Forest Service Collaborates to Improve OHV Program

Example of FS Road Serving as a Motorized Trail

Mendocino NF

QWR wants to commend the Black Hills National Forest for its continued efforts to provide sustainable high-quality OHV recreational opportunity.  Located in South Dakota, this Forest completed its initial travel management plan in 2010.

As the following Public Broadcast video shows, the Forest Service has worked in a collaborative manner with users and other stakeholders on subsequent post Subpart B trail projects to improve their OHV program.

LINK TO OHV MANAGEMENT VIDEO

http://watch.sdpb.org/video/2365878324/

QWR believes this unit has embraced a holistic approach to managed OHV recreation.   As the video shows, the agency has a “roads to trails” conversion process that utilizes existing system roads to provide varying degrees of challenge and touring opportunities for the riders.

They also install various soil erosion/water quality-related trail structures or construction techniques along with implementing a quality route information program that includes signs, updated motor vehicle use maps, and smart phone route applications.

The video also highlights the important role that OHV recreation has in supporting rural economies and related private sector businesses.

QWR thanks the Black Hills National Forest and other Forests that continue efforts to improve their managed OHV trail programs. 

PS- Thanks to our longtime friend of OHV, Mark Thome, for sending this great info!

Trail Culture Ensures Project Completion

Upper Lake Ranger District Volunteer Team

Mendocino National Forest

Culture is described by Merriam-Webster as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization. 

QWR believes the partnership that exists on numerous Forest Service and BLM units between user groups and agency staff is helping foster a “Trail Culture” that bodes well for future collaborative efforts to maintain sustainable trails.

Pre-Event Work Day to Stage Materials

A recent example of a federal unit that has integrated a trail culture mindset into its recreation program is the Upper Lake Ranger District (ULRD) on the Mendocino National Forest.

MCMA Club Members,FS Recreation Staff, and LE Officer

Install Peeler Core Trail Barriers

To help the agency address several important trail improvement projects, the ULRD staff worked with the Hayward Motorcycle Club, Marin County Motorcycle Association, Quiet Warrior Racing, and the BlueRibbon Coalition to armor three new OHV water crossings which needed culvert bank reinforcements before the arrival of any large rain event.

Pre-Event Work Day Staging Materials at Culvert Armor Project

There was also an old forest-health project related skid-road that had been receiving unauthorized OHV use.  That use was shortcutting a designated OHV route. 

Culvert Bank with Cement Armor and Tread Blocks

The skid-road project included installation of several peeler-core barriers and signs which told the riders the shortcut route is closed to public use.

Volunteers Finish Culvert Bank Armor Project

 Success for this trail volunteer event is directly related to the ULRD’s long-standing trail culture which has instilled a sense of shared values, commitment, and responsibility within agency staff and the user community.

FS Recreation Staffer Hauls in Materials

In the weeks and months leading up to the main volunteer work day, there was a lot of event planning that included field trips to assess the resources/materials and number of volunteers needed to complete the mission.

Most importantly there were several pre-event work days to stage key materials at the job sites to help ensure the highest and best use of volunteer time.

Happy Trail Volunteers on Job Well Done

As with other joint agency/user volunteer days there are a number of important take-a-ways to appreciate.  First, the project mission is accomplished where both natural resources are protected and

responsible OHV recreation continues.  Second, the project helps instill ownership and pride of public lands in the user community as they work to manage sustainable trail systems. 

LE, Recreation Staff, and Users Complete Trail Barrier Project

Finally, long-term relationships and trust are cultivated between agency staff and the recreation community as they share sweat equity out on the trail.

QWR wants to thank all FS and BLM units that have embraced the trail culture concept on their unit.

And, we look forward to working with other units that are in the process of creating successful trail-based recreation programs.  Working together is a good thing.

Full or Half Culvert OHV Bridges Address Water Quality on System Trails

QWR on New Full Culvert OHV Bridge

As federal and state land management agencies throughout the country continue to add or improve environmental protections to their designated trail systems, QWR wants to highlight several newly constructed full and half culvert OHV water crossing structures.

Example One - Trail Before Install of Full Culvert OHV Bridge

These OHV “bridges” were noted on a recent field tour of various trail system improvement projects on the Eldorado National Forest, Georgetown Ranger District.  The Mace Mill OHV Area is a popular motorized and non-motorized trail-based recreation area located in the Sierra Nevada.  Dirt-bike enthusiasts share many of the trails with local equestrians.  Several motorcycle events are held each year including the Fools Gold Enduro and the Crazy Miner Family Enduro.

Example One - Trail After Install of Full Culvert OHV Bridge

Increasing regulations related to water quality and soil erosion means that land agencies, partners, and volunteers will need to employ the most current trail management techniques to address resource concerns.

QWR believes that both full and half culvert trail bridges are appropriate structures depending on site-specific details - such as soil composition, amount of water flow, type of vehicle using the trail, or topography - of each installment.

Example Two - Trail Before Install of Half Culvert OHV Bridge

One advantage the half culvert has over the full culvert is that it maintains the original creek bed and has fewer disturbances to the stream channel.

Example Two -Trail After Install of Half Culvert OHV Bridge

John Ward, OHV Manager for the Georgetown Ranger District, Eldorado National Forest, states, "Modern trail management strategies include armoring stream courses to protect water quality.  The Eldorado National Forest appreciates the partnership it has with the California Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR). The OHMVR grant program provides critical resources that enable the Forest to provide an environmentally sound and high quality OHV trail experience to the public."

One of the Mixed-Use Trails at Mace Mill OHV Area

As QWR has stated before, the future of OHV depends on our collective ability to successfully address motorized recreation-related water quality issues on state and federal lands.

*QWR wants to thank John Ward for his contributions to this article and for his work on the unit.

Sustainable ATV (OHV) Trails Website - Must Read for Agency and Users

Mixed-Use Travel Sign - Mendocino National Forest

QWR believes the Sustainable ATV Trails website hits the mark when it states the major challenge of managing a successful trails program is providing quality recreational opportunities while protecting the resources. And, the key to a successful trail program is to develop trails that enhance and reinforce the visitors' experience.

OHV Bridge - Tahoe National Forest

QWR commends the Forest Service and project partners for creating a very informative website that highlights modern trail management strategies, concepts, and construction techniques that should be part of any 21^st Century designated OHV road or trail program.  “Looped trail opportunities” are suggested as one of the concepts that could or should be part of a motorized trail system.

Sustainable ATV Trails Website

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/atv_trails_site/index.html

The website is a must read for line-officers, trail specialists, volunteers, stakeholder groups, state and local land agencies, or other interests who want to learn about trail management and related resource protection efforts.   It contains creative and informative videos, detailed overviews, diagrams, case studies, and links to relevant documents. 

Rolling Dip - Tahoe National Forest

This information is especially useful for Forests that are implementing a travel plan.  Forest planning teams where the unit is being changed from an “Open” for cross-country travel classification to a “Restricted” to designated roads, trails, and areas classification could benefit as well.

Here are just a few of the links contained at the website:

Trail Design and Location Video

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/atv_trails_site/manage/trail-design-and-locations.html

Trails Unlimited - Installing arch culverts, overside/underside drains, and turf blocks

http://www.fs.fed.us/trailsunlimited/projects/training-photos.shtml

Emergency Stabilization of Roads and Trails

http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/BAERCAT/lo_res/Chap_4.pdf

Managing Trails in Wet Areas

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/00232839/page08.cfm#improv

If QWR could make several suggestions, it would be for the website to offer more detailed descriptions and/or examples of signs related to trail difficulty and assurance.  QWR also believes the website should include information that describes how trail delineators (rocks, fences, railroad type barriers, etc)  can be used in routine trail management or as post-emergency (i.e. wildfire) road/trail rehabilitation treatments. 

Trail Delineators - Stanislaus National Forest

Other management strategies such as companion trails or “roads managed as trails” should be offered as well.

QWR Article on Trail Delineators Used as Post-Fire Management Tool

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2013/09/post-fire-travel-management-tools-trail.html

Again, this information is useful for anybody interested in how modern trail management techniques can be used to enhance responsible OHV recreation while protecting water quality and other natural resources.

Please feel free to share this information with interested parties.  Also, please consider giving feedback or comments.  You may contact QWR/Don Amador at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com
 for any questions.

Polaris and National Forest Foundation Team Up to Enhance Trails on National Forest Lands

Example of Grant Funded OHV Bridge in the Sierra National Forest

Installed to Protect Water Quality

QWR believes the future of OHV recreation on public lands is dependent on many factors including agency commitment, appropriated funds, partnerships with user groups and non-profits, volunteerism, use of modern trail management techniques, and non-federal grant opportunities.

QWR would like to highlight a recent example of a where an OHV industry grant program has teamed up with the National Forest Foundation on projects to armor trails (to address soil erosion) and enhance “looped opportunities” on the Superior National Forest.

National Forest Foundation News Release

http://www.nationalforests.org/press/releases/polaris-and-nff-team-up-to-restore-superior-national-forest-ohv-trails

This is a good case-study that highlights a growing trend in managed OHV recreation where both traditional and non-traditional stakeholders and partners are working in a collaborative effort to enhance sustainable OHV recreation on public lands.

QWR believe this new trend is important and will help protect resources and secure high quality OHV recreational activities on public lands for generations to come.

Legacy of Managed OHV Recreation in Sierra Nevada Continues

QWR's Don Amador (L) and FS's Matt Brownlee (R) on OHV Bridge Constructed

to Protect Water Quality

The Foresthill OHV Area on the American River Ranger District has a long history of running a well-managed and highly popular trail program.  Located on the Tahoe National Forest near Auburn, California, the Forest Service has partnered with many stakeholders in a successful effort to provide

diverse OHV opportunities while protecting the resource.

Weather Station to Monitor Rainfall/Soil Moisture on Trail

While on a recent program review with Forest trail specialists, QWR noted that current staff were hard at work preserving that unit’s legacy by employing the most recent trail management tools and concepts to address water/soil loss, restore off-trail impacts, and armor stream crossings.

Restoration Project of Old Hill Climb

Joe Chavez, the Tahoe National Forest’s Trail Lead, states, “There are a lot of factors that land managers must consider when planning their trail maintenance schedules and work details.  Soil moisture, amount of use, trail design including difficulty, and geography are all factors that determine how a trail is managed.”

OHV Traffic Control Measures

Matt Brownlee, the new OHV Program Manager for the American River Ranger District, said, “I am excited about using my trail building and maintenance skills to help carry on the fine tradition started by my predecessor, Mark Lambert.  I believe there are many opportunities on this unit to enhance OHV 

recreational experiences.”

High Quality Single-Track Motorcycle Trail on Unit

QWR believes the OHV program on the Forest is in good hands and commends the agency for its commitment to work with partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders to offer the public a system of sustainable trail opportunities for current and future generations of OHV users.

Federal Register Notice Today Highlights Water/Soil Loss Trail Prescriptions

OHV Bridge over Stream on Eldorado National Forest

QWR believes the Federal Register Volume 79, Number 87 notice today regarding Proposed Directives for National Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality Protection on National Forest System (NFS) Lands highlights the import of ongoing use of modern water/soil related OHV trail prescriptions on public lands throughout the country including those on the Eldorado National Forest in California.

May 6, 2014 FR FS Proposed Directives

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-06/pdf/2014-10363.pdf

Rolling Dip to Address Soil Loss/Water Quality 

on Eldorado National Forest

 For over 20 years, addressing water and soil concerns have been an important part of managed OHV recreation in California.   Those management prescriptions were updated a few years ago in the California OHMVR Division’s 2008 SOIL CONSERVATION STANDARD AND GUIDELINES which states:

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation facilities shall be managed for sustainable long-term prescribed use without generating soil loss that exceeds restorability, and without causing erosion or sedimentation which significantly affects resource values beyond the facilities. Management of OHV facilities shall occur in accordance with Public Resources Code, Sections 5090.2, 5090.35, and 5090.53.

Wet Weather Prescription on the Mendocino NF

It also requires other land agencies (FS, BLM, counties) with projects funded by the OHV Trust Fund (PRC Section 5090.06) to be managed in accordance with the 2008 Standard. Assessment, maintenance and monitoring activities are necessary for any OHV project to ensure that an OHV facility is managed for its sustainable prescribed use, without generating soil loss that exceeds restorability, and without causing erosion or sedimentation which significantly affects resource values beyond the facilities.

CA OHMVRD 2008 Soil Conservation Standard and Guidelines

 http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/2008%20soil%20cons.%20standard%20and%20guidelines.pdf

Wet Weather/Wildlife Travel Sign on Eldorado NF

Ongoing drought conditions in the West and new resource and wildlife regulations being promulgated means that being pro-active in the application of modern trail management practices will continue to be important in the decades to come.

Trail Highlights at Christmas - It's a Team Effort

Trail Santa at QWR with 2014 Trail Workshop Kawasaki Teryx

As 2013 comes to a close, I want to just express my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues in the OHV community.  Those extended family members include OHV clubs, land management agencies, user groups, industry, dealers, media, aftermarket, legislators, and conservation organizations.

This year certainly has had its challenges, but for today, I want to highlight some of our collective (team effort) positive accomplishments in 2013.

Old trails that have been overgrown and unused are being reopened for OHV use in some areas using modern trail reconstruction techniques to address soil erosion and protect water quality.

New Companion Trail at BLM's Chappie-Shasta OHV Area 

Some units are securing OHV corridors for more looped opportunities.  These efforts are important for both casual use and permitted events.

New Bypass for OHV Corridor on Mendocino NF

Land agency line-officers are taking time to come out in the field to better understand their managed OHV recreation programs.  This is a good trend and QWR hopes to help facilitate more field-oriented trail workshops and outreach programs with our county, state, and federal partners in 2014.

Regional Forester Inspects Trail Armor Project

OHMVRD Dep. Director, Chris Conlin, Takes Dirt Bike School Class

at 2013 Trail Workshop (Chris is on Blue Yamaha TTR230)

QWR is also thankful for agency efforts to continue motorized access to some of our beaches on the North Coast of California.  Those wave-slope opportunities are a highly valued treasure to local recreationists and tourists who want a coastal beach experience.

OHV Access to South Jetty at Humboldt Bay

Volunteer projects are an important part of OHV management and those partnerships between user groups and agency staff create value to the resource and instill a sense of pride and ownership for the participants.

Post Mill Fire Trail Rehab 

As many of you prepare to enjoy some time with family and friends, QWR wants to once again say thank you to all members of the OHV community that we have had the pleasure to work with and serve in 2013.

Alpine OHV Trail Success Story in Lake Tahoe Area

Armored Water Crossing on Blackwood OHV Trail

 

Addressing water quality concerns on OHV trails is not a new concept.  In fact, federal and state agencies have been doing just that for over 30 years. 

Cresting a Rolling Dip on Blackwood OHV Trail

 

The Blackwood Canyon OHV trail on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a good case study of a successful 20+ year-old joint project between the U.S. Forest Service and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s grant program.

Video of Jeep on Rolling Dips Installed on Blackwood OHV Trail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HYU6TMTEII&feature=em-upload_owner

 

While on a recent SUV tour of the trail, QWR was able to document many of the (circa mid 1980s – early 1990s) stream armoring efforts and rolling dips (historically called water-bars) that are now important environmental features of the route.

Rolling Dip and Water Runout

 

QWR believes the success story at Blackwood Canyon highlights the import of OHV being proactive in supporting soil erosion/water quality-related projects on motorized trails.  Installation of modern stream armoring structures and rolling dips can help secure the future of OHV recreation on public lands in even the most sensitive areas including those regions that contain our historic alpine routes.