OHV KICK START - EMERGING TECH, OPPORTUNTIES, AND CHALLENGES KEY FOCUS AT INTERAGENCY TRAIL WORKSHOP

 

2023 RANGER RIDE AND INTERAGENCY OHV WORKSHOP

BLM Chappie Shasta OHV Area, Redding Field Office

Photo credit: George McDougall

OHV KICK START - EMERGING TECH, OPPORTUNTIES, AND CHALLENGES KEY FOCUS AT INTERAGENCY TRAIL WORKSHOP

As part of our commitment to facilitating OHV educational opportunities, QWR restarted its popular on-site OHV workshop program by hosting the 2023 Interagency Ranger Ride at the BLM’s Chappie Shasta OHV Area near Redding, CA on May 1-4.  

 

Due to a series of mega wildfires and COVID, the OHV Ranger Rides had been sidelined since 2017 so the group of dedicated OHV trail leads, crews, instructors, and partners were glad to get back to an in-person field workshop.

 

Top tier federal and state OHV specialists from the Klamath, Shasta Trinity, Mendocino, Eldorado, and Tahoe National Forests and the Ukiah, Eagle Lake, and Redding Field Offices were in attendance.  CA State Park representatives were there from grants, law enforcement, and the OHV Safety Week Program.   Chris Real from DPS Technical was there to give agency staff training on administering the SAEJ1287 Sound Test for OHVs and performing the inspection for spark arrestors.

Intersection of  SxS Trail and Single-Track Motorcycle Trail

 

To kick off the workshop on Tuesday morning, Sky Zaffarano, the OHV Program Manager for the BLM’s Chappie Shasta OHV Area talked about the agency’s efforts to manage the route network for all sizes of OHVs with a recent focus over the last few years to provide trails for SxS use while increasing single-track companion routes that often parallel the wider trails used by larger vehicles.  This enhances the OHV recreation experience for both vehicle types and also increases vehicle safety.

DirtBike School Class

Photo credit: Virginia Real

 

Jon Brandt, a certified DirtBike School coach and State Park Peace Officer, taught a one-day hands-on training session to agency students that needed lessons on how to safely ride an off-road motorcycle and to get their Dirt Bike certification.

 

Josh Liebscher, CA State Parks OHV Grants Administrator, gave the participants on overview of the Grants Program and their commitment to help support their federal agency partners provide environmentally responsible OHV recreation on public lands.

Chris Real teaching OHV Sound and Spark Arrestor Class

Photo credit: Virginia Real

 

Chris Real from DPS Technical, provided sound and spark arrester training/certification. The new field staff had the opportunity to perform vehicle measurements use of instruments and to understand inspection methods for spark arresters with valuable participation from seasoned OHV specialists.

 

Real also had a special presentation related to Emerging Technologies of Off-Highway Vehicles. This presentation reviewed 50 years of Off-Highway vehicle types and provided a perspective of the new vehicles that are headed to the Off-Highway recreation areas.  In addition, he highlighted both the opportunities and challenges from large ROVs to Electric motorcycles that land managers are contending with in multiple use areas.

 

Other topics discussed in various modules or around the campfire include the import of  land agencies adding dirt bike strike teams to their suite of post wildfire and storm recovery efforts, developing meaningful partnerships with trail clubs or non-profit trail recovery organizations,  looking for new management strategies to enhance recreation opportunities for SxSs (since it remains a growing user group),and allowing staff to actually get some on-the-trail seat time to help build muscle memory and/or see how other units manage their trail systems, and much more.

 

Don Amador, QWR President and founder of the 27 year-old Ranger Ride Program, states, “We had an dynamic mix of new OHV trail personal,  private sector professionals, and agency OHV Master Performers that fostered a rich educational experience for new agency hires and seasoned staff alike.”

 

45-Mile Group Trail Ride at Scenic Vista with

Lake Shasta near Full Pool

“It was clear the group thought one of the most important benefits of this and similar field-based events is they allow for participants to build long-term relationships with other professionals for the benefit of providing sustainable trail-based recreation for current and future generations,” Amador concludes.

 

 

QWR appreciates the presenters from the FS, BLM, DPS Technical, and the CA State Parks OHV Division who helped make this workshop a success.  We also thank the OHV Division and the CA Outdoor Recreation Foundation’s BE THE OFF-ROAD HERO Safety Week Program for sending educational materials and support staff.

 

QWR wants to thank the BLM’s Redding Field Office for sharing their OHV management expertise with the Ranger Ride attendees and the Redding Dirt Riders for helping with the BBQ.  And thanks also to the MIC’s Right Rider Access Fund and Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. for their generous support of this workshop to help educate agency staff about safe vehicle operation and review new recreation management strategies to address emerging technologies and uses. 

 

# # #

 

 

 

COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

Crush the Curve

COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

  

The announcement today by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, about a reopening pact with other Western states is good news.  It reinforces what I have been hearing over the last few days from other government officials about a growing sense of cautious optimism that our shelter-at-home, social distancing, park closures, and other mitigation measures have been helpful in Flattening the Curve.

Regardless of that good news, the recreation community (motorized and non-motorized) cannot relax but must continue to keep their mitigation throttle twisted over the next few weeks as part of our pro-active collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

Part of that collaboration means that we should honor the spirit and intent of county stay-at-home orders/directives, soft or hard closures of recreation areas, and resisting the temptation to post inappropriate pictures of trail enthusiasts riding in groups or engaging in illegal and/or unethical travel activities.

As advocates for responsible recreation we have an obligation to set an example for the general public.  Many trail users are new to the sport and may not understand they are part of a much larger recreation community that consists of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. 

Managed recreation in the 21^st Century exists because of efforts by trail leaders over the last 30 years to work in a substantive collaborative manner with land agencies, law enforcement, and elected officials in support of sustainable trail activities.

Based on the aforementioned information and my experience, I believe the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.  However, the length of that tunnel depends on our commitment to continue mitigation efforts out of respect for frontline workers, 1^st responders, and our trail community.

Our actions over the next several weeks remain critical as we move into the next phase of the battle to finally “Crush the Curve” so we can get back out on the trail and enjoy it with our family and friends.

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.

# # # 

BEING "TRAIL PROUD" DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

BEING TRAIL PROUD DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Over the last week, private citizens, businesses, organizations, and government agencies have been under a tremendous amount of pressure to address and/or take preventative measures to help “Flatten the Curve” by practicing “social distancing” such as avoiding crowded places, working at home, and traveling only when necessary to the grocery store, pharmacy, or essential meeting/appointment.

Having worked the field of OHV advocacy and recreation management for the last 30 years, I want to express my deep appreciation and pride in how the OHV community is responding to recent shelter-in-place orders and other guidance that is severely limiting our ability to work and/or enjoy our sport.

Here are some examples from what I have seen so far from OHV;

PROFESSIONAL - Consultants, contractors, agency leads, and legislative staff are tele-working from home on issues such as grants, policy, programs, cancelled events, resource management, law enforcement, safety, and legislation.

PERSONAL – Taking cancelled events in stride, getting out on trails with small numbers of your family or friends to enjoy the great outdoors, and urging others to remain calm and respectful.

BUSINESS – Instituting strong disinfectant mitigation measures in the store or shop, closing the doors if required by government orders although I believe dealerships should stay open since OHVs are used for farming/emergency services/rescue/utilities/law enforcement, etc., and offering mail order or delivery on products.

The greater OHV community should take pride in how this highly popular outdoor activity has matured over the last 30 years into a sport with the capacity needed to adapt to ever changing Covid-19 related circumstances so as to ensure our continued access to high-quality OHV recreation on public lands during the emergency and after it subsides. 

# # # 

Be an OHV Champion and Comment on CA OHV Grant Process by April 3 Deadline

Stop and Make a Grant Comment

QWR is committed to the collaborative process as a strategy to bring land agency staff and the trail-based recreation community together with a common goal of both protecting resources and providing a high-quality outdoor experience.

In CA and other states with an OHV grant program, part of that collaboration is weighing in with comments on agency grant proposals.

The public review and comment period for the CA OHV 2016/17 Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program ends at 5:00pm (Pacific Standard Time) on Monday, April 3, 2017. Agency staff have worked hard to prepare these grant submissions and now it is our turn to comment on the various grant proposals before the April 3 deadline. 

Don’t feel you have to comment on every grant.  Just focus on the areas where you recreate.  Also, don’t forget to comment on any LE or Sheriff grants that are submitted.  LE is an important part of managed OHV recreation in the 21^st Century.   In addition there are non-profit applicants that submit grants… feel free to comment on those.

LINK TO CA OHV GRANT PROCESS

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1164

Follow the links and make your comments.  Show support for your favorite Ranger and the work they do by making a comment.

Many units don’t have any comments.  You can check out which units have comments at the link below.

LINK TO UNITS THAT HAVE or DON'T HAVE COMMENTS

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29501

QWR believes the quality of our trail future is directly proportional to the quality of the collaborative process/stakeholder involvement on your Forest or BLM unit.  It is time for OHVers to do their part.

OHVers Attend Nor Cal Monument Meeting to Show Interest in Management Plan

Riders Highlight Important OHV Trails at

Monument Recreation Station

A good turnout of both motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiast attended the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management’s public meeting last night in Winters, California.

The agencies said they are in the early stages (pre-scoping) of developing a management plan for the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument (BSMNM) and have invited the public to participate in Community Conversations about the Monument. The conversations are an opportunity for the public to express what is important to them about the management of the BSMNM.

OHV recreationists and clubs who use the area for trail riding and events such as enduros and dual-sport rides know just how important it is for them to participate in the public process related with the upcoming management plan for the monument.

Recreationists Engage with BLM/FS Staff

The third Community Conversation will occur Tuesday, October 4 at the Holiday Inn Express in Willows, Calif. The meeting room is at 545 N. Humboldt Ave. and will also run from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The BSMNM was established in July 2015 to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the lands of the Berryessa Snow Mountain area. The 330,000-acre area is bounded on the north by the Snow Mountain Wilderness and on the south by Berryessa Mountain in north-central California. Approximately 197,000 acres are administered by US Forest Service and 133,000 acres by the BLM.

The agencies hope that you will join them at a Community Conversation. For more information please go here, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/home/?cid=FSEPRD506559

                                                                     

2016 "Quiet" Kickoff of OSV Recreation in the Sierra - Travel Management Tools

Don Amador at Vista Point

China Wall OSV Area, Tahoe NF

QWR supports the efforts of the Forest Service and other land agencies to update and enhance their OSV management programs.   Tenets of managed snowmobile recreation should include designated trails and open areas, adequate staging/parking, quality signing, partnerships, maps, education, and enforcement.

OSV Trail in the China Wall OSV Area

 Tahoe NF

One important and effective management tool is the enforcement of reasonable sound laws for motorized vehicles.

Winter Recreation Travel Management Sign

The greater OHV community (users, agencies, clubs, local government, etc.) realized many years ago that excessively loud exhaust noise from modified dirt-bikes and ATVs created conflicts with other user groups.  In some cases, those conflicts resulted in riding areas being closed to motorized recreation or prevented new trails from being designated for OHV use.

Responsible Use is Key to Trail/Area Access

QWR believes it is important for winter-based recreation advocates to proactively support the adoption of the SAE J2567 stationary sound test for OSVs.   Recently, QWR’s OSV Trail Stewardship Module had the opportunity to practice the application of the J2567 sound test at the China Wall OSV Staging Area on the Tahoe National Forest.

Open Areas are Important Part of OSV Recreation

Located about 1 hour east of Sacramento, California, China Wall is a popular multi-use winter recreation facility that is used by both motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts.   It has an extensive OSV trail network that provides a high-quality recreation experience for snowmobile riders.  It is operated in partnership with the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s Winter Program.

OSV Route Marker

After a few hours of touring some of the OSV trail system, QWR set up a sound check station using our Quest/3M Type 1 law enforcement grade sound meter and guidelines from J2567.  J2567 requires that the sound meter microphone is placed 4 feet above the ground, in-line with the exhaust outlet/center point of multiple exhaust outlets, on the side of the snowmobile toward which the exhaust is directed, 4 meters distance from the snowmobile longitudinal centerline. The operator holds the brake during the test, starts and runs the engine up to normal operating temperature, then slowly opens the throttle until a steady 3,750 to 4,000 rpm is achieved for not less than 4 seconds. The test is immediately repeated and the two readings averaged.

Application of J2567 Sound Test

With the help of a local dog sledder who acted as the operator of the sled, QWR recorded a 76.7 dBA sound level on our 2015 Polaris RMK 600 which is way below the 88 dBA test threshold.  The operator commented that it is the quietest OSV she had heard.

According to a 2014 report: Facts and Myths about Snowmobiling and Winter Trails (developed by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) with funding provided by the Recreation Trails Program) protocol for the SAE J2567 was issued in January 2004 and has since been adopted by several states.  This new test established a sound level threshold of 88 dBA at 4 meters (13 ft.) which, due to the logarithmic nature of sound levels, corresponds to the ’78 decibels at 50-feet’ sound law.

Side View of J2567 Sound Test Station

The report goes on to state the result of this test is that illegally altered exhaust systems can now be identified with an enforcement tool that is safe to administer in the field and will also hold up in court.

Parking Area for Large Vehicles

China Wall OSV Area

OSV is an important part of the winter recreation matrix and provides a critical economic benefit to rural areas.  The use of modern OSV management tools is a smart way to ensure the long-term viability of this popular form of motorized winter recreation.

LINK TO ACSA REPORT

http://www.snowmobilers.org/docs/ACSA_Facts_and_Myths_book.pdf

CHINA WALL OSV AREA

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recreation/wintersports/recarea/?recid=55790&actid=92

Stay tuned for updates on J2567 and other management prescriptions to help preserve and protect sustainable OSV recreation on public and private lands.

Partnerships are "The Catalyst" in Managed Recreation Programs

Having just returned back to the office from the California State Park Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Commission meeting held in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra, QWR wanted to share with you the recent edition of The Catalyst, the newsletter for the Interpretation of California State Parks.

This issue covers a lot of exciting activities in the CA State Park System including “Earthsnorkeling,” interpretive geocaching, storm water management, junior lifeguards, access for Wounded Warriors, and partnerships.

Vol. 16, No. 1 – The Catalyst

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/735/files/CatalystSpringSummer2015.pdf

QWR’s, Don Amador, wrote the following “partnership” article for the issue and it can be found on page 20.  Please feel free to check out The Catalyst and share it with your friends.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Maybe the single most important factor in modern OHV recreation is the use of diverse partnerships as a synergistic force multiplier when it comes to the management of motorized use on designated roads, trails, and riding areas.

New Sign Installed by Volunteers in Partnership with

the BLM's Bishop Field Office and OHMVRD

Today, partnerships are a core element of any successful local, state, or federal OHV program.  In 2015, OHV management is not just about getting a few riders together to build a trail.  Rather, it is a holistic approach on a site level that addresses diverse trail-related projects, including forest health, soil loss, water quality, education, law enforcement, fuel reduction, signing, trail maintenance, trail construction or reconstruction, and habitat restoration.

Local Conservation Group works on Restoration Project to Enhance

Watershed Protection at Popular OHV Campground on Inyo National Forest

The Power Sports Industry has stepped up to the plate with grant programs such as the Motorcycle

Industry Council’s RightRider Access Fund, Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative Grant Program, and the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program.

Many states have an OHV grant program to help support the efforts of local and federal land agencies to offer the public high-quality and environmentally sound OHV recreational opportunities.

For example, California State Park’s OHMVR Division has a grant program that supports county and federal OHV recreation programs throughout the state. Those funds go to help with trail maintenance, trail construction, soil loss mitigation, habitat restoration, law enforcement, and safety education.

OHV recreation on public lands has evolved into a highly complex and diverse, partnership-related

“systems approach” concept. It is important to highlight those partnerships to illustrate the evolution of managed motorized trail opportunities. Recently, I was privileged to do an area review of just such an effort.

The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (RCD) and the Bureau of Land Management recently entered into a ten-year stewardship agreement to cooperatively manage the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area. RCD and the BLM are focused on projects related to road and trail maintenance, forest health improvement, fuel reduction, education and outreach and other efforts. For example, trail-armoring projects are being implemented because of this partnership.

OHV "Partnership" Bridge Installed to Protect Watershed

at BLM's Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

The aforementioned RCD/BLM agreement acts as a force multiplier when combined with this

unit’s long-standing partnership with California’s OHMVR Division and Commission.

This is a good case study of how a comprehensive “many-hands/partners” approach to OHV trail and

resource management is working in a synergistic manner to protect our natural environment

while providing high-quality motorized trail opportunities.

# # # 

Registration/Agenda for 2015 NOHVCC Annual Conf. Oct. 27-31 in Sacramento, CA

QWR is proud to be attending the 2015 NOHVCC Conference in the Sacramento area this year.  The dates for the 2015 Annual NOHVCC and INOHVAA Joint Conference are Oct 27 – 31.

NOHVCC has moved the conference back to California, the State in which the first conference was held.  They have lined up the mobile workshop to be at the Prairie City SVRA, which is the site of the Hangtown Pro-motocross track.  To add even more value to the conference this year, in addition to the NOHVCC and INOHVAA conference sessions, the All-Quad Council of Canada (AQCC) and the California OHV Commission will be meeting just prior to the conference start.  All this means great networking opportunities for you. There will be training modules for ATVs, Dirt-Bikes, and SxS.

Knowing that many agency recreation staff are on tight budgets, QWR has worked with the OHV Division to allow for agency staff who cannot afford the hotel ($95/night/govt. rate) to camp out either in a tent or RV at Prairie City SVRA.   If you plan to camp at the SVRA, please RSVP to Jeanne Sisson with dates you plan to camp to:

Link to Prairie City SVRA

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1221

OHMVRD - Jeanne Sisson - Jeanne.Sisson@parks.ca.gov

Here is the Conf. Overview/Registration

http://nohvcc.org/Education/Conference.aspx

Here is Conf. Registration

http://nohvcc.org/docs/default-source/miscellaneous-files/2015registrationpacket38BECA9C5DEE.pdf?sfvrsn=2

This is a great learning and networking opportunity!  I hope to see many of you there.

Happy Trails,

Don Amador

Forest Service Chainsaw Class - Important Training Tool for Trail Volunteers

Mendocino NF Chainsaw Class and Instructors

Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21^st Century.  Most successful programs have these common factors; appropriated funds, support from line-officers, dedicated recreation staff, supplemental monies from fee programs, state or other grants, and volunteers. 

QWR's Don Amador

 

For this article, QWR wants to focus on trail volunteers and their growing import in the aforementioned equation.   To bolster their volunteer workforce, the Mendocino National Forest recently held a chainsaw certification class for volunteers.

Blowdown on FS Motorcycle Trail

According to the agency, before Forest Service volunteers can operate a chain saw or a crosscut saw on a Forest Service project, they need to attend an official Forest Service training course on the safe and proper use of these saws.  The Forest Service has training courses specific to the use of saws for firefighting and for other purposes.  Usually, the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) course is the preferred crosscut and chainsaw class for non-fire personnel.   The operational and safety based training course for volunteers will help both experienced and inexperienced sawyers use chain saws and crosscut saws for limbing, bucking, brushing, and—to a limited degree—for felling smaller and less complex material.  Safety is the number one element emphasized in the chainsaw training.

Trail Crew Clearing Blowdown on FS 4wd, SxS, ATV, and MC Trail

The training is very comprehensive.  Topics include, but are not limited to: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), area size up, proper body positioning and stance,  familiarity with OSHA requirements and regulations, physics of “binds”,  physics of “kickback”, sawyer/swamper communication, cutting area control, danger tree awareness,  job hazard analysis and emergency evacuation plans,  Forest Service radio communication, radio procedures and how to use a Forest Service radio;  parts of the chainsaw,  how to sharpen chainsaw chain,  and saw maintenance;   and of course the inclusion of safe chainsaw handling, starting and stopping procedures, use of escape routes,  and field practice with limbing and bucking practicum.

LINK to FS Chainsaw Course (with volunteer section)

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/fire-aviation/management/?cid=stelprdb5366863

Bill Aaron, a Region 5 chainsaw instructor who taught our class, states, “Trail volunteers are an important part of the Forest Service trails system.  Without their assistance the upkeep and maintenance would be much more difficult, and they are an integral key in the trails program.”

Chainsaw and Rack on QWR's DRZ400 Trail Maint. Bike

The Forest Service also states that volunteers who have completed saw training successfully are usually certified at the "A”  or “B” level. The level of certification indicates the types of saw work, along with any restrictions, that the volunteer can perform.  The "A" level is considered “apprentice” and the "B level is considered “intermediate” with restrictions limiting them to limbing, brushing, and bucking.

After training is complete, a line officer (usually the district ranger or unit manager) issues the volunteer's saw qualification card. Saw training and recertification is required every 3 years.

Don Amador, QWR President, states, “A skilled trail volunteer workforce is a force-multiplier and they not only help keep trail clear of trees and other vegetation, but their donated hours can be used as a match for grants from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.  Volunteers continue to be an important factor in the land-management equation.”

Chainsaw Certification Card

“I considered it a privilege to have been part of this chainsaw class where safety and proper cutting techniques were emphasized.  Recent wildfires at popular OHV areas such as Stonyford on the Mendocino National Forest and Hull Creek on the Stanislaus National Forest highlight the need for a skilled volunteer workforce,” Amador concludes.

# # #

Proudly Display Your "E-Ticket" OHV Registration Decal

QWR believes that registering your off-highway motorcycle (and other OHVs) and properly displaying your state’s particular vehicle identification decal in the required manner in an important part of managed OHV recreation in the 21^st Century. 

Modern OHV recreation management is a complex formula that includes appropriated monies for trail construction/maintenance, dedicated recreation staff, volunteerism, grant funding, support from line officers, resource protection, conservation efforts, restoration projects, safeguarding cultural sites, use of sound compliant exhaust with spark arresters, appropriate levels of law enforcement, and proper placement of OHV-related vehicle identification decals.

In California, the state OHV decal is called a “green or red sticker.”  The CA Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD) states that for [off-road] motorcycles  the decal shall be placed on the left fork leg, horizontal or vertical, visible from the left.

*LINK to OHMVRD FAQs

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26294

Over the years, QWR has seen CA green/red stickers placed behind front number plates, inside the airbox cover, on the frame, under the seat, or inside a side cover.  

Proper placement of your OHV identification decal helps the sport in a number of ways.  It shows other riders that you value high-quality OHV recreation and the ongoing efforts by agency staff and private sector advocates to keep trails open.  Following decal placement instructions also shows law enforcement officials that you have paid your “E-Ticket” to enjoy managed OHV recreation on public lands. 

Please take time to read the placement instructions that should accompany your new registration decal.  We know that often you are in a hurry to get out and ride, but taking a few extra minutes to place your decal in the appropriate location will help ensure that OHV recreation has a bright future.

*ROVs/SxSs are not specifically mentioned in CA law but sticker placement should mimic other four wheeled vehicles.

Region 5 Tells OHV Commission that Q Enduros are Allowable on Forest Service lands

QWR always encourages riders to meet with agency representatives to discuss issues ranging from event permits, trail volunteerism, and construction of new trails or reroutes.  Those meetings can often help clarify issues which may then lead to a resolution where FS/BLM/OHMVRD officials can provide enhanced OHV opportunities while meeting their unit’s resource management goals.

That philosophy was highlighted during the Region 5 Forest Service report today at the California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission meeting in Palmdale, CA.  The report found that “Q format” enduros ARE NOT speed events, hence they can be held on Forest Service lands.

R5 credited the February 5, 2015 meeting that QWR, AMA, BRC, and AMA Dist. 36 had with recreation staff at the regional office in Vallejo, CA, for helping clarify questions the agency had regarding the new Q enduros. 

As many motorcycle clubs know, there is growing support for “Q format” enduros which are popular with new and old riders alike.  The simplified timekeeping makes it easy for novice riders and competitors from other amateur non-enduro motorcycle events to make the transition to enduros.

Like regular enduros, Q events measure the skill of the rider over trails of varying difficulty.  Roads are sometimes used to connect up these high skill test sections.  There are known checks and special test sections where riders accumulate points.

QWR’s, Don Amador, states, “I think the FS report to the commission gets enduro clubs a lot closer to being able to hold Q enduros on National Forests in California.  Until individual Forests get more familiar with Q enduros, it will be incumbent for clubs to take extra time to ground-truth the course route with FS OHV staff.  Time spent in the field will be the key to having a successful district-wide Q enduro program.”

“I believe that improved communication/collaboration/education between clubs, the regional office, and individual Forests on issues such as Q enduros will lead to more riders and their families enjoying group sport activities together on public lands.  And, that is a good thing,” Amador concludes.

PS – Big thanks to AMA’s, Nick Haris, and AMA Dist. 36’s LAO, Dave Pickett, for helping make this happen.  Credit also to the agency for taking time to listen to our concerns.

First Aid/CPR/AED Training Important For OHV Leaders and Trail Workers

As QWR celebrates our 5^th year anniversary this month and our 25^th year anniversary working with and for the BlueRibbon Coalition, we thought it was appropriate to kick off the celebration with a safety tip for all of us who enjoy the great outdoors on the vehicle of our choice.

This recommendation is not for the many First Aid/CPR/AED certified first and lay responders that already serve the OHV community in various capacities for which their service is greatly appreciated.

Rather, it is designed to encourage heads of households, club officers, trail bosses, and others in leadership roles to get First Aid, CPR, and AED training from the American Red Cross.  This training will help you stabilize an injured rider in the field until the emergency responders arrive on scene.

Just to emphasize how important we feel this issue is, I took the Adult/CPR/AED class yesterday.  It had been about 30 years since I took this course.  My classmates included teachers and fire fighters who were there to get certified or recertified.  It gave me the confidence now to better stabilize critical injuries until professional emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene.

It also gave me the knowledge to better utilize the first-aid supplies that I always carry during trail rides or work parties.  Learning these basic skills can save a life and should be considered an important element of your off-road experience.

To learn more about the American Red Cross training programs, please visit:

http://www.redcross.org/

# # # 

  

Managed OHV Recreation vs. Status Quo - Our Future Hangs in the Balance

Armored Trail Section on Rubicon Trail

For several years, QWR has stated that “Managed OHV Recreation” is a key tenet to the long-term viability of motorized access to public roads, trails, and areas.

User Group Participation

Arguing for the status quo on federal and state units where agencies are faced with a growing number of OHV-related environmental laws, regulations, and court orders is not a wise course of action.

Catch Basin/Rolling Dip on Rubicon Trail

QWR believes access advocates should champion proven trail management prescriptions that mitigate soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife impacts.   A recent article in the Auburn Journal highlights the merits of implementing pro-active OHV management strategies on the world-famous Rubicon Trail.

Auburn Journal Article on Rubicon Trail

http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/29/14/roaders-tackle-rubicon#.U9kP5MdbPiU.facebook

What makes the Jeepers Jamboree possible in the 21^st Century for the 1,000 people who attended this year’s event is the multi-year collaborative effort on the part of the Forest Service, county government, OHV enthusiasts, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grant program to address water quality, soil erosion, and sanitation issues.   Unless those concerns were addressed, there was a good chance the Rubicon Trail would have been closed.

SST Vault Toilet Installed on Rubicon Trail

QWR believes it is important for professional OHV representatives and grassroots advocates to offer proven and sound trail management solutions to agency staff as they work on various travel management-related projects and landscape level planning efforts.

ADDITIONAL READING 

QWR’s Previous Article on Water Quality Mitigation

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2013/02/water-quality-management-key-to-ohv.html

Systems Approach is Force Multiplier to OHV Management

RCD/BLM Trail Armor Project

Over the last 40 years, management of OHV recreation on public lands has evolved into a highly complex and diverse “systems approach” concept that is often at the core of successful programs.  QWR believes it is important to highlight those partnerships in order to illustrate the evolution of managed motorized trail opportunities.

Last week, QWR was privileged to do an area review of just such an effort at BLM’s Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding, California.   The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (RCD) and the Bureau of Land Management recently entered into a ten year stewardship agreement to cooperatively manage the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area.

RCD/BLM Agreement

http://www.westernshastarcd.org/BLM_interlakes_stewardship_agreement.html

RCD and the BLM will focus on projects related to road and trail maintenance, forest health improvement, fuel reduction, education and outreach and other efforts.  For example, trail armoring projects - as the result of this partnership - are being implemented.

This collaborative effort with the support from the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Grant Program is also in the middle of an OHV staging area enhance project to remove invasive plants that are impacting access and use of the facility.

RCD/Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Enhancement Project

Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Grant Program

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/outdoor/ohv_grants/ohv_grants_home.aspx

The aforementioned RCD/BLM agreement acts as a force multiplier when combined with this unit’s long-standing partnership with California’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and Commission.

CA OHV Grant Funded OHV Bridge to Protect Watershed

This is a good case study of how a comprehensive “many-hands/partners” systems approach to OHV trail and resource management is working in a synergistic manner to protect our natural environment while providing high-quality motorized trail opportunities.

# # # 

Thanks to Readers in the USA and other Countries

QWR wants to send a special thank you to our readers in countries outside of the USA.  We get a lot of hits from off-road and trail management interests in Russia, Latvia, Poland, and the UK.  If you are in a country outside of the USA, QWR would appreciate a note letting us know what topics are of most interest to you.

Thanks to all of you for your support and interest in responsible motorized use on public roads, trails, and areas. 

Send notes to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

California County Postpones Vote on Noise Ordinance

 

 

As you know, QWR supports responsible rules and regulations that address excessively loud on and off-road motorcycles.  Recently QWR became aware of a poorly crafted ordinance being considered for adoption by Calaveras County in the Central Sierra.  As written, it would criminalize basically all sound emitting activities within the county including the operation of sound compliant OHVs, using a riding lawnmower, or starting up your stock Ford F-250 diesel pickup.

 

Here is an article on the issue

http://thepinetree.net/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=32259

 

The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors was supposed to vote (Sept. 11) on it (many expected it to pass), but thanks to many letters from concerned citizens and businesses, that vote was postponed until September 25, 2012.  QWR will be checking in with the supervisors regarding this issue.

 

QWR letter is below:



 

 

 

 

 

September 9, 2012

Board of Supervisors

Calaveras County

891 Mountain Ranch Road

San Andreas, CA 95249-9709

Re: Proposed Noise Ordinance

 

Dear Board Members:

 

As a sound testing professional who promotes management of responsible motorized recreation on public and private lands, I urge you to postpone adoption of the proposed noise ordinance at your September 11, 2012 meeting.   Adoption of the proposal with the inclusion of Section 9 02 030 would make criminals out of a parent calling their children in from the yard for lunch,  a resident starting up their stock 2005 Ford F-250 Diesel pickup, and a person operating  their riding lawnmower or using their gas-powered modern weed whacker.  Here are the sound readings from the aforementioned sound sources that would be impacted by the plan. 

 

The readings were taken using a calibrated Quest Type-1 law enforcement grade sound meter. The SAE J-1287 “20-inch” sound test for OHVs was used as the test procedure.   The tests were taken 20-inches respectively from the mouth of a male parent calling kids in for lunch, the left front bumper of a stock Ford F-250 Diesel, the exhaust tip of a 2010 Craftsman 17.5hp riding lawnmower, and the exhaust tip of a Troy Bilt Model TB21EC weed whacker.

 

RESULTS

 

·         Male parent – 88.7dBA

 

·         2005 Ford F-250 -  700 rpm – 77.3 dBA and 2,000 rpm – 83.4dBA

 

·         Troy weed whacker – 5,000 rpm – 89.2 dBA and 7,000 rpm – 92.5 dBA

 

·         Craftsman lawnmower – 2,000 rpm – 78.7 dBA and 3,300 rpm 90.5 dBA

 

According to the proposal as I read it, all of the aforementioned activities would exceed the sound limits of the proposed ordinance.

 

As you know, local municipalities often adopt either a decibel-based or a disturbance/nuisance-based sound or noise ordinance or a hybrid that uses portions of both concepts.   If not properly crafted, local sound laws can end up being functionally unenforceable and/or face constitutional challenges.

 

At this point, QWR urges the county to postpone a vote on the plan until the unintended consequences of the proposal on residents within its sphere of influence are more completely analyzed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Don

 

Don Amador, President

Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting

555 Honey Lane

Oakley, CA 94561

Office: 925.625.5309

Email: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Website: www.quietwarriorracing.com

Certified Sound Technical Inspector – J1287 Level 2 - # 12100635

 

Quiet Warrior Racing promotes a responsible trail and road ethic for both non-street legal and street legal motorized vehicles by offering quality recreation-oriented consulting services to its clients for the benefit of their customers, stakeholders, and the public good.