QWR SxS Module on FS Post-Mill Fire Volunteer Project
Extreme wildfires have an immediate impact on OHV
recreation such as public access bans in the burn area for periods of one year
or longer. They also destroy management
tools such as trail delineators, signs, kiosks, and campground facilities. Costly soil erosion and water quality trail
structures can often be obliterated in the initial attack by dozers blading
fire lines around the blaze.
While these immediate impacts and their associated
mitigation measures are readily apparent, the long-term post-fire management
efforts to address hazard trees (dead trees) falling across designated roads
and trails for the next 2-15 years should not be overlooked.
As OHV users know, downed trees create a number of
management issues which include completely blocked routes or riders creating
impromptu reroutes to get around the obstacle.
The presence of hazard trees also requires both non-motorized and
motorized recreationists to be aware of their surroundings when traveling
through the forest. Trail obstacles can impact
both casual use and permitted events.
QWR believes it takes a committed partnership between the
agency, volunteers, and other stakeholders to successfully manage a designated road
and trail system on any National Forest.
This is especially true on units that have experienced a recent
uncontrolled wildfire.
Team Effort to Clear Downed Trees
QWR suggests the best way for you to participate in
volunteer trail management projects is to join a local OHV club that has an
existing relationship with the Forest Service or BLM unit you like to
visit. If your local federal unit does
not have a volunteer program, consider contacting them and inquiring how you
can help partner with the agency.
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