Off-highway vehicle recreation in drylands: A literature review and recommendations for best management practices

Abstract

Around the world the rapid expansion of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation into arid and semi-arid lands has resulted in significant environmental and social costs. This paper reviews our current understanding on the ecological and social effects of OHVs on dryland environments. Based on research and existing management guidelines, the paper compiles a set of best management practices to minimize impacts during system design, and provides management strategies to further reduce impacts after route designation. The review found that OHVs have impacts to multiple resources that include soil compaction and erosion, trampling of vegetation, as well as wildlife habitat loss, disturbance, and direct mortality. Conflict among user groups has also been identified as occurring with non-motorized user groups being displaced. Vandalism of archaeological and cultural resources along OHV routes has also been documented. Gaps in our understanding still exist, and research needs are also presented. Knowledge of the most current research and the use of best management practices can help guide land managers to minimize conflict and resource damage. Management implicationsThe paper summarizes the possible impacts by OHVs on ecological and social issues based on an extended literature review. To avoid ecological damage and user conflicts, management and planning should be based on:•An inventory collecting baseline information on the route system as well as on the surrounding landscape covering all environmental and social issues•An impact assessment considering the most up-to-date literature, and local resource conditions•Design of a route network minimizing use of ecologically sensitive areas and conflicts among user groups•Implementation of additional mitigation strategies and monitoring after designating a system of routes.