Proposed restrictions may impact sanctioned events at Johnson Valley OHV Area. Make your voices heard by September 15 and help save Johnson Valley today.
This is a press release from the AMA…
Washington, D.C. (September 12, 2025) — The re-creating public has enjoyed the open expanses of the Johnson Valley for at least the past 50 years. Located in San Bernardino County, California, this open area is the largest remaining area of public land in the Western United States, and current estimates are that 800,000 – 1,000,000 visitors recreate throughout the area annually. In 2013, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress passed the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Establishment Act, designating approximately 188,000 acres under BLM management for public OHV recreation, with limited military use — two 30-day periods per year (60 days total) — and requiring public notice, safety oversight, and review.
Now, the United States Marines Corps is seeking to implement a Special Use Airspace with a “surface to sky” restriction that will interfere with civilian aviation, drones, and other aviation operations without prior approval. These restrictions will impact many sanctioned events, including AMA District 37, King of the Hammers and other popular recreational uses. There are serious concerns around safety, particularly Medevac flights, if this proposed SUA is successful.
The SUA proposal provides two options, Alternative 1, which establishes permanent surface to ceiling airspace closures, and Alternative 2, which allows “shared use” with tight restrictions and requires clearance that could result in delays. Congress did not intend for the Marine Corps to take control of the airspace in the original Johnson Valley compromise. Additionally, the impact of losing approximately one million visitors each year to this area would be devastating to the local economy. This decision must follow the original intent of Congress and any changes should consider congressional and stakeholder input.
The AMA has always supported our military but simply cannot support this proposal as written. Any airspace decision must honor the intent of Congress when it established the Johnson Valley OHV Area as a shared use model and must not be used as a way to erode those protections.
We need every rider to make their voices heard by September 15. Submit your comments and help save Johnson Valley today!!
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For more information, visit https://www.votervoice.net/Motorcyclist/Campaigns/130114/Respond
