U.S. Department of Interior Celebrates Powersports in Summer Video

A new U.S. Department of the Interior summer video posted on YouTube and other social media sites features exciting scenes of off-road motorcycling on public lands, and the Motorcycle Industry Council is calling on all riders to applaud the efforts of the department and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.

“Along with Interior and the ORR, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association have worked hard to make powersports an even more recognized outdoor activity on public lands and this new video really showcases that effort,” said Tim Buche, MIC president and CEO. “We’re asking that everyday enthusiasts and industry staff members everywhere jump on to YouTube, Twitter and Facebook and like, share and comment on this terrific video. Then, of course, get out there yourselves, on two or four wheels, and enjoy some great trails and deserts with friends and family.”

Since early 2017, the MIC, SVIA, ROHVA and other outdoor industries have been meeting with Secretary Ryan Zinke and officials from Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to discuss ways to improve visitor experiences on America’s public lands and waters, including providing more and better access to trails. The outdoor recreation trade associations and organizations also came together to form the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable in February. The ORR works to promote policy and legislative reforms needed to enhance the outdoor recreation economy, which accounts for $673 billion in annual economic output. The MIC, SVIA and ROHVA are founding members of the ORR.

Today’s new video is the latest result of combined Interior and industry efforts to give outdoor recreation a new look for the 21st century, and one that clearly includes powersports.

“This is exciting and welcome news for everyone in our industry,” said Callie Hoyt, manager of federal affairs at the MIC’s Government Relations Office near Washington, D.C. “To have powersports featured in a video produced by the U.S. Department of the Interior is really something of a milestone, and we hope riders and drivers all across the country help us celebrate and acknowledge it.”

Link: MIC

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.