by Dan Nitzel

The Nebraska Off Highway Vehicle Association has been accepted as a member of the Nebraska Habitat Conservation Coalition (NHCC). The main purpose of NHCC is to address the concerns the piping plover critical habitat designation decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The group consists of public power districts, city government, county government, natural resource districts, agricultural interests, land owners and recreational interests. The goal of this group is to try to off-set the effects critical habitat designation by proving that the designation is based on un-accurate science and that the designation will have a negative economic and social impact on the region. Funding provided by coalition members will be used to hire experts and attorneys to refute the designation.

The areas where this will effect include a major part of the Loup and Platte river systems. The Headworks OHV Park and popular river routes between Headworks and Columbus will be effected by designation and enforced by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Grand Island Steve Anschutz was quoted by the Grand Island Independent on September 14, 2002, as saying "Designation of critical habitat doesn't restrict landowners and others from using river areas for recreational purposes." He then went on to say that "Projects that could adversely affect critical habitat include" ........ "all-terrain vehicle activity".

In a worse case scenario, the Headworks OHV Park could close to all riding during the spring, summer and early fall months from March 15 through October 1. Recreational ATV and dirtbike travel on the Loup and Platte river systems will be impacted from June 1 thru September 1. All human activities in and near the critical habitat area will be under the control of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

It is no secret that the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Grand Island Steve Anschutz is no fan of the Headworks OHV Park and ATV and dirtbike recreation in or near the Loup or Platte River systems.

With all of the above in mind, it is clear that we had to do something to have our voice heard. If we wait and try to go it alone, the costs to us will be tens of thousands of dollars in legal and consultant fees. On September 3^rd, the NOHVA Board of Directors decided to join in with others who share a common interest and join the NHCC.

NOHVA contributed a total of $2000 this year and join the coalition. Curry Bros. Honda of Columbus contributed $500 and our share was $1500. The $1500 of NOHVA funds were provided from proceeds of the Spring Jamboree.

One other important aspect of joining NHCC involves the building of relationships with coalition "land managers". Among the many government agencies who own land in Nebraska, public power districts, natural resource districts, and counties may be able to help us find new places to ride. Given that we are looking for places to ride in Nebraska, and given that the state of Nebraska is not going to be willing to help us any time soon, we need to form communications with other land managers.

Let’s hope that with our organization becoming involved in the coalition and meeting new people, maybe we can hang on to where we now ride and maybe find new places to ride!