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 – DON’T BE GROUND ZERO

DON’T BE GROUND ZERO

Many of my colleagues in the recreation advocacy/management profession have been working hard to encourage and inspire motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts to follow the “Stay at Home” directives being issued by local, state, and federal authorities to help Flatten the Curve of Covid-19 infections. 

As you know, our frontline healthcare workers and 1^st responders place themselves in harm’s way every day to take care of a compounding number of very sick and/or critically ill Covid-19 patients.  Many of them are asked to work long hours with limited amounts of PPE.

Rural government officials including a number of sheriffs and county supervisors are asking visitors to honor those stay at home orders and postpone your backcountry adventures until the nation gets a handle on the Covid-19 crisis.

Here are a couple of reasons for those requests.

DON’T BRING THE VIRUS TO WHERE WE LIVE – With an apparent large number of infected people being asymptomatic (showing no sign of any disease), why  would trail enthusiasts want to be  the “ground zero” for introducing the coronavirus to our friends, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officials who live and work in largely uninfected rural areas of the country?

DON’T TAKE NON-ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR RISKS - Trail enthusiasts of all persuasions understand that participation in the sport comes with inherent risks.   Many of those injuries are critical and can require medical evacuation to a hospital where you will unnecessarily place yourself and others in danger of infection or require hospital staff – who are already maxed out taking care of Covid-19 patients – to address your self-inflicted injuries.  If you get lost, the local Search and Rescue may not be able to respond due to staffing shortages.

There is a growing consensus in the outdoor recreation advocacy corps that the best short-term advice is for us to avoid traveling long distances to recreate but rather utilize local opportunities to get some fresh air and exercise while practicing social distancing.

Responsible recreation means that we have an obligation to be good stewards and show respect for other trail users and our land management partners.  Part of that responsibility is to respect temporary unit closures.

When the Covid-19 book is written, let’s hope the recreation community is credited for doing its part to Flatten the Curve vs. being cited as the “Ground Zero” infector of a rural community.

# # # 

NEW CA NOHVCC STATE PARTNER - Comments Needed on CEQ NEPA Reform Process

Don Amador at 2019 NOHVCC Annual Conference

As a new CA State Partner for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), I would like to express my appreciation to NOHVCC for allowing me to help support their efforts to promote sustainable OHV recreation here in the Golden State and throughout the country.

LINK to NOHVCC CA STATE PARTNERS

https://www.nohvcc.org/engagement/find-a-local-organization/?state=California

Part of my volunteer work for NOHVCC will be to help share their resources and work products with fellow OHVers in CA.  One of those important current efforts is to let you know that the comment period to submit NEPA reform comments to the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) ends tomorrow.   Outdoor recreational interests have a keen interest in supporting government efforts to reduce the amount of red-tape associated with federal land agency planning and permitting processes.

NOHVCC issued a recent news release with information on the CEQ NEPA review process with a link to their excellent comment letter.  Please feel free to read their letter and send in a comment with your own suggestions and/or stating support for NOHVCC’s comments. 

LINK TO NOHVCC NEWS RELEASE ON CEQ NEPA REFORM PROCESS

https://www.nohvcc.org/nohvcc-comments-on-proposed-nepa-rulemaking-still-time-for-you-to-comment-as-well/

Once you have read the NOHVCC news release, you can go to the CEQ link below and find out about the proposed rulemaking and where/how to submit comments.

LINK TO CEQ NEPA REVIEW PROPOSALS

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/10/2019-28106/update-to-the-regulations-implementing-the-procedural-provisions-of-the-national-environmental

Thanks for your review of this information and your support of environmentally sound OHV recreation and efforts by federal agencies to reduce the amount of paperwork associated with land agency planning and permitting processes.

# # #

Don Amador, President

Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting

Don Amador

CA State Partner, NOHVCC

  

2020 VISION FOR OHV

OP-ED

By Don Amador

Date: 1/7/20

2020 VISION FOR OHV

Will Rogers, a famous cowboy, actor, and social commentator, once said, “Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."

As OHV leaders, advocates, clubs, riders, and consultants prepare to address ongoing or much anticipated challenges or opportunities in 2020, I believe it is important for us to embrace those efforts with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Certainly it is important to remember and utilize successful strategies that have helped support access to existing OHV recreation opportunities or have created new sustainable trails and route networks.

However, it has been my experience that OHV advocates can often get bogged down and discouraged by negative experiences incurred in the many battles we fight with ourselves, agencies, politicians, environmental groups, and courts.

Each one of us only has so much gas in our emotional tank.  I believe its best – and also more productive – to ride forward in our advocacy journey than to backtrack in search of mistakes we may have made or to dwell on discouragements.

Resolve in 2020 to be that eternal optimist who stays positive regardless of challenges or hurdles placed in their path.   Visualize a positive outcome for OHV this year.  It’s our best option.

# # #

Don Amador writes on recreation and land-use issues from his office in Oakley, CA.  Don may be reached via email at: damador@cwo.com

Important Role for Dirt-Bike Based Trail Crews in Post Wildfire Recovery

Dirt-Bike Based Post Wildfire Recovery Project of 50 Inch Trail

Mendocino National Forest - Grindstone Ranger District

One of the lessons QWR learned during the ongoing post wildfire recovery efforts of  three federal destination OHV areas devastated by the 2018 450,000+ acre Mendocino Complex Fire highlight the need for skilled dirt-bike based “strike teams” to perform important hazard mitigation tasks on the narrower 50-inch or single-track motorcycle trails.

Downed Trees on 50-Inch Trail

Mendocino National Forest - Grindstone Ranger District

While some BLM Field Offices, National Forests, and Ranger Districts have excellent trail crews or volunteers that can buck out downed trees or repair trail damage on routes used by larger OHVs such as SxSs or 4x4 vehicles, it appears that many units do not have the staff in-house with those advanced dirt-bike rider skills to deploy on narrow trail-based hazard mitigation projects.

Bucked Out Downed Trees on 50-Inch Trail

Mendocino National Forest - Grindstone Ranger District

As you know, intense wildfires can destroy important OHV management tools along narrow routes such as trail delineators and signs.  Debris flows and downed trees can also impact trail access and in many remote areas they are most effectively addressed by dirt-bike based post wildfire recovery trail crews or strike teams.

Bucking Out Single Track Motorcycle Trail

Mendocino National Forest - Grindstone Ranger District 

QWR believes that OHV recreation sites in California and the West will continue to face the likelihood of more intense wildfires over the next 10-20 years.  And, that creation of skilled agency and/or volunteer dirt-biked based strike teams will have an ever increasingly important role to play in delivery of timely and strategic post wildfire recovery efforts on narrow OHV trails that are largely inaccessible by larger vehicles.

UPDATED FEDERAL REPORT – Outdoor Recreation has $412B Economic Impact

Florence Yamaha/Polaris Dealer

SxS Sales, Service, and Accessories

Near OR Dunes National Recreation Area

On September 20, 2018, the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released updated data that shows the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent ($412 billion) of current-dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016. The BEA report notes the outdoor recreation economy grew 1.7 percent in 2016 which was faster than the 1.6 percent growth for the overall U.S. economy.

LINK TO BEA NEWS RELEASE

https://www.bea.gov/news/2018/outdoor-recreation-satellite-account-updated-statistics-2012-2016

These updated fiscal numbers are an increase from an earlier BEA preliminary report issued in February 2018 that showed the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.0 percent ($373.7 billion) of current-dollar GDP in 2016.

BEA Chart on Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact

The new report states that motorcycling/ATVing activities accounted for $20.3 billion of real gross output in 2016, representing one of the fastest-growing activities at 8.0 percent growth from the previous year.

Factor 55 - Aftermarket Company 

Manufactures Closed System Winching Products

Vendor at 2018 Pomona Off-Road Expo 

After an initial review of this new report, QWR believes BEA may be actually underreporting the economic impact of “off-road” motorized recreation.  While BEA should be commended for disaggregating motorcycle and ATV use from other motorized activities such as RVing,  it appears the agency has failed to capture the direct and growing off-road economic impact of larger OHVs such as Side x Sides (SxS), jeep-type vehicles, four-wheel drive pickups, and all-wheel drive SUVs.

SUV Exploring Designated OHV Route

Eldorado National Forest

QWR found it hard to identify where BEA captured the economic impact that comes from off-road motorized access to non-motorized recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, driving for pleasure, races, and wildlife viewing which are often highly dependent on motorized vehicle use.

SxS Touring on BLM Historic "Route 66" OHV Trail

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, states, “I believe BEA should try and capture the ‘off-road’ motorized recreation economic benefits where the larger OHVs are used as the primary activity or they provide access to non-motorized recreation activities. Most federal and state land agencies consider any motorized vehicle to be an OHV or off-road vehicle when being operated on native surfaced routes.”

Off-Road-based Camping Products

Photo Credit - Del Albright

“There are huge economic benefits associated with off-road recreation.  A growing number of rural economies are based on SxS and/or street-legal OHV use.  Also, off-road recreation oriented manufacturing, aftermarket, and vehicle dealers deserve to have their economic impact factored into future BEA reports,” Amador concludes.

Off-Road Touring Event for Street Legal 4WD Vehicles

Rubicon Trail - Eldorado National Forest 

 QWR believes this BEA economic impact report provides land agencies and government officials with important information that can and should be used in current and future recreation planning efforts.

# # # 

Engaged Users and Agency Staff is Good "Sign" for eBike Recreation

eBike Decal from ROCKART

QWR continues its series of eBike articles based on efforts last month by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and electric vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of eBikes/motorcycles/UTVs and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

In addition, there have been a lot of trail-use related bicycle articles and discussions related to an ongoing campaign led by Ted Stroll and his Sustainable Bike Coalition to have Congress via H.R. 1349 end the blanket ban of bikes in Wilderness.

Multi-Use OHV/MTB (legal for eBike too) Single Track Trail - Eldorado NF

Meanwhile, QWR has been contacting various local and regional park agencies to ascertain their position and/or policy on allowing eBike (Type 1 and 2) use on paved paths and trails.

Although California and a number of other states and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have basically reclassified Type 1 and 2 eBikes as non-motorized vehicles, often local/regional/state agencies interpret those new definitions and make the final decision on where to allow eBike use on paths or trails.

Don Amador Taking non-eBike Ride on East Bay Regional Park Trail

(tracking speed on GPS)

Based on feedback from those agencies, QWR believes there are two important takeaways or action items for both users and the agencies.

One – It is vital for individuals and clubs interested in eBike access to contact their local agency and ask them to plan for enhanced access for eBike use on both pathways and appropriate trails.  Many agencies are in pre or early scoping periods where your input is highly valued.  Be assured, your input can show support for increased legal eBike recreation.  Your comments can help the decision-makers when they craft subsequent proposed actions and/or create management alternatives.

Two – It is also important for the agencies to identify legal eBike opportunities with a quality signing program.   QWR believes the quality of the signing (eBike in this case) program is directly proportional to the agency’s commitment to provide the public with a high quality recreation experience.

Just as there continues to be a healthy discussion on the merits or detractions of H.R. 1349, QWR believes there should be similar discussions on just where eBike (Type 1 and 2) use is appropriate on

public land mechanized trails that currently allow use of non-eBike MTBs.

QWR continues to believe it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with eBike enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to try and find common ground on joint trail use where appropriate.

Stay tuned for more updates.  Feedback is always welcome.  Either post feedback in the comment section or send them directly to:  damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Also, watch for an upcoming announcement about the launch of QWR’s e-vehicle module for 2018.

E-Bikes - New Technology for Access to the Great Outdoors

BH Product Manager, Ollie Dine, Explains E-Bicycle

Construction and Use at OHV Commission Meeting

QWR appreciates the effort put forth yesterday by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and E-vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of E-bicycles/motorcycles and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

OHV Commission Chair, Ted Cabral, Discusses Future of E-Vehicles 

OHV Commission Chairman, Ted Cabral, opened the “E module” with a discussion of current rules and regulations related to their use on the street, paths, and trails.

FS R5 Trails Lead, Garrett Villanueva, Tries Out E-Motorcycle

Participants were then given the opportunity to ride various E-bicycles/motorcycles.  Years ago, I rode one of the 1^st Zero off-road motorcycles and thought then that they would become an important part of the OHV family.

Don Amador Getting Ready for his First E-Bicycle Ride

But for many of us, it was the first time to ride an E-bicycle.  Judging by the smiles of folks taking that initial ride, I feel that E-bikes are here to stay and will become an important transportation and/or recreation vehicle for many who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

While some states have crafted regulations that allow for E-bicycle use on streets and mechanized trails, most, if not all, federal agencies are still restricting E-bicycle use to motorized trails.

Alta and Zero Representatives Give Thumbs-Up to Electric Motorcycles

QWR believes that E-bike stakeholders should be proactive and work with trail managers to create a strong land-use ethic and regulatory platform that both protect the resource and the long-term viability of the sport.

E-Vehicle Regulations in CA

With an aging population that continues to seek access to high-quality outdoor recreation, QWR believes that discussions should continue about use of E-bicycles on mechanized (non-Wilderness) public land trails.  

FS Multi-Use Trail that Allows E-Bike Use

Another option is for E-bike users to partner with the agencies to support new E-bike specific trail opportunities through grants, dedicated use fees, and volunteer efforts.

Trail Ethics an Important Factor 

QWR believes it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with E-bike enthusiasts and stakeholders as part of a “rising tide lifts all trails” ethos.

Off-Road ADV Gem in S.F. Bay Area

Hilltop Vista Looking into Towards the Central Valley

Carnegie SVRA

With a cooling delta breeze blowing this morning, QWR wanted to do an on-site review of an excellent off-road ADV/DS opportunity in the Greater S.F. Bay Area for those new to the sport or those seasoned veterans who want to get some dirt-time without traveling several hours to a National Forest or BLM unit.

Front View of Carnegie SVRA

Located near Livermore, California, Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is one of nine OHV parks managed by the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Those OHV parks are part of the 280 California State Park System units.

Entrance to Carnegie SVRA

Carnegie SVRA is approximately 1,300 acres in size that offers the rider a broad selection of motorized trail opportunities.  The trail ratings range from easy to extremely difficult.  There are hill-climbs, engineered contour single-track motorcycle trails, and wider routes that are more ADV friendly for those riders who want to hone their off-road skills.

One of the Wider ADV Friendly Route

When visiting Carnegie SVRA, be sure and note the numerous and ongoing resource and cultural protection efforts which include, but are not limited to, designated motorized crossings through the Park’s valley riparian area, hillside restoration fencing, and educational signing. 

Designated Riparian Area OHV Crossing

Be sure and check out online information regarding their outstanding wildlife monitoring and mitigation programs.  Also review the many amenities at the unit which include camping, staging areas, shaded picnic ramadas, and a store.

LINK TO CARNEGIE SVRA

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172

QWR suggests that ADV riders who live in the regional may want to consider a morning excursion to the unit where they can enjoy off-road routes that take them high into the backcountry of the park.

Enjoying the Juniper Trail

There will be plenty of opportunities along those main routes to venture onto more challenging trails where you can test you dirt prowess.

Juniper Trail Sign

When you get on up on some of the many vista points, you will find spectacular views of the Central Valley and surrounding landscape.

Carnegie SVRA might just be the ADV off-road gem (well worth the $5 dollar day use fee) you have been looking for.

*Feel free to download and review the 2017 OHV Commission Report which details many of the ongoing environmental and conservation programs that are key components of the nationally recognized CA OHV Program.  It also highlights many of the federal and county partnerships that are also key to this model program.

LINK TO REPORT

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/OHMVR-Commission-2017-Program_Report-FINAL-Mar2017_web.pdf

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!

The Big View – Sustainable Shared-Use Trail Management

The Big View Trail (Trail 10) 

Rock Creek Trail System- Eldorado NF

Modern trail management is not just about OHV recreation.  It also applies to a wide variety of other outdoor trail-based activities which include mountain bikes, equestrians, and hikers.

Trail Management Sign for Shared-Use 

As outdoor trail-based recreation continues to grow in popularity throughout the country, QWR supports those public land agencies and private sector units that have embraced wet weather-based and other management prescriptions that help protect trail integrity and conserve natural resources.

Sediment Catch Basin/Rolling Dip - Shared-Use Trail

A recent review of the Mace Mill (Rock Creek) trail network, prompted QWR to highlight the ongoing effort by Eldorado National Forest recreation staff to manage and maintain mixed-use trail opportunities to sustain high-quality outdoor experiences for a diverse user community.

Shared-Use Trail

QWR believes there are three key components (3 Cs) to successfully managing a unit that offers mixed-use or shared-use trail-based opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation.  Those factors are commitment, communication, and collaboration.

FS Information Booth at 2017 Fools Gold Enduro

3C engagement between agency staff and user groups can occur in a number of ways.  Those venues or methods may include formal recreation advisory councils (RACs), substantive and updated websites/social media, joint field trips, volunteer projects, agency staff attending club meetings or events to provide current information, and/or just picking up the phone to ask a question or offer help.

Trail Courtesy Sign

QWR has an axiom that “The quality of your local trail recreation program is or will be directly proportional to the quality of your engagement with agency staff and other users.”

If you have not done so already, QWR urges both user groups and agency staff to make that long-term commitment to help ensure current and future access to high quality trail-based recreational opportunities.  

Need for Trail Volunteer Workforce Continues to Grow

Clearing 50-inch OHV Trail

Mendocino NF

Between April 27-30, 2017, up to 4 trail clearing crews comprised of certified volunteer chainsaw operators,  other volunteers, and Forest Service recreation staff worked together to clear recreation trails and roads impacted by downed trees and/or overgrown vegetation. 

Private Sector/FS Trail Clearing Crew

The coordinated effort took place at the Stonyford OHV Area on the Grindstone Ranger District which is located on the Mendocino National Forest in Northern California.  This is part of the ongoing volunteer trail program managed by agency staff in cooperation with private sector recreation stakeholders.

Trying out the Kobalt 80 Volt Electric 14-Inch Chainsaw

 According to the agency, the south end of the Grindstone Ranger District offers over 200 miles of some of the most enjoyable and challenging OHV routes in the nation. The "Mendocino OHV Corridor" is a designated 40 mile, east-west route across the south end of the Forest connecting the Stonyford OHV Staging Area and the Upper Lake OHV Staging Area.

Before Brushing on Trail 20

The riding area varies in elevation from 1,700 feet (at Fouts Springs), to almost 6,000 feet (near Goat Mountain). Vegetation varies from low elevation chaparral to tall pine and fir forest in the high country.

After Brushing on Trail 20

The Grindstone Ranger District not only offers access to high quality OHV recreation, but its extensive route network provides motorized access to non-motorized activities such as equestrian use and hiking in various Wilderness areas, fishing in streams and lakes, and dispersed camping in the backcountry.

Clearing Log on Forest Road M10 for Motorized Access

to Non-Motorized Recreation

The Forest Service states it established a policy for training and use of cross-cut and chain saws. Sawyers covered by those policies often maintain trails on national forests and grasslands, help fight wildfires, and work in wilderness where crosscut saws are required. The national saw directive standardizes training, evaluation, certification, and safety procedures for sawyers operating on lands managed by the agency.

LINK TO FS NATIONAL SAW POLICY

https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/regulations-policies/saw-policy

Volunteers taking the chainsaw course need to become Red Cross certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.  It is a requirement for chainsaw certification. QWR encourages trainees to take the course well ahead of the chainsaw class.

Monitoring Soil Catch Basins/Trail Conditions 

Example of Functioning Sediment Catch Basin and Rolling Dip

Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21st Century.  QWR believes the need for a trained professional volunteer workforce will continue to grow as federal agencies roll out new programs such as the Forest Service’s National Trail Strategy or face fiscal impacts such as budget cutbacks.

A Motorcycle-Based Chainsaw/Swamp Team

Steve Freitas/Valley Climbers MC (L) and Don Amador (R)

QWR wants to thank the Mendocino National Forest, Oakland Motorcycle Club, Polka Dots Motorcycle Club, Valley Climbers Motorcycle Club, and the other work party volunteers for their commitment to helping maintain access to high quality motorized and non-motorized recreation on public lands.