That the population of the U.S. continues to grow is documented by census data.  That the sale of OHVs continues to grow at triple digit rates is documented by industry sales data.  That attendance at events continues to increase every year is documented by increased registrations.  These trends point towards an increasing population growth fueling an increase in demand for recreation - notably, motorized recreation.

Key to supporting the increases in population and recreation demand is access to land.  That is a good news-bad news situation.  Your view of good or bad depends on your understanding of the demographics behind the increasing population.

Time for a little "election year" pontification......

Election 2008 (Election Day is Nov. 4, 2008) is shaping up to be a watershed year in U.S. politics.  As election day apporaches, many issues are surfacing that trigger emotions.  It is time to turn the focus on to the structure where events are being shaped that will have a significant impact on the future.

Starting from top down...

Federal:
The President does set an agenda. Also, the President does appoint some critical positions that can have a significant impact on access to public lands.

Safety: Both steel and synthetic winchlines give a very small amount of stretch, the equivalent of less than 1% at breaking pressure. This tiny amount of stretch stores kinetic energy that is released when the line breaks. Since steel winch line is much heavier than synthetic winchline, the force of that stored energy is devastatingly powerful, particularly dangerous with people near. The synthetic line is so light and therefore stores less kinetic energy, which when released, the winch line virtually falls to the ground with a fraction of the force of steel. For this reason, 4×4 offroad racing sanctioning bodies do not allow steel cables because of their inherent danger. Synthetic winch lines are now mandatory.