I don't condone the other actions of the bikers you mention but those deep ruts out in the middle of the boondocks, well, they can be quite hazardous to deer and elk.
The Ocala National Forest near me just closed down another 8000 acres, claiming vehicles (4x4) were damaging the area. To back up their claim they showed the picture of what looked to be a single mud hole probably about 25 yards in diameter and a single seedling that had been run over. 8000 acres for that.
I don’t know about the 8000 acres you talk about, but they are destructive and unwelcome on my 42 acres.