Proposed Off-Road Vehicular Management: Criteria and Regulations

I. CRITERIA USED in determining trails suitable for off-road vehicle use.

• Soils - Avoid areas where soil disturbance would result in severe compaction or erosion.
• Vegetation - Avoid rare plant communities and areas recently revegetated.
• Noise level - Select routes either well screened or an adequate distance from areas of public concentration, to minimize the impact on other users.
• Impacts on Fish and Wildlife - Minimize conflicts with nesting areas, wildlife openings and primary fishing activities.
• Amenity Values - Consider adjacent landowners.
• Aesthetics - Avoid concentration of vehicles and people which may lead to litter or sanitation problems.
• Danger to Others - Attempt to separate incompatible uses such as horses and motorcycles on the same trail.
• Danger to the User - Avoid hazardous arrangements and unsafe routes.
• Total System Planning Needs - Provide for all users as far as possible.
• Professional Judgement - Use professional judgement in application of all of the above criteria.

II. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Trails - All trails will be open for public use; however, to protect the natural resources, motor vehicle use will be permitted only on those system trails designated for their use. The trails designated for motor vehicle use will be signed with the symbol of a man on a motorcycle. Off-road vehicles authorized for trail use include any motorized vehicle that is 40 inches wide or less in total width and has two or more wheels, tracks, or other contrivances for over-land travel and will operate on a trail with tread width 24 inches wide or less. Four-wheel drive and other motorized vehicles are restricted to system roads. Exceptions are motorized vehicles used for administrative or emergency purposes.

III. ROADS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC

Many old skid trails and narrow openings have invited vehicular traffic that has resulted in ruts where there was never any road construction. These small rut roads are numerous and are a critical source of erosion. No vehicular traffic will be allowed on other than system roads open for vehicular use.

IV. TRAILS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC

Only system trails designated for vehicular use may be used by motor vehicles. Many trails have developed through indiscriminate cross-country travel, such use is causing rapid site deterioration and therefore all trails that do not meet the maintenance standards for grade and alignment can no longer be used for motorbike or other vehicular travel. Cross-country travel will be prohibited.

V. OPERATING CONDITIONS set forth in this section shall apply to all motorized vehicles when operated on the wildlife area.

• All designated roads open to the public are within State Patrol enforcement jurisdiction. Therefore, all vehicles using the roads must conform to all State laws and regulation requirements established for such vehicles.
• On designated trails, no person may operate a motorized vehicle without a valid operator's license or learner's permit, unless accompanied by or in sight of a responsible adult who has a valid operator's license. In addition, no person shall operate a motorized vehicle:
  1. in a reckless, careless, or negligent manner;
  2. in excess of established speed limits;
  3. while the operator is under influence of alcohol or drugs;
  4. in a manner likely to cause excessive damage or disturbance of the land, wildlife, or vegetative resources; and
  5. without protective headgear.
• All vehicles powered by internal or external combustion engines shall be equipped with a properly installed Forest Service approved muffler in good working condition. (e.g., See Spark Arrester Guide, Forest Service, USDA, as referenced in FSM 5113.32a -- 2, Item 4.)
• Vehicles shall not be operated at any time without proper brakes

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This Web site is maintained by R. H. Giles, Jr.
Last revision January 17, 2000.