Here we go again,E-groups don't favor the way things are going so they pull out. Don't be suprised if a lawsuit pops up soon.
Florida ridders keep your eyes peeled

OCALA, Florida, December 7, 2000 - Four environmental organizations have notified the U. S. Forest Service (USFS) that they are withdrawing from working groups that the agency has established to help develop policy for off road vehicle use on the Apalachicola, Osceola, and Ocala National Forests. In a letter to Forest Supervisor Marsha Kearney, the organizations - Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Marion Audubon and Putnam County Environmental Council - said they are withdrawing because the working group process has proven to be "flawed and works against the best interest of the National Forests in Florida." At issue are the impacts of off road vehicles on unauthorized roads and trails within restricted areas of these three national forests. The vehicles threaten the habitat of endangered and threatened forest species, sensitive wetlands, upland habitats and enjoyment of the forests by those who prefer non-motorized recreation.

The USFS established a process allowing off road vehicle users and others to negotiate where and how off road vehicle access would be permitted. In the letter to the USFS, the organizations stated they are "frustrated" by the process for a number of reasons, including the lack of science based planning and inconsistent information, participation and decision making by USFS staff. The groups also said the process includes lopsided representation, where recreation demands by user groups are broken out by the various types (such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and jeep clubs) without offering equal representation to non-motorized recreationists. "In the working group process there has been no serious attempt or intent expressed to address broad natural resource issues," the groups wrote. The four organizations intend to review research about the impacts of off road vehicles on the environment and to gather new site specific data to present to the USFS.