SERVICE-WIDE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between the
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE
and the
AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION
 

This Service-wide Memorandum of Understanding (SMU) is made and entered into by and between The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, hereinafter referred to as FS, and the American Motorcyclist Association, hereinafter referred to as AMA.
 

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this SMU is to establish a general framework of cooperation upon which mutually beneficial programs, work projects, and motorized activities may be planned and accomplished on national forest lands. Such programs, projects, and activities complement the FS mission and are in the best interests of the public.
 

II. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFITS AND MUTUAL INTERESTS

The FS is a land management organization dedicated to the management of the Nations natural resources for a variety of uses and activities including outdoor recreation. The FS is interested in providing motorized recreation opportunities that are environmentally sensitive, educational. and enjoyable.

The AMA is a national organization with more than 205,000 members. Many of these individuals enjoy recreational opportunities on public lands. AMA members have a long history of participation with Federal managers of these public lands. The FS is a major source of These recreational opportunities and has benefited from their participation.

It is mutually beneficial for both the AMA and the FS to work cooperatively in order to further develop the conservation ethic of motorized recreation enthusiasts, and imbue a greater understanding of the needs of motorized recreation. The FS and the AMA will accomplish this by working cooperatively on the development of the Rider Watch Volunteer Project.

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:
 

III. THE FOREST SERVICE SHALL:

1. Consider projects applicable for involvement in the Rider Watch Volunteer Project subject to applicable Federal laws, regulations, Forest plans, and other management direction.

2. Encourage local FS officials to participate in the Rider Watch Volunteer Projects with motorized recreation enthusiasts, clubs, and associations.

3. Make National Forest System Lands available for the furtherance of this SMU subject to applicable federal laws, regulations. Forest plans, and other management direction.
 

IV. THE AMA SHALL

1. Develop a national database consisting of motorized recreation enthusiasts and organizations who have, or have had, formal cooperative relationships with local units of the FS.

2. Locate, publicize, develop, and provide training and materials to motorized recreation groups in their organization to assist them in the development of projects and coordination of volunteers for upcoming events and activities.

3. Encourage its members and other motorized recreation enthusiasts to take part in volunteer projects on national forest lands.

4. Document the progress of the Rider Watch Volunteer Project.

5. Develop a set of incentives and awards to individuals or groups taking part in the Rider Watch Volunteer Project.

V. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY AND BETWEEN THE SAID PARTIES THAT:

1. This instrument is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this instrument will be handed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing by representatives of the parties and shall be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This instrument does not provide such authority. Specifically, this instrument does not establish authority for noncompetitive award to AMA of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable requirements for competition.

2. The local contact persons for FS are District Rangers, who have sufficient authority to develop agreements and special-use permits of the type envisioned by this SMU.

3. This instrument in no way restricts the Forest Service or the AMA from participating in similar activities with other public or private agencies, organizations, and individuals.

4. Nothing in this memorandum shall obligate the Forest Service to the AMA to expend appropriations or to enter in any contract or other obligations.

5. Either party upon mutual agreement. in writing, may terminate the instrument in whole, or in part, at any time before the date of expiration.

6. Modifications within the scope of this instrument shall be made by mutual consent of the parties, by the issuance of a written modification, signed and dated by both parties, prior to any changes being performed.
 
 
 
 7. The principal contacts for this agreement are:

8. This instrument is executed as of the last date shown below and expires no later than September 30, 2000, at which time it is subject to review, renewal, or expiration.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this SMU as of the last written date below.
 
 
 

JACK WARD THOMAS
Chief, USDA Forest Service
/s/
 
ROBERT RASOR
Vice President
American Motorcyclist Association
/s/

 

This document was optically scanned. Errors in character recognition may be present.

This document was prepared by Wild Wilderness. To learn more about ongoing industry-backed congressional efforts to motorize, commercialize, and privatize America's public lands, contact:

Scott Silver, Executive Director,
Wild Wilderness
248 NW Wilmington Avenue,  Bend  OR 97701
Phone (541) 385-5261    E-mail: ssilver@wildwilderness.org