WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., urged Washington to develop plans that balance—not prohibit—access to public lands by four-wheelers, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

“Folks in Wyoming use ATV’s and snowmobiles to access our public lands for recreation, herding and hunting,” Barrasso said. “It is high time that Washington commits to developing commonsense policies, and providing funds and manpower to maintain access to these lands while managing our scenic treasures.”

Barrasso’s comments came during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on off-highway vehicle management on public lands.

“The nature of off-highway vehicles used on our public lands has changed rapidly over the past decade. Washington has not been able to keep up. For starters, there are too many people sitting at desks dreaming up one-size-fits-all policies and too few folks out in the field.”

“ Washington should not be focusing on ways to limit access to these lands. Instead, we need ways to preserve access for the users who depend on off-road vehicles for work and play on our public lands. Most importantly, we must listen to and encourage the participation of local communities and stakeholders.”