Federal land managers in Indiana have done what is rarely done elsewhere in the country, that is, take a stand against off-road vehicle abuses. Two federal land units -- one managed by the Forest Service, the other by the National Park Service -- have banned off-road vehicles.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Bans Jet Skis
The National Park Service has banned personal watercraft (jet skis) along the 15-mile Lake Michigan shoreline of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The ban, effective April 22, 2002, came after the adoption of a federal rule requiring the agency to determine the appropriateness of personal watercraft use at National Park Service units across the country, including the National Lakeshore. The Service then initiated a public comment process, and reported that the vast majority of public comments supported the proposed ban.
Hoosier National Forest:
Will Off-Road Vehicle Ban Hold Up?
Indiana's only National Forest, the Hoosier, is one of only two national forests in the country that has completely banned off-road vehicles. The U.S. Forest Service soon will begin developing a new management plan for the Hoosier, as the agency is required to do every 10-15 years. We are going to pay special attention to the forest plan development, especially any efforts to overturn the off-road vehicle ban -- a real threat that we are concerned about.
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National Lands in Indiana
National Park Service
National Wildlife Refuges
U.S. Forest Service
