While ORV (off-road vehicle) use often appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, many drivers are unaware of the irreparable damage their vehicles may inflict on the landscapes they enjoy. ORVs leave behind smashed vegetation, collapsed stream banks, eroded soils, murky, sediment-loaded waters and deep scars in the landscape. For hunters, such destruction means ruined hunting grounds. For those who like to fish, boat, and swim, this means fouled waters. For those who like to enjoy nature, this means your favorite hiking area has been ripped-up by zig-zagging ORVs.

An ORV is defined as any motor-driven, off-road recreation vehicle capable of cross-country travel – over land, snow, ice, wetland, or other natural terrain – without the benefit of a road or trail. Examples include four-wheelers, dirt bikes and SUVs (sport utility vehicles).

Although ORVs seem like just another type of recreation, they pose a serious threat to native biological diversity, water quality, and ecosystem health. Between 1990 and 1998, the number of ORVs used off-trail in the United States increased by more than 150 percent. Even though this sudden jump in use has had devastating effects on our environment, many state and local governments have been caught off-guard.

This website offers the tools necessary for you to introduce and pass legislation to promote responsible ORV use and prevent damage from ORVs in your state. These tools include a sample bill, talking points, press clips, a fact pack, and other background information.

We may have other useful materials on this subject which are not posted on our website. Please feel free to contact us at info@serconline.org or call our office in Madison, WI at (608) 252-9800.

If you’ve used this site and found it helpful, or if you have suggestions about how it could be made more helpful, please let us know.