COVID-19 UPDATE – SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF

Plumas County Sheriff OHV Patrol

COVID-19 UPDATE – SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF

Fellow inductee in the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, James Garner, starred in Support Your Local Sheriff, a late 1960s-era comedy.  Garner became the hero as he fights off outlaws who create chaos when they tried to tear up the town.

Today, many of our OHV land management and law enforcement partners are issuing orders  (enforceable with steep fines) that prohibit both motorized and non-motorized recreationists from traveling long distances to their jurisdiction to enjoy to OHVs, MTBs, ride horses, camp, fish, hunt, rock climb, or hike.

Closure Sign at OR Dunes

Picture Courtesy of Save the Riders Dunes

Over the last week, I have talked with numerous county sheriffs, federal land managers, state parks officials, and healthcare workers (most of them also enjoy and support responsible OHV recreation) who are pleading with the recreation community to honor STAY-AT-HOME orders. 

I also talked with a well-known OHV industry representative today who has several friends who are fighting the virus.  Some of us know people who have died.

Here are a few strong suggestions for OHVs to consider during Stay-at-Home orders:

THINGS TO DO

• Obey Stay-at-Home orders and follow related health guidelines 
• Recreate on local trails or areas that are open for public use 
• Encourage your trail network to comply with land use or travel restrictions
• Check on friends and family who may need help 
• Call an old riding buddy
• Participate in “essential activities” such as getting food and medical supplies or to perform work for an essential business

THINGS NOT TO DO

• Ignore government Stay-at-Home orders 
• Invite friends to go on group rides or outings 
• Travel to rural areas to recreate since many have limited or no food/ emergency/hospital services
• Post pictures on social media of you recreating on closed facilities

  

A seasonal closure of recreation facilities is a common land management tool.   Those temporary closures are often related to wet weather conditions, floods, wildlife management, or wildfires.

Seasonal Closure Sign

Mendocino National Forest

Historically, recreation facilities have been closed periodically due to the Bubonic plague, a bacterial infection. Covid-19 is also a serious and deadly infection that is not just located to a small area on a National Forest or BLM unit, but is a worldwide pandemic.

Trail enthusiasts can show they are a responsible member of the recreation community by supporting current and temporary Covid-19 “seasonal closures” enacted by our county, federal, and state agency  partners.

We have respected seasonal closures before and we can do it again.

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