AMA: off-road trails could disappear

Many off-highway trails in America's national forests could deteriorate
dramatically or even disappear under the new federal budget for 2011
proposed by President Barack Obama, according to the American
Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

Under the proposal, which must by accepted by Congress before it
becomes law, funding for the US Agriculture Department's Capital
Improvement and Maintenance (CIM) program would be slashed by $100m.

"This could be disastrous for off-highway motorcycle riders because CIM
program money is used for the improvement, maintenance and operation of
U.S. Forest Service roads, trails and recreational support," said Ed
Moreland, the AMA's vice president for government relations.

"Very little of the proposed CIM budget supports trail-building or
maintenance. This is another way to limit trail-riding opportunities
for families, the disabled and others who enjoy the beauty of our
federal lands.

"The truth is that underfunded forest managers will find it more
expedient to close trails rather than maintain them with this plan.
Proper funding of maintenance programs is crucial to the
administration's stated goals of erosion control, watershed health and
forest restoration."

In other news from Congress, American Ben Spies has been recognised by
Texan Congressman Louie Gohmert for his victory in the 2009 world
superbike title.

Here's Gohmert's rather illuminating tribute: "Mr. Speaker, here on the
floor...of the United States House of Representatives, tribute must be
paid to the incredible achievement of a constituent of the First
District of Texas, from Longview, he's already a legend, Ben Spies.

"Ben Spies is to be congratulated upon his winning the 2009 FIM
Superbike World Championship. He has no doubt blazed a trail for future
successes with his steady hand, nerves of steel, and balance like
nowhere found here in the House of Representatives."