Stop the Department of Justice from opening up trails to ATVs!
Hiking on trails far away from traffic, noice, exhaust, and other "civilized" disturbances is inherent in the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) long efforts to provide outdoor recreational experiences to everyone. Whether we are hiking in the Delaware Water Gap, the Presidentials, or the Highlands, we treasure the remoteness and tranquility found in the forests, mountains, and streams. Currently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which could change those tranquil moments by allowing off-road vehicles or all terrain vehicles (ATVs) access to our trails.
Creating outdoor recreation opportunities that are accessible to those with disabilities is an important responsibility for government at all levels as well as for organizations like the AMC that provide public recreation activities. The AMC actively promotes accessibility opportunities, and has constructed accessible trails, campsites, and facilities in our effort to provide recreational opportunities to people of all ages and all abilities.
The DOJ rule proposes a broad definition of "other power-driven mobility devices" which could allow high-powered, internal combustion all-terrain ATVs on trails that are not intended, designed, or appropriate for motorized recreational use. This expansive definition puts the burden on agencies to develop reasonable modifications to policy to permit the use of other power-driven mobility devices and will: confuse both the visiting public and land managers with mixed messages on appropriate use; allow motorized vehicles where they are not expressly prohibited; cause damage to trail treadway that is not designed to accomodate power-driven devices; increase the buden on volunteers maintaining the trail; potentially damage natural and cultural resources during off-trail travel; detract from the "Trail Experience" for other users; discourage the creation of Accessible alternatives; establish a precedent for the permissible use of yet-to-be invented devices;and create a virtually un-enforceable policy for use of other power-driven mobility devices by people without disabilities.
Comments are needed to the DOJ today to keep these trails non-motorized.
Additional information and text of the proposed language is available at:
http://www.ada.gov/NPRM2008/ADAnprm08.htm
Take Action: Please tell the Department of Justice that this initiative is potentially devastating to what we value about the Appalachian Trail and to other trails and areas in our forests and parks.
Your comments are needed to the DOJ on proposed changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please take a few minutes today to send your comments. Comments must be received by DOJ by August 18. When submitting comments electronically, you must include "CRT Docket No. 105" in the subject box, and you must include your full name and address. Submit electronic comments and other data to:
http://www.regulations.gov
Put "CRT Docket No. 105" in the search box to find the right rule revision to comment on.
Send your comments to the Department of Justice today to keep our trails non-motorized.
Send your letter to the following decision maker(s):
Department of Justice
Below are the bullet points for your letter:
Subject: Comments CRT Docket No. 105
Dear Department of Justice,
- Open with your experience and connections to the outdoors, particularly experiences hiking in quiet and secluded areas.
- State that you support the accessibility of all people to outdoor recreational activities (and perhaps provide personal examples where disabled individuals have participated in outdoor activities).
- Say that the proposed language - in particular the definition of "other power-driven mibility devices" is a well-meaning effort to promote accessibility, but that it has the strong potential to end up increasing damage to the trails and surrounding natural resources, increasing maintenance, repair, and enforcement burdens and severly damaging the outdoor experience of hikers and others seeking to experience nature.
- Thank them for the opportunity to comment and be sure to include your name and address.
Sincerely,
[Your name and full address here]
What's At Stake:
The United States Department of Justice is proposing revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act that would allow a wide range of "power-driven mobility devices" - which would include Segways, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, and other 4-wheel drive vehicles - on pedestrian trails. The Appalachian Trail and other traditional backcountry areas in our national parks and forests could be opened to ATVs and other "power-driven mobility devices".
Make sure to put in "CRT Docket No. 105" in the search box to find the right rule revision to comment on.
Also, please put the "CRT Docket No. 105" in the subject line of your comments and be sure to add your full name and address.
Thank you for your action!
Heather Clish
Deputy Director of Conservation
Appalachian Mountain Club
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