Parks: Respect Over Recklessness

Finding balance between ATV use and nature conservationBy Jefferey SpiveyATV riding continues to be a popular American pastime—one that is often of tremendous value for many states.“Recreation in Idaho is a billion-dollar industry, and communities know that motorized recreationists bring with them funds to spark the local community,” says Chelsea Chambers, Public Information Specialist for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR).But the prevalence of ATVs and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) creates some tension between the permitting of fun outdoor activity and preserving nature. Various park systems across the country are managing these competing priorities in different ways.