Diverse Partners Ensure Success of CA OSV Program

Jackson Meadows Reservoir

Tahoe National Forest

QWR believes that Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) recreation continues to be an important element of winter-based recreational opportunities in the mountains of California.

View from Groomed Trail

That concept was reinforced this week after a tour of the Little Truckee Summit OSV route network and adjacent open area riding opportunities.   Located on the Tahoe National Forest, this area provides a number of looped touring options that offer access to scenic views and some challenging terrain.

Open OSV Riding Area

Tahoe National Forest

OSV-based recreation brings an important economic benefit to many rural areas and supports local dealerships and the jobs they create.   According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, OSVs contribute $26 billion annually in the United States.   Over 100,000 full time jobs are generated by the snowmobile industry in North America. Those jobs are involved in manufacturing, dealerships and tourism related businesses.

Jackson Meadows Reservoir and Mountains in Background

Tahoe National Forest

According to California State Parks 150^th Anniversary outreach, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division collaborates with the Forest Service, other state agencies, and local government to facilitate the Winter Recreation Program. The program includes two components: the OSV Program and California SNO-PARKS.

Mountain Looped Trail Opportunity

Tahoe National Forest

The OSV Program supports a system of 34 trailheads and 26 groomed trail systems within 11 national forests. These systems provide more than 1,700 miles of groomed trails for OSVs such as snowmobiles and side-by-side tracked vehicles. In addition, the OSV trails are often used for non-motorized winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and dog sledding.

The OHMVR Division provides funding for all OSV program services, including trail grooming, parking lot plowing, trash removal, restroom facility maintenance, and plowing 97-miles of access roads. Trailhead parking lots tend to fill-up quickly, so visitors should arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Kiosk at Little Truckee Summit

Tahoe National Forest

QWR believes it is important for the OSV community to remain engaged with the Forest Service as the agency continues the Subpart C travel planning process on the  Lassen, Tahoe, Eldorado, Stanislaus, and Plumas National Forests.  There are many important management issues related to the formal designation of roads, trails, and areas for OSV use. 

PCT Crossing at OSV Groomed Trail

  (a Forest Road in the Summer)

Tahoe National Forest

 One of those critical issues is related to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which is a non-motorized trail that runs north-south through the western U.S. and along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California.  It exists primarily on Forest Service lands including the Tahoe National Forest where the PCT crosses the current OSV route network.  QWR believes the agency should ensure that it designates PCT crossings that retain the current form and function of the OSV program. 

QWR also urges OSV recreationists to remain engaged with the California Department of Parks and Recreation staff who are now working on the Transformation process.   There should be additional opportunities for users to voice support for the OSV Program.

QWR commends the many partners that contribute to the OSV Program’s success.  Those stakeholders include; Forest Service recreation and law enforcement staff, OSV touring concessionaires, rural businesses, county sheriffs, local government, OSV clubs/associations, California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Transportation.

Travel Maps are Important Management Tool

2016 MVUM - Eldorado NF

The 2005 Forest Service Travel Management Rule (TMR) requires that each National Forest designates roads, trails, and areas where use of motorized vehicles is authorized.   TMR also requires the Forest or Ranger District to publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that identifies where those legal motorized opportunities exist.

QWR believes an important public compliance factor for “staying on the trail” is having MVUMs readily accessible at key staging areas and campgrounds.

Kiosk with Stocked MVUM Holder

Eldorado NF - Georgetown Ranger District

OHV recreation continues to be a highly popular outdoor activity on federal lands.  A significant amount of motorized recreation occurs on weekends when many FS offices are closed.  This can create an information deficit if the unit does not stock kiosks with MUVMs.

Having MVUMs available online is helpful, but QWR believes there is no substitute for having OHV map holders well stocked at sites where riders stage to unload their vehicles.

As more units ramp up their trail programs and as funds become available (via appropriated recreation monies, fees for maps, grants, etc.), they may want to consider publishing a color Travel Opportunity Guide that shows the route system with additional highlights such as topographical features, campgrounds, vista points, route numbers, and trail difficulty.

Color Travel Opportunity Guide (avail. for purchase)

Eldorado NF - Georgetown Ranger District

QWR believes accessible travel maps helps ensure that motorized recreationists stay on designated routes, understand the rules, protect resources, and respect other users. 

MVUMs Guide OHVers to a Great Experience

 Finally, an accessible map can lead to a fun, safe, and enjoyable OHV trail experience.

LINK TO FS MVUM WEBSITE

http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml

Trail-based Volunteer Programs Don’t Happen by Accident.

Recent Pre-Event Recon for May Volunteer Project

Upper Lake Ranger District, Mendocino NF

QWR believes that substantive federal trail-based volunteer programs don’t happen by accident. 

The success of any volunteer program is directly related to agency and user commitment to both the process and the product.  

QWR understands that agency volunteer programs are simply just one tenet (albeit an important factor) of managed recreation on a Forest Service or BLM unit.

Field Recon with Local Club Representative from

Marin County Motorcycle Association

One aspect of user involvement is to participate with the agency on pre-planning for any large volunteer work project(s).    Often that pre-event planning requires meetings with recreation staff to review material needs for products such as cement, barriers, signs, tables, building materials, etc.

With reduced amounts of federally appropriated funds for recreation projects, there can be a role for users to play by helping secure construction materials via state or industry grants or private donations.  

One key planning tool is for OHV leaders to do a pre-event field-level recon of the project to ascertain the number of volunteers required and which specific skillsets/tools are needed to help the agency accomplish the task.

In areas where the agency is just beginning to staff up with recreation specialists, it will be important for trail enthusiasts to reach out to new FS/BLM staff.  Riders should invite agency leads to attend club meetings or go out for a tour of the area in OHVs.

It has been QWR’s experience that agency recreation staff are more than willing to go out in the field with the OHV community to discuss trail management, solutions to resource issues, and potential future projects. 

A field trip not only gives them an excuse to get out of the office but it is an important method by which both parties can build mutual trust and respect. 

There is a lot of truth to our trail motto which is: The quality of the unit’s trail program is directly proportional to the quality of the relationship that exists between the agency staff and user community.

REPORT - Mega Fires Gut FS Recreation (and other) Accounts

Only "We" Can Prevent Mega-Fires

QWR believes the August 4, 2015 report; The Rising Cost of Fire Operations: Effects on the Forest Service’s Non-Fire Work, gives OHV recreationists and other public land stakeholders an easy to understand explanation on how catastrophic mega-fires are burning through agency resources.

This report highlights how funds are diverted from important accounts that support road/trail maintenance, recreation facilities, restoration projects, forest planning efforts, and cultivation/utilization of partnerships as force multipliers.

LINK TO REPORT

http://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/2015-Fire-Budget-Report.pdf

On page 2, the report states that the depletion of non-fire programs to pay for the ever-increasing costs of fire has real implications, not only for the Forest Service’s restoration work that would help prevent catastrophic fires, but also for the protection of watersheds and cultural resources, upkeep of programs and infrastructure that support thousands of recreation jobs and billions of dollars of economic growth in rural communities, and support for the range of multiple uses, benefits and ecosystem services, as well as research, technical assistance, and other programs that deliver value to the American public.

Prescribed Fire is a Forest Management Tool

On pages 11/12, the report notes the decrease in funding resulting from increased fire costs has limited the agency’s ability to provide vital recreational opportunities on NFS lands, which jeopardizes the thousands of jobs that are part of a growing recreational economy.

Logging is a Forest Management Tool

The agency has been unable to more fully implement sustainable Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Services and Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers programs to provide consistent, quality recreation opportunities to the public. Reductions in recreation funding have a direct impact on local economies

supported by these activities, including many small outfitter and guide businesses that depend on

recreation sites and programs on NFS lands. Additionally, the Forest Service’s ability to leverage funds and implement projects with partners and volunteers is constrained by the reductions in funding and staff, substantially affecting services.

A Shaded Fuel Break is a Forest Management Tool

The report concludes that Congress must address the way the agency pays for fighting wildfires by supporting legislation that treats mega-fires as natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes.

QWR believes that approach is worthy of consideration, but falls short in addressing the underlying cause of these mega-fires and that is the agency’s inability to engage in substantive, robust, and multi-dimensional forest health projects.  The solution may be a combination of both concepts?

QWR welcomes comments, criticisms, or observations.  Use the comment box so others can benefit from your comments or send them directly to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Coastal OHV Area Offers "Cool" Riding During Summer Heatwave

Sand Route Along N. Jetty

As inland temperatures on the West Coast soar past the 100 degree mark, QWR wants to remind the OHV community about a 300-acre sand-dune/beach riding area in Northern California.  The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is managed by the BLM and offers recreationists a chance to enjoy OHV, fishing, beachcombing, birdwatching, and picnicking in the cool coastal temperatures that exist in the Eureka area.

WW2 - Era Ammo Bunker

This area is one of the secret OHV treasures in the Western States.  Where else can you fish, watch for ships going in and out of Humboldt Bay, challenge yourself to the 4WD obstacle courses, ride on the beach, or take pictures of your ATV or SxS at the entrance to one of the many WW2-era ammo bunkers that dot the landscape?

This is a family-oriented riding area that serves all skill levels.  There is open riding on the beach along with many sand-trails that can provide you with hours of fun.

SxS on Jetty Route

The Samoa Dunes is a day-use area.  However, there is a county park adjacent to the dunes where users can either tent camp or base their activities from a toy-hauler.  There is a “sand highway” that connects the county park to the Samoa Dunes.

If you don’t want to camp, there are many hotels in nearby Eureka or Arcata.  The world-famous Samoa Cookhouse is close-by per chance you work up an appetite after a long day on the dunes.

Multiple 4x4 Obstacle Courses

QWR believes the Samoa Dunes is a must visit area for riders who want to enjoy beach/sand-oriented motorized recreation with their family and/or friends. 

If you are lucky, you may even see an occasional whale that strays into Humboldt Bay or watch a tug boat tow out a lumber or chip barge. 

County Campground

Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole as there are plenty of casting sites along the jetty.

Open Riding and Sand Trails

Finally, this is a great case example of how your CA OHV “Green Sticker” funds are used as a force multiplier in the partnership that exists between the BLM and the OHMVR Division.

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/samoa.html

Samoa Boat Ramp County Park

http://co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/living/county_parks/default.asp?parkID=S

Samoa Cookhouse

http://www.samoacookhouse.net/

"Signs" are Important Communication Tools

South Border Fence at Oceano Dunes SVRA

Festive lights at shopping malls, decorated store fronts, and carols playing in many venues are all signs the Christmas season is upon us.  Signs are important forms of communication.   Land management agencies also use “signs” to communicate their commitment to high quality recreation and resource protection.

Boundary Fence between Motorized and Non-Motorized Area

One example of that commitment is Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located on California’s Central Coast.   Managing about 1,500 acres of open OHV sand riding and another 1,500 acres for non-motorized uses requires a complex system of “signs” that include border fencing, travel management placards, and public education.

Placards are used to advise users about speed limits, dangerous surf, and where to camp.  With over 1.6 million recreationists visiting the SVRA each year, maintaining those signs is a must. 

Dune Condition Advisory Sign

Insuring the integrity of the border fencing that separates the motorized area from the non-motorized section requires a constant vigil due to blowing sand or sand washed in by the tide.

Native plants are protected by exclosures in the OHV open area.  Exclosures (specific areas fenced in to protect important natural or cultural resources) have proved effective management tools in many sand-based state and federal OHV open areas.

Vegetation Islands (Exclosures) within SVRA OHV Open Area 

QWR believes the ongoing public education program at the SVRA is also an important sign the agency has dedicated a significant amount of time to help users, school children, and local residents understand the many recreational, natural, and cultural resources that reside within the unit.

SVRA Education Program on Cultural Heritage

The aforementioned signs are the most effective (and often the only management tool the public sees) method by which a land agency communicates its commitment to the public and the resource.  Other “signs” can include level/type of law enforcement, route markers, and understandable maps.

QWR believes the quality of an agency’s signing program is directly proportional to the rate of user enjoyment, public compliance with regulations, and success of the unit’s mission, vision, and values.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND THANK YOU for Your Support in 2014!

Road-to-Trail Conversion Project

As QWR prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, I just want to express my deep felt thanks and appreciation to our partners, sponsors, and colleagues in the OHV community.

I am thankful for that support and friendship that has seen us successfully champion responsible motorized recreation on public roads, trails, and areas.

Some of those positive events for OHV include substantive grant funding from the CA OHMVRD to our local, federal, and non-profit partners for betterment of the sport and the resource.  There is a growing acknowledgement by federal agencies, legislative bodies, conservation groups, and the media that sustainable OHV recreation is here to stay and that it contributes significantly to local economies and personal well-being.

New OHV Corridor Designated 

In many areas, local government has accepted their role as an important factor in OHV travel management via new designations of county roads for use by non-street legal OHVs.  Said routes often provide functionality and connectivity with existing federal trail systems.

Colusa County Designates Combined Use Road

Land agency staff that QWR works with appears to have a renewed interest in providing enhanced trail opportunities for all sizes of OHVs.

The Industry and Aftermarket are continuing to expand their support for trail-based advocacy and education efforts.

Again, QWR wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Don Amador, President

Quiet Warrior Racing

www.quietwarriorracing.com

2014 OHV Trail Workshop Highlights New Management Tools

Sutter 300 Single Track Trail Tractor

*Article Compiled by QWR and Tahoe NF Staff

The weather was perfect October 28-30, 2014 for the re-energized annual public land OHV manager’s Ranger Ride event coordinated by Don Amador of Quiet Warrior Racing and the Blue Ribbon Coalition. The event was hosted by the Tahoe National Forest at the American River Ranger District’s Sugar Pine OHV area.  Approximately 40 OHV managers, instructors, volunteers, and support staff from California-based public land management agencies (Forest Service including Region 5, BLM, CA Parks OHMVR Division) gathered to discuss OHV management, view demonstrations, take motorcycle/ATV training certification courses and exchange OHV management strategies/challenges/successes. 

Demonstrations included: the Sutter 300 single-track trail dozer road to trail conversion; Magnum Buster boulder breaking tool; wet weather soil management monitoring instruction by soil scientist Roger Poff; OHV sound testing demonstration, and; restoration projects review.

Tahoe NF Trail Lead Explains Magnum Buster 

to Agency Staff and Volunteers

The Magnum Buster boulder breaking tool demonstration showed OHV trail managers how large boulders/rock can be broken down to manageable sizes or removed through use of the Magnum Buster, which does not require a certified blaster to use.  The rock breaking technology uses water as a means to transfer a shock wave from the Magnum Buster’s initiation cartridge to the black powder cartridge placed in a hole drilled into the boulder/rock.  The Yuba River Trail Crew drilled a 1 5/8” hole in a 4’ diameter boulder with a gas powered rock drill, about 36” deep, filled the hole with water, placed the 30 grain cartridge in the hole and set the Magnum buster on top of the hole.  The group was moved back to a safe distance and watched as the 100 foot long chord was pulled to set off the series of concussions.  With a loud BOOM the boulder broke into about 5 pieces that could be handled by an individual. 

Demo Rock Fractured Into Many Segments

OHV managers saw the benefit of being able to break down large rock without needing to call in a certified blaster.  The Magnum Buster goes for about $5,000, and a gas powered rock drill will cost about the same. 

Paul Hart Teaching DirtBike School Class

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s DirtBike School is a great way to teach new riders and experience rider’s the required skill’s to safely ride an Off-Highway Motorcycle.  Paul Hart, a certified DirtBike School coach and Trails manager for the Yuba River Ranger District on the Tahoe National Forest, taught this one-day hands-on training session to agency students from the Forest Service and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVRD).  Students learned basic riding skills, trail ethics, and environmental responsibility. A total of 14 students completed the training.  The students riding experience varied from 1hr to 30+ years.  All of the students learned that safety is the most important thing while riding an Off-Highway Motorcycle! 

After graduation from the course, students took part in easy and moderate trail rides lead by local volunteers and agency staff. This allowed the students to improve and practice the skills taught during the DirtBike School.  Some of the advanced riders that completed the Dirtbike School went on an expert trail ride.  QWR believes that post-class mentored trail rides where new riders get extra seat time to further hone their skills is a vital aspect of the training program.

Sarah Ridenour Teaching ASI ATV Class

  

Sarah Ridenour, the OHV Program Manager for the Grindstone Ranger District at Stonyford on the Mendocino National Forest, a certified ATV Safety Institute (ASI) ATV instructor, taught the ATV class.  Students learned basic riding skills, trail ethics, and environmental responsibility.  Agency instructors are an important element in the training or recertification process for government staff that ride ATVs. According to ASI, the ATV Instructor Preparation (IP) Courses are 4 days in length, with each day lasting approximately 8 hours. The sites will provide the ATV for you to use during the 4 days; however, instructor candidates will need to provide their own riding gear: DOT approved helmet with either a face shield or riding goggles, full-fingered gloves, over the ankle boots, long sleeved shirt and long, sturdy pants. The fee to attend is $830 per person, which includes the cost of tuition and course materials.

Pre-Demo 10 ft. Wide "Motorcycle Only" Road 

 Tony Dipino from the Sutter Equipment Company demonstrated their new Sutter 300 mini dozer that has a 24 inch wide blade by implementing a road to single-track trail conversion laid out by the district trail manager.  The OHV managers watched the machine make quick work of the project and helped with the conversion by placing woody debris into the abandoned portions of the old route to keep motorcycles on the now more narrowly defined trail. 

Post-Demo Road Put to Bed and Replaced 

with New Motorcycle Trail

  

This demonstration seemed to pique the interest of many of the OHV managers who spoke of having address frequent complaints from motorcyclists about maintaining motorcycle trails with a 4 foot wide trail dozer and making the trails “too wide.”

As many of you know, OHV traffic on trails under wet conditions can damage treads and drainage structures. Determining when to open or close OHV trails has been a challenge for trail managers. Some have used seasonal closures; others have used rainfall. Both of these approaches have limitations.

Roger Poff Gives Research Update

Roger Poff gave an update on his field studies that involve measuring soil strength and soil moisture, and correlating these measurements with observed levels of trail damage. This information is used to predict the risk of trail damage at different levels of soil strength and soil moisture. This prediction of risk can then be used to develop threshold values to determine when to open or close trails.

Poff believes this method will not be a “magic bullet” to solve all the issues related to opening and closing trails under wet conditions. However, it will be an important tool in the trail manager’s toolbox for managing trails under wet conditions.  Stay tuned for related updates on this project.

Students Practice the SAE J-1287 Sound Test

QWR’s Don Amador gave a 20 inch SAE J-1287 sound test introduction to agency staff to better acquaint them with the procedure.   A sample “enduro tech station” was set up and staff practiced looking up rpm data for each bike as well as checking for spark arrestors and registration.  The goal of the class was to give students some realistic field practice in preparation for them taking the certified sound testing class taught by Chris Real at DPS Technical, Inc.

Tahoe NF Staff Explains Proposed Restoration Project

The workshop included a tour of several proposed OHV restoration projects.  The CA OHMVRD funds restoration projects that QWR believes are an important part of a holistic approach to managed OHV recreation.

A big note of thanks goes out to all of our agency and volunteer partners, including trail guides from AMA District 36 and Racers Under the Son,  who helped make this event a huge success.  This workshop proves there is no substitute for “getting out in the field.”

Health Benefits of OHV Trail Riding

Off-road motorcycle enthusiasts are well aware of the physical workout one gets when riding on OHV trails.  This was the topic of a lunch-break discussion last weekend when riding with a 70 year-old A level competitor.

Both of us believe that riding keeps your mind sharp and is a good form of outdoor exercise.  That discourse reminded QWR of an excellent article written in 2011 by our good friend at NOHVCC, Karen Umphress.  Her discussion points were based on a Canadian health study on the physical benefits of OHV recreation.

Article on Health Benefits of OHV Recreation

http://www.americantrails.org/resources/motors/OHV-Fitness-trail-Umphress.html

QWR believes this information is useful on a number of fronts.  First, it confirms that OHV trail riding is a good form of exercise.  Second, it validates OHV trail-based recreation and its health benefits as important elements to be included in the recreation-matrix on public lands.

Next time you get back to camp after a long day of trail riding, you can feel comforted in knowing that science has confirmed  your exhaustion and sore muscles are healthy signs of a good workout.

Trail Management - Post-Fire Hazard Tree Mitigation Takes Collective Effort

QWR SxS Module on FS Post-Mill Fire Volunteer Project

Extreme wildfires have an immediate impact on OHV recreation such as public access bans in the burn area for periods of one year or longer.  They also destroy management tools such as trail delineators, signs, kiosks, and campground facilities.  Costly soil erosion and water quality trail structures can often be obliterated in the initial attack by dozers blading fire lines around the blaze.

While these immediate impacts and their associated mitigation measures are readily apparent, the long-term post-fire management efforts to address hazard trees (dead trees) falling across designated roads and trails for the next 2-15 years should not be overlooked.

As OHV users know, downed trees create a number of management issues which include completely blocked routes or riders creating impromptu reroutes to get around the obstacle.   The presence of hazard trees also requires both non-motorized and motorized recreationists to be aware of their surroundings when traveling through the forest.  Trail obstacles can impact both casual use and permitted events.

QWR believes it takes a committed partnership between the agency, volunteers, and other stakeholders to successfully manage a designated road and trail system on any National Forest.  This is especially true on units that have experienced a recent uncontrolled wildfire.

Team Effort to Clear Downed Trees

QWR suggests the best way for you to participate in volunteer trail management projects is to join a local OHV club that has an existing relationship with the Forest Service or BLM unit you like to visit.  If your local federal unit does not have a volunteer program, consider contacting them and inquiring how you can help partner with the agency. 

Forest Service Open Area Designations - Important Part of Travel Management

The 2005 Forest Service Travel Management Rule (TMR) directs the agency to designate roads, trails, and areas for motorized vehicle use.  There has rightfully been a lot of focus on road and trail designations since inception of TMR.  However, QWR believes that “area” designations may have not received as must attention as they should have on some units.

Rules of the Area - Prosser OHV Area

Open OHV areas can provide important motorized recreation opportunities for sand dune enthusiasts, play riders, youth training, beginner practice, 4WD obstacle courses, or trials riding.

Meadow Protection at Prosser OHV Area

The Forest Service Manual 7700 states in Section 7715.73 that areas should have natural resource characteristics that are suitable for cross-country motor vehicle use or should be so altered by past events that motor vehicle use might be appropriate.  Examples might include sand dunes, quarries, the exposed bed of draw-down reservoirs, and other small places with clear geographic boundaries.

Also those areas should consider impacts to adjacent private property, including noise and the potential for trespass.

FSM 7700 – Chapter 7710

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3802552.pdf

Recently, QWR toured the Prosser Pits OHV Open Area on the Tahoe National Forest near Truckee, California.  This facility is managed with support from the California State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and offers an open play area for OHV enthusiasts.  Its management prescriptions include signs for dust control, spark arrestors, and resource protection.  There are also signs and trail barriers to protect nearby meadows.

Dust and Noise Control Sign - Prosser OHV Area

As various Forests review their current TMR plans, QWR believes that users should meet with agency recreation staff to review the potential for inclusion of historic or new OHV road, trail, AND area designations. 

These proactive post TMR projects can help the agency and OHV community build on the base route and area network that was part of the initial planning effort.  TMR is a dynamic process and the quality of the opportunity is directly proportional to the commitment of, and the relationship between, the user community and agency staff.