The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is voicing strong support for a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposal to reopen nearly 150 miles of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails throughout Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Area near Moab, Utah. In comments submitted to the BLM, SEMA highlighted motorized recreation as an integral part of Moab’s economy, and the cultural benefits of restoring motorized access to one of the nation’s most popular off-road destinations.
SEMA opposed the BLM’s 2022 draft Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan (TMP), which ultimately closed nearly 300 miles of trails to motorized vehicles. With the Trump Administration’s proposal to reopen nearly 150 miles of these trails, SEMA and its members voiced strong support for the BLM’s plans to reopen trails that are enjoyed by OHV enthusiasts from around the country who support the $720 billion motorized outdoor recreation industry.
“All too frequently in the past, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aggressively pursued closures of trails enjoyed by the off-road and motorized recreation community, including some of the most sacred areas accessed for decades by off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts,” said SEMA Senior Vice President for Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman in the organization’s comments. “SEMA thanks the BLM for addressing past errors and restarting efforts to reopen routes in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Area. This proposal is critical to restoring necessary access for thousands of OHV enthusiasts who recreate on these trails. It is also of critical importance to all the businesses that depend on members of the off-road community, many of whom travel to the Moab area each year with their friends and families.”
SEMA represents the automotive aftermarket industry, an economic force that generates a $337 billion annual economic impact and supports more than 1.3 million American jobs, of which off-roading is a growing segment. SEMA’s 7,000 business members develop products that are the hallmarks of American ingenuity, innovation, and engineering prowess; whether it’s for passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, side-by-sides, or special interest collector vehicles, our members produce, sell, and install parts and equipment that enhance the safety, performance, comfort, and style of motorized vehicles.
The off-road market is the largest and fastest-growing segment of our industry. For millions of Americans, off-roading is both a recreational activity and a lifestyle. Motorized recreation provides opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends, and other passionate OHV enthusiasts.
By SEMA’s own analysis, consumers spend more than $24 billion annually upgrading and accessorizing their trucks and SUVs, often for off-road use. More than 12 percent of American drivers indicate that they use their vehicles for off-road use.
About SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52.3 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org.
Another great organisation that does a ton to keep backroads open is the Blue Ridge Coalition, they’re fighting big battles with BLM not just in Moab but across the west.
Thanks, Dave. Great to hear from you.
Thanks Mike, I hope you’re well! Keep up the great work!