Local Sportsman Receives Financial Award for Reporting Illegal OHV Use
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CHALLIS, Idaho – A public land user in central Idaho recently collected a financial reward for reporting the illegal use of an off-road vehicle in the Spring Gulch area, where a BLM-managed closure is in place to protect wintering wildlife. During the investigation, the defendant admitted going around a closed gate with his all-terrain vehicle in a season closure area to retrieve two elk.
A private citizen who was legally hunting in the area witnessed and documented this activity, and sent the information and photos to BLM, which used the information to prosecute the defendant. The award was provided by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), a nonprofit organization that seeks to ensure a hunting and fishing heritage remains on public lands.
“It’s definitely a good partnership program,” said BLM Ranger Amanda Schramm. “Within days of coordinating with BHA, a check was mailed to this responsible citizen who made a personal effort to protect public lands.”
Since launching the rewards program in 2011, BHA has written checks to numerous sportsmen for their efforts to help ensure motorized vehicles are used legally and responsibly. Good hunting and fishing opportunities rely on quality habitat, and BHA programs provide financial incentives for citizens to report improper behavior on public lands.
“Sportsmen have a long history of policing our own ranks,” said Tim Brass, BHA State Policy Director. “As enforcement budgets for public land managers continue to decline, this represents one small way we can help fill the gap.”
Public land managers have made great strides in recent years curtailing the illegal motorized vehicle use through improved travel management planning, signage projects and educational efforts, but enforcement of OHV use laws remains a challenge.
“We appreciate the effort BHA makes to recognize good stewardship on public lands,” said Mary D’Aversa, BLM Idaho Falls District Manager. “When each of us take pride and ownership of our public lands, great things can happen.”
BHA reminds sportsmen to help maintain intact habitat and quality hunting opportunities by reporting illegal OHV use. Learn more about BHA’s OHV Reward Fund at https://www.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.