Off-road vehicles (ORVs)
Human Health Risk
Ecological Risk
Socioeconomic Risk
M- L
L
The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and jet skis is controversial. While
resource managers claim moderate to severe impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, use of motorized recreational vehicles continues to increase, creating conflict between ORV enthusiasts and non-motorized visitors to beaches, parks, and forests.
What’s at risk?
Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where the use of
ATVs, snowmobiles, and jet skis are used are at risk
from the impacts of ORVs. Impacts appear to be
more severe on sensitive ecosystems including
wetlands and streams, but limited data prevents
quantification at this time.
STRESSOR SUMMARIES
What are the ecological impacts in New
Jersey?
Environmental impacts from ORVs include soil
compaction and erosion, habitat degradation and/
or wildlife harassment, loss of vegetation, noise,
and air pollution. Jet skis also discharge quantities
of unburned fuel which can be harmful to fish and
marine mammals.
What are the socioeconomic impacts in
New Jersey?
Motorized vehicles are considered a nuisance by
non-users, and jet ski noise drives away significant
numbers of tourists, costing an estimated $1 billion
in lost revenue nationally.
What’s being done?
Because of environmental concerns and negative
public comments, the use of ORVs has been
banned in many state and federal areas, including all
New Jersey state parks. New Jersey has at least one
park for off-road vehicles located in the Pine
Barrens in Chatsworth. Operations such as this
potentially reduce impacts by focusing activity to
one area and reducing use in other areas/habitats.
154
Final Report of the New Jersey State Comparative Risk Project