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Statewide Campaign Promotes Responsible and Safe OHV Recreation

Idaho is running billboard and radio ads with a companion website, www.idaho-ohv.org.
From the Fall 2005 issue of Trail Tracks, the magazine of American Trails.

By Jennifer Couture Communication Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

A new highway billboard has been catching motorists' attention throughout Idaho for the past two weeks. The billboard reads "Use Your Power Responsibly" and asks Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) users to "Stay on Trails" when riding in Idaho.

The highway billboard is part of a new public outreach campaign promoting the responsible and safe use of OHVs on Idaho's state and federal lands. The campaign also features a radio advertisement now airing on 25 radio stations across the state. Download radio ad (MP3 file 2.4 mg).

The campaign is product of a partnership of five Idaho state and federal land management agencies: the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

	Idaho's billboard ad campaign to educate OHV users

The billboards and radio ads direct viewers to a companion website, www.idaho-ohv.org, that provides a wide range of information sought after by OHV riders in Idaho. The website has useful information about where to ride, how to register and how to use your OHV during hunting season, and it provides tips for having a safe, responsible and fun OHV experience.

The campaign was created because OHV recreation is booming in Idaho and the growth in OHV use is causing concerns for land managers. More than 90,000 OHVs are registered in Idaho today, while only 1800 were registered in 1984. The number of OHVs in Idaho is doubling every four years.

As OHV use increases, the effects of irresponsible behavior by some riders are becoming more apparent. One of the biggest problems is cross-country travel by OHVs. Cross-country travel can scar the land, increase erosion, disturb wildlife, ignite wildfire and spread noxious weeds.

The improper use of OHVs is also a safety concern. More adults and children in Idaho sustain injuries each year as participation in OHV recreation continues to grow. Lack of knowledge or adherence to basic riding techniques and safety precautions are factors in many accidents. OHVs are powerful machines. But with power comes responsibility.

The OHV Public Outreach Campaign asks riders to use their power wisely.

Here's how each rider can make a difference:

• Stay on trails
• Be considerate of wildlife - and others
• Register your vehicle
• Wear your helmet and ride in control

Download the radio ad (MP3 2.4 mb) and visit the companion website, www.idaho-ohv.org.

For more information on the ad campaign contact:

Jennifer Couture, Communication Manager, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0065 - Ph: (208) 334-4199

December 2006

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