Private forest landowner attitudes toward off-highway vehicle access: a Minnesota case study.

Abstract

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding has increased dramatically in the past decade, creating challenges for finding suitable places to ride, particularly where access to public lands is limited. This research examines the attitudes and willingness of private forest and seasonal recreation landowners to provide OHV access. A series of focus groups was conducted to inform a survey questionnaire mailed to a random sample of landowners in north central Minnesota. Results indicate low willingness among landowners to provide public OHV riding opportunities. Approximately 3% of respondents currently allow public access, but that increases significantly if OHV riding behaviors are to reflect lowered noise levels, increased age of riders, low speeds, and small group sizes. Results also indicate that landowner attitudes regarding OHV effects and rider behaviors differ when riders are family and friends versus the public.