the law.
- Access your hunting area before shooting hours and then hunt on foot.
- Retrieve harvested big game from the nearest designated road or trail.
- Respect other hunters and recreationists by slowing down or stopping as you approach them on the trail.
- Avoid wet areas.
- Reduce emissions and sound.
- Pass in a safe and courteous manner when overtaking others.
- Limit OHV use in and near campgrounds.
- Report violations to TIP-MONT at 1-800-847-6668.
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Regulations For ATV’s, UTV”s, Motorcycles Clarified in Idaho
August 19, 2008
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The growing popularity of a new generation of four-wheel-drive off-highway vehicle, known as utility type vehicle - or UTV - has raised questions and concerns about off-highway vehicle use on public lands in Idaho.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game recognize the growing popularity of motorized recreation and desire by motorized vehicle users for appropriate recreational opportunities.
Both agencies want to clarify where and when OHV use is legal and appropriate, and to inform OHV users of a new state law which has prompted some upcoming changes in OHV management.
A variety of opportunities are available on public land for OHV use, including the larger UTVs. OHV owners should consult the appropriate land management agency for travel restrictions in the area they plan to ride. Each agency has its own guidelines or regulations for travel.
Some trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are open to two wheeled motorized travel, and some limit vehicles to a maximum width of 50 inches. All vehicles wider than 50 inches are limited to roads open to motorized travel and subject to licensing requirements.
In the past, many UTV owners thought they could register their vehicle with an OHV sticker and legally operate on the road. It was confusing for just about everybody, but a new law passed during the 2008 legislative session will remedy this situation.
Beginning January 1, 2009, a restricted use license plate will be available to all OHVs, including UTVs. This new plate, in combination with the OHV registration sticker, will allow all OHVs to operate on Forest Service roads unless the land manager specifically prohibits such use.
On Bureau of Land Management lands some motorized routes and areas, such as the St. Anthony sand dunes, are open to UTVs with a current OHV registration sticker. Other motorized routes are limited to 48 inches in width. Roads on BLM lands are similar to Forest Service roads and require a license plate.
After January 1, 2009, the new restricted-use license plate will allow use on roads unless specifically prohibited.
It is the operator’s responsibility to know before they go. On federal land it is important for all OHV users to check with their local land managers to identify the legal areas of operation. In most areas maps are available to assist in the identification of legal routes.
The new restricted-use license plate will also allow OHVs legal access to city and county roads. These local jurisdictions may prohibit certain roads from OHV use after a public meeting and an ordinance passed. The new law does not allow OHVs to operate on any state or federal highways.
In addition to vehicle type trail designations, some roads and trails may also be limited by seasonal restrictions. For example, some land managers may close roads or trails to any motorized travel during various times of the year to control big game vulnerability during the hunting season, to benefit wintering wildlife or to protect the trail surface during wet conditions. Most seasonal closures can be identified on the land managers travel map.
Idaho Fish and Game generally limits the use of OHVs on its wildlife management areas to established open roads - exceptions are Andrus and Craig Mountain WMAs - and also restrict the use of OHVs as an aid to hunting in certain game management units.
Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game suggest OHV recreationists not keep their OHVs parked in their driveways, but make sure they know the rules for enjoying them legally. Check with the appropriate land management agencies; acquire travel maps geared for off-road recreation, and pay attention to signage on public lands. Or contact the nearest Idaho Parks and Recreation office for information on OHV recreation in Idaho.
Permission is always necessary from a land owner for travel on private property.
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho’s New OHV Law
Q. I am an Idaho resident and heard that license plates are going to be required on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, owners of off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs will be required to buy a restricted use plate for $3 if they will be operating those machines on public land or on public roads. They are not allowed on state and federal highways or federal interstates. The plate is valid for seven years. Exemptions exist for motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
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Q. How big is the restricted use plate?
A. The plate will be the same size and material as the current plate used on motorcycles. The plate will be white with black lettering and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
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Q. What happened to the $10 OHV sticker?
A. The OHV sticker will now be smaller and must be affixed to the restricted use plate on the rear of the vehicle. The sticker will be valid for one year.
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Q. Do I need both a “restricted use” plate and an off-highway vehicle sticker?
A. Yes. Exemptions include motorcycles with a displacement of 50cc or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
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Q. Where can I ride with my restricted use plate and OHV sticker?
A. All state or federal roads, excluding state and federal highways and interstates, will be open to off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs with a restricted use plate and current year OHV sticker unless a local ordinance is adopted to close a road to such use or otherwise determined closed by a federal land manager. Designated OHV riding areas, areas open to cross-country motorized travel and designated motorized trail systems on public land will require both the restricted use plate and the OHV sticker.
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Q. I converted my off-highway motorcycle to a regular motorcycle and already have a red, white and blue motorcycle plate on it from ITD. Does this mean I now need two plates on my bike?
A. No. Only one plate is necessary. To ride on trails, you will still need the $10 OHV sticker and must affix it to your existing motorcycle license plate. This is in addition to the current motorcycle license plate registration sticker provided by Idaho Transportation Department with the motorcycle plate.
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Q. How does this new law affect non-residents?
A. Nothing was changed to the non-resident registration requirements. Non-residents are not required to register in Idaho unless they have operated within the state for more than 30 days.
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Q. Does this law allow children to ride on roads?
A. No. When traveling on roads, operators of an off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV must have a valid driver’s license, carry liability insurance and have a vehicle equipped with the required equipment to do so.
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Q. What required equipment must I have on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV to travel on a road?
A. The required equipment is still being determined. Current code requires a number of items including a mirror, a working brake light, and a horn audible at 200 feet.
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Q. Where do I get plates and stickers in 2009?
A. On January 1, 2009, you must buy the restricted use plate and OHV sticker from the Idaho Transportation Department. Specifically your county assessor’s automobile licensing office.
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Q. What do I need to take with me to obtain both plates and stickers?
A. You will need to have your vehicle identification number with you if it is currently titled in Idaho. If your vehicle isn’t titled in Idaho, you will need to contact your county assessor’s automobile licensing office and begin the titling process with ITD.
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Q. Where do I go to renew my OHV sticker in 2010?
A. All Idaho Parks and Recreation registration vendors, including county assessor automobile licensing offices, OHV dealers and other businesses that sell OHV registration stickers, will be able to issue the OHV renewal stickers.
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For additional information please call your county assessor’s automobile licensing office or the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in Boise at 208-334-4199, in Coeur d’Alene at 208-769-1511, and in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7121.
For additional information contact Troy Elmore of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-514-2411 or Mark Gamblin of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.
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Pronghorn Archery Season Opens Today in Idaho
August 15, 2008
Archery pronghorn season opens Friday, August 15, and continues through September 15. In addition, in many units, archery seasons on mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk open August 30 and run through September.
In the warm weather of summer, hunters should consider the higher country.
Hunters are reminded that archery permits are required. And archers using blinds on federal public lands should consult the big game rules brochure or contact the Bureau of Land Management for the latest rules on hunting blinds on public lands.
For more information and for help with planning hunts, visit the Hunt Planner on the Idaho Fish and Game Website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/
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Wildlife Feels the Heat Over Past 10 Years
June 4, 2008
Fire Information 1999-2008
With the summer season soon upon us, Nevada Department of Wildlife is reminding everyone that when Nevada catches fire, wildlife feel the heat.
Over the last 10 years, fires have destroyed over 7.5 million acres of sagebrush and other wildlife habitat in Nevada. In the northeast area of the state, in the big game management unit known as Area 6, over 90% of the deer winter ranges have been destroyed. An area that supported close to 30,000 deer in the 1960s now can only support 5,000-6,000 deer.
Other wildlife has also been adversely impacted. Over the last two years, 84% of the sage grouse mating grounds (called leks) have been burnt in the Tuscarora region of north-central Nevada. These fires diminished or destroyed habitat for 7,000 sage grouse.
Other affected wildlife includes pygmy rabbits, burrowing owls, sage thrashers, loggerhead shrikes, many rodents and raptors, and the predators that depend on them.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife continues to partner with our constituents and federal land managers such as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to rehabilitate some of the lost habitat. An emergency wildfire disaster fund has been established by the Reno Chapter of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited to gather money for use in wildlife rehabilitation efforts. In 2007 alone, NDOW spent $1.5 million to rehabilitate 40,000 acres, less than 1% of the lost habitat. Even though the number of rehabilitated acres are a small percentage of the total burned, these areas represent some of the most crucial habitat that existed prior to burning.
NDOW urges everyone to be fire safe when using our public lands. Watch where you park as hot exhaust systems often spark wildfires. Find a bare spot of ground to park your hunting truck or fishing rig. Crush out cigarettes. Check local regulations before you make a campfire, and if you make one, keep it small and manageable. Please help stop wildfires before they start. Wildlife will thank you.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Hall Shows Schoolchildren How to Catch Fish on National Mall
June 2, 2008
To help kick off National Fishing and Boating Week, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall joined more than 300 students from Washington, D.C. schools to fish for largemouth bass, perch and bluegill at Constitution Gardens pond on the National Mall.
Hall was joined by officials from the National Park Service, the District of Columbia, other federal agencies, and conservation organizations in leading students in a ceremonial castoff to mark the beginning of the week.
National Fishing and Boating Week is a national celebration recognizing the importance of fishing and boating held annually during the first full week in June. It is coordinated by one of the Service’s partners, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.
“When a child catches their first fish, they take their first step towards forging a lasting personal connection to the natural world,” Hall said. “It would appear we have been describing this simple activity wrong all along. We don’t hook the fish, fishing hooks us. I encourage everyone to take advantage of National Fishing and Boating Week and get outside, get on the water, and get hooked.”
Interior Department volunteers included personnel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Other partners included the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, and the District of Columbia Fisheries and Wildlife Division. Non-governmental partners included the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Trout Unlimited, and Cast for Kids.
Event sponsors supplied fishing gear and helped students to learn about fishing equipment and techniques, fish biology and to try their hand at landing a lunker bass or a feisty sunfish.
Many states do not require a fishing license during the annual celebration week and hold fishing clinics, casting contests, derbies, fish hatchery open houses and other family-oriented activities. Hundreds of communities also sponsor their own fishing and boating-related events.
For more information on where you can enjoy National Fishing and Boating Week, go to www.takemefishing.org.
National Fishing and Boating Week events sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be found at:
http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2008/pdf/2008NFBWeekEvents2.pdf and http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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