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ATV / UTV

Powersports Business • August 2025 • 19

Public land sale provision cut from megabill after pushback and industry advocacy

Despite one controversial bill passing through the Senate, an added proposal to sell off up to 1.2 million acres of federally managed public lands was removed from a major spending bill after facing widespread opposition from lawmakers, recreation groups, and motorized access advocates.
According to a report by The Hill, Senator Mike Lee( R-Utah) confirmed the withdrawal of the provision on June 28, citing constraints of the budget reconciliation process and a lack of safeguards to prevent foreign ownership of the land.
“ Because of the strict constraints of the budget reconciliation process, I was unable to secure clear, enforceable safeguards to guarantee that these lands would be sold only to American families— not to China, not to
BlackRock and not to any foreign interests,” Lee wrote in a post on X. He added that he would work with President Donald Trump to explore future uses for what he described as“ underutilized” public lands.
The initial proposal called for selling between 2.2 million and 3.3 million acres of public lands, which was later scaled back to a revised version calling for the sale of between 600,000 and 1.2 million acres. Even the reduced plan drew swift resistance from both parties, with five House Republicans indicating they would oppose the bill if it retained the language regarding the land sale.
The Motorcycle Industry Council( MIC), along with the Recreational Off- Highway Vehicle Association and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America,
strongly opposed the measure. Through MIC’ s Action Center, powersports enthusiasts sent more than 700 emails to lawmakers within 48 hours urging its rejection.
“ This was a serious threat to motorized access and the broader outdoor recreation economy,” says Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of Government Relations.“ We’ re pleased with the outcome and grateful to the powersports community for speaking up.”
Sen. Martin Heinrich( D-N. M.), a vocal opponent of the measure, called its removal“ a major victory for our public lands” and warned against future attempts to pursue similar land transfers.
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, stakeholders say they will
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, stakeholders say they will remain vigilant as Senator Lee has pledged to continue pursuing land reform proposals through alternative legislative paths.
remain vigilant as Senator Lee has pledged to continue pursuing land reform proposals through alternative legislative paths.

Wisconsin county board expands ATV / UTV road access, group pushes for Oshkosh inclusion

A recent ordinance passed by the Winnebago County Board is stirring momentum for increased access to public roads by powersports vehicles, and powersports dealers in the region could benefit.
The ordinance, passed in late June with a 26−5 vote, updates several regulations governing the use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads. Most notably, it allows these vehicles to travel at the posted speed limit, removing the previous 35 mph cap, and lifts the restrictions on nighttime riding. Operators must now be at least 16 years old, hold a valid driver’ s license, carry liability insurance, and ride single-file. Helmets are required for riders under 18, and machines must be equipped with functional mufflers, according to the ordinance.
The move comes as part of a growing effort by local powersports advocates to expand legal riding areas and connect trail systems via county roads. Dave Schmidt, chairman of the Winnebago County ATV / UTV Alliance, is now
The ordinance updates several regulations governing the use of ATVs and UTVs on county roads. Most notably, it allows these vehicles to travel at the posted speed limit, removing the previous 35 mph cap, and lifts the restriction on nighttime riding.( Photo: Wisconsin ATV Association) urging the city of Oshkosh to join the effort by opening its streets to four-wheelers.
“ The economic benefits to the community are real,” Schmidt says, pointing to surrounding counties that have already opened their roads to 24 / 7 ATV / UTV access.“ We want Oshkosh to be part of this momentum.”
Schmidt’ s group argues that more inclusive street access could help support local dealers, tourism, hospitality, and service businesses. According to local advocate Gail Haag of Larsen, the industry contributes over $ 5.4 billion annually to Wisconsin’ s economy and supports more than 39,000 jobs statewide.
The ordinance could lead to increased customer interest and sales of street-legal accessories and compliant vehicles. Dealerships may also experience an increase in service work and seasonal traffic as access to the area expands.
See Wisconsin, Page 20