“RIGHT-TO-RIDE” LEGISLATION
Introduction
Many who enjoy recreational
riding on public lands are concerned about the reduction of trails, trail heads
and the closure of public lands to horses and pack animals. Access to areas to ride is one of the most important
issues facing riders. To prevent further
closures, recreational riders are working closely with their federal, state and
local land managers and also looking for federal legislative solutions.
House Legislation
Representative George Radanovich (R-CA)
reintroduced his “Right-to-Ride” bill (H.R. 586) in the House of
Representatives in the first session of this Congress. The bill is intended to preserve the use and
access of pack and saddle stock animals on public lands, wilderness areas,
national monuments, and other areas that are administered by the National Park
Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, or the Forest Service where there is a historical tradition of such
use.
Specifically the legislation
mandates that the lands should be managed by the federal agencies "to
preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock
animals on such lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments, and
other specifically designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of
such use."
In addition, the legislation
requires that "as a general rule, all trails, routes, and areas used by
pack and saddle stock shall remain open and accessible for such use."
The House bill was referred to
both the House Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.
Senate Legislation
On
The Senate bill has been referred
to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Congressional Action
On May 16, the House of Representatives passed Congressman George Radanovich’s “Right-to-Ride”
bill (H.R. 586).
During the House debate, Congressman Radanovich stated that “perhaps no other activity is more synonymous with the exploration of our vast open lands than that of the use of pack and saddle stock.” In response to the argument that this bill singles out pack and saddle use and affords it greater consideration than other forms of recreation or commercial use, Mr. Radanovich argued that “pack and saddle use has played a far greater historic role on our public lands, particularly in our western states, than simply recreation. What may be perceived by some today as recreation was once a vital part of everyday living throughout our Nation’s history.”
The bill was sent to the Senate and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Committee that has jurisdiction over the Senate bill.
AHC Position
The AHC supports this legislation and asks all recreational riders to contact their Senators encouraging them to act on it in the Senate.