Factory Butte, located north of Hanksville and east of Capitol Reef National Park, has become an increasingly popular OHV destination because of its "open" status under current BLM land-use plans and the area's Badlands-type topography.

But the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and others argue that that topography is being damaged visually and environmentally through soil loss. And that other users are being chased off by the high number of OHV users that recreate in the area.

"Extreme off-road vehicle sport riders are destroying the landscape and opportunity for all other visitors to enjoy, not destroy, the Factory Butte area," SUWA representative Herb McHarg said in a statement.

The environmental group and residents have proposed an alternative that would limit open OHV use to what it calls a "manageable" area and implement a designated route system.

"The solution balances protection of the area's unique and striking formations while allowing ample opportunities for motorized recreation," said Randy Ramsley, a local farmer and market owner who is the director of Friends of Factory Butte.

Don Banks, the BLM's state chief for external affairs, says the agency is aware of the OHV issue in Factory Butte and will consider the petition. But he also noted that Factory Butte already is being reassessed as part of the area's new resource management plan and was noncommittal about making any decisions in advance of that.

"We know off-road vehicle management is a pressing issue in that area, and we're on the cusp of putting out a plan to address off-road vehicle use," said Banks.

"The off-road issues there go back a number of years, and its really a microcosm of this issue, which has flared up in a number of different areas in the state."

At least some OHV users are dismayed by the SUWA proposal.

"I can't say we're shocked, because we knew it was coming. But we're pretty disgusted," said Mike Swensen, director of the Utah Shared Access Alliance.

"You have to understand the dynamics of that land. Designated routes and trails will work only on a limited basis. Mother Nature won't allow most of what they're proposing to exist. Plus, there's nothing wrong with open areas. If you ask what areas would be appropriate for open travel, Little Sahara and Factory Butte would qualify. There's very little vegetation there."

But SUWA argues that the soil loss may produce high levels of salt that could pollute farming water sources. Opponents of Factory Butte's current status are also concerned about the dust and fumes created by OHV use.

jbaird@sltrib.com