Just got this email response today from TWRA. thanks to everyone that responded to them, our voices were heard.
@Hondasxs
Update on OHV Rulemaking Process
Good afternoon,
We wanted to take a moment to provide you an update on the Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) rule making process because you submitted written comment on the Rule originally set for public hearing on December 9, 2023.
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) will postpone the December 2023 vote on proposed changes to the OHV rules and fees for use on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) until further notice. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) publicly proposed changes to the current OHV license and permit rule during the October TFWC Commission.
During the public notice period, the agency received a high volume of public comments outlining concerns from local businesses, residents, and non-resident OHV enthusiasts. TWRA is committed to stakeholder engagement and has postponed the proposed rule pending review and evaluation of stakeholder comments and to provide for further data collection.
Per TCA 70-9-106 it is the intent of the Tennessee General Assembly that the off-highway vehicle program be self-funded. Large increases in OHV use on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area have resulted in increased erosion, land degradation, and impacts to wildlife species. TWRA will need to follow-through on changes to fees and rules in coming months to generate revenue to better fund much-needed restoration work, trail management, and law enforcement. Revenue generated from fees will be directed specifically to OHV management.
Agency leadership is optimistic about developing an effective path forward for OHV use which will support local economic development and tourism without jeopardizing the integrity and sustainability of the natural resources the TWRA is mandated to protect and preserve. We will continue to engage stakeholders until an updated proposal is presented for a TFWC vote in 2024.
Respectfully,
Emily Buck
Director of Communication & Outreach
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
5107 Edmondson Pike,
Nashville, TN 37211
www.tnwildlife.org
gooutdoorstennessee.com