The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), in partnership with Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), urges all riders and supporters of motorized access to take immediate action against a proposal that would strip approximately one mile of road from public access and transfer it into private landownership.

Bat Nest Road is an unmaintained township road in eastern Knox County, which has long served as an important corridor for responsible outdoor recreation. The road appears on maps dating back to the late 1800s, and since it became unmaintained, use by the OHV community has helped keep it open and accessible for the public to enjoy.

Closing this road would set a troubling precedent by allowing a public road to be shut down at the request of a private individual, potentially encouraging similar actions elsewhere and leading to a broader loss of public access across the state. We believe it is the responsibility of the Knox Country Commissioners, as elected officials, to preserve public access to Bat Nest Road and not forfeit it for private and commercial interests.

The AMA and BDR are requesting that all supporters send an opposition letter to the Knox County Commissioners and attend the public viewing, which will be held at Bat Nest Road on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. The public hearing regarding this matter will be held in the Knox County Commissioner’s Office, 117 East High Street, Suite 161, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. A link to the public notice can be found here.

Please use the form to contact the Knox County Commissioners and urge them to oppose the re-apportionment of Bat Nest Road.