All-Terrain Vehicle Sustainability Assessments

Considerations for B.S.A. Councils

The sustainable management of ATV use is an expensive proposition requiring careful design, construction, and maintenance of ATV trails.

BSA Councils that are considering ATV programs should recognize that research has shown ATV’s to be one of the most environmentally impacting forms of recreational activity. The sustainable management of ATV use is an expensive proposition requiring careful design, construction, and maintenance of ATV trails. Tight regulation of ATV use, including the amount, locations, season, and riding behaviors is also critical. Most federal and state land management agencies have discovered that they lack the expertise, staffing, and funding to sustainably manage ATV opportunities. The BSA is likely less prepared to accommodate ATV riding without high levels of environmental degradation.

Attached document published November 2008

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