Does off-highway vehicle use impact wildlife in our National Forests?

National Forests serve many uses. Primary among their functions are to provide public enjoyment and to protect natural resources, including threatened and endangered species.Sometimes, these objectives conflict. In 2004 then Forest Service Chief, Dale Bosworth identified mismanaged recreation as one of the four biggest threats to public lands. However, surprisingly few well-designed studies have been conducted to address the impacts of recreation on wildlife and natural systems.  This leaves managers to make decisions with little or no relevant information.

We are undertaking a ground-breaking study with local volunteer off-highway vehicle riders to test the impacts of motorcycle exposure on the federally threatened Northern spotted owl.

Effects of motorcycle exposure on the spotted owl will be assessed by observing owl behavior, measuring reproductive success throughout the season and assaying the levels of different steroid metabolites in owl scat before and after exposure to one hour of motorcycle exposure.