Trail Tip - Be a Force Multiplier

As many OHV enthusiasts head out to their favorite riding areas during the late spring and early summer, QWR wants to encourage them to become an extra pair of eyes for the land management agencies.

During the winter, trees often fall down across OHV trails forcing the casual rider to either turn around or try and bypass the obstacle using an impromptu reroute.  While OHV recreational staff works hard to keep up with the trail maintenance needs of their unit, they can’t be everywhere at once.  This is where a trail rider can help by making a mental note of where the downed tree is and report it to the agency.

Be sure and include the trail or route number of where the downed vegetation is located.  This type of user involvement is greatly appreciated by the agency.  Once notified by you, they can send the appropriate staff or trail volunteer to remove the obstacle.

With ever shrinking trail budgets, this type of public service can be a force multiplier and will help keep riding areas open. 

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Environmental Responsibility Key Tenet of OHV Recreation

Environmental responsibility is a key element of OHV recreation on state and federal lands.  It is important to know that many units are working hard in a collaborative manner with various stakeholder groups to address conservation issues associated with motorized recreation so that those OHV opportunities are preserved for future generations.

 

The Eldorado National Forest is a leader in such efforts to solve environmental challenges related to management of both casual OHV use and permitted recreation events.

CERA Leader Reroutes Enduro Course around

California Spotted Owl Nest Site

 

 

The agency is required to protect the California Spotted Owl and to safeguard owl nesting sites especially during the spring reproduction season.  Recently, the California Enduro Riders Association successfully rerouted a section of the Fool's Gold Enduro to avoid conflict with an owl nest so the event could be held.

 

QWR's Don Amador Stands at Old Low Water Crossing

Replaced by New OHV Bridge in Background

 

 

The Forest has installed a number of structures including the recently completed OHV bridge over lower Rock Creek.  This project replaced the low-water crossing along Trail 1 and ensures the long-term viability of this highly popular motorcycle route.

 

OHV Bridge Over Little Silver Creek

 

 

The OHV bridge seen in the above photograph was constructed over a perennial tributary of Little Silver Creek as part of the Rock Creek Recreational Trail’s decision document.  It replaced a low water crossing and was designed to reduce sediment delivery into the stream course.

  

QWR is believes the future of OHV recreation can be secured through actions that address important environmental challenges that are associated with motorized access in the 21^st Century.

 

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