Travel Planning - Don't Forget the Kiddie Areas

As you know, the Nixon and Carter OHV Executive Orders (11644 and 11989 respectively) directed federal land agencies to designate roads, trails, and areas for motorized use so as to… protect the resources of those lands, to promote the safety of all users of those lands, and to minimize conflicts among the various uses of those lands.

Both the Forest Service through its 2005 Forest Service Travel Management Rule (TMR) and the BLM already have, or are in the process of,  designating roads, trails, and areas for motorized vehicle use. 

Entrance to Kiddie Corral

Based on the review of several current federal travel planning efforts, QWR is concerned that the “area” aspect of the designation process is being left out or marginalized in some planning processes.

Trail in Kiddie Corral

There are many important “area” designations that can help the agency provide diverse OHV-related opportunities such as camping/staging areas, 4x4 obstacle courses, open play areas, sand dune riding, and beginner or “Kiddie” riding.

The focus of today’s blog is on Kiddie areas that are well-defined and provide that important practice area where youth riders can hone their skills and gain confidence.

An example of a distinct beginner area is the Kiddie Corral at the Mace Mill OHV Staging Area on the Georgetown Ranger District.  Located on the Eldorado National Forest in California, the Kiddie Corral is approximately 1-acre in size and offers young riders a woods-type learning environment that is safe and where mom and dad can teach/observe them proper riding techniques.

More Trails in Kiddie Corral

If you are a local, state, or federal land agency, don’t forget to include appropriate area designations in your travel planning projects.

TRAIL TIP - Add Water Filter Straw to Your Backpack

LifeStraw Added to QWR Backpack

As the long hot days of summer approach, QWR wants to encourage OHVers and Adventure Bike riders to stay hydrated when out in the backcountry.   Access to clean drinking water becomes critically important when you are on a long ride and the temperatures soar into the upper 90s and 100s.

Typical Stream - But is the Water Safe to Drink?

Along with our trusty bottle of water purification tablets, QWR recently added a LifeStraw to our backpack as extra insurance against running out of clean water to drink when on a trail ride or backcountry adventure.

It was field tested on a recent trail ride where there was a stream available as a water source.  The LifeStraw is practically weightless and does not take up much room in the backpack.

Using LifeStraw to Draw Water from Stream

Drawing water through the straw is pretty straightforward.  The water tastes good and could help save the day if you get caught in a heatwave.  QWR encourages riders to make sure they have some way to obtain clean water and adding an affordable lightweight drinking system to your pack seems to make a lot of sense.

Have a great summer on the trail!

2015 NOHVCC National Trail Conf. - Oct. 25 - Nov. 1

R5 Wet Weather Soil Study Update at 2014 Ranger Ride/Workshop

Tahoe NF

Dear OHV Recreation Agency Contacts,

I talked with a number of agency recreation staff at last week’s OHV commission meeting

in Sonora who asked about the dates for the NOHVCC 2015 National OHV Trail Conf.

As you know, QWR is attending this event and encourages agency recreation staff to

attend as these events are a great opportunity to network with OHV recreation specialists

from around the country. 

NOHVCC is still working on the final event program, but here is the preliminary info.

It will be held in Folsom, a suburb of Sacramento the week of October 25 - November 1, 2015;

most likely using the same schedule as last year.

Here is the agenda from the 2014 conf. as they expect to follow the same format.

2014 NOHVCC Agenda (Tue. – Sun.)

http://www.nohvcc.org/docs/default-source/miscellaneous-files/2014registrationpacket.pdf?sfvrsn=2

QWR will be working with NOHVCC on some potential trail rides at nearby OHV areas during

the 1^st part of the week.

Here is a link to a story QWR did when it attended the 2012 NOHVCC National Conf.

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-trail-ideas-highlighted-at-2012.html

Stay tuned for updates.

Don Amador

Quiet Warrior Racing

www.quietwarriorracing.com

CA Online Campfire Permit Program is Important Public Service

As we enter the 2015 wildfire season, QWR wants to let riders know about a new program where you can get your California Campfire Permit online.

The folks at the CALIFORNIA WILDLAND FIRE COORDINATING GROUP (CWCG) have a great website where you can get your campfire permit online and also obtain the latest information on helping prevent catastrophic wildfires. 

CWCG Website

http://www.preventwildfireca.org/

CWCG Online Campfire Permit

http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/

QWR learned about the online fire permit program while at the recent CA OHMVR Commission meeting held in Sonora, California.  That meeting included a well-planned field tour of the 2013 Rim Fire.

Stanislaus NF Fire Staff Explain Campfire Safety

One of the tour stops including a presentation by Stanislaus NF fire staff where they highlighted the agency’s fire restriction program and ways to safely manage a campfire on public lands.

CWCG states that your campfire permit is valid from the date issued until the end of the calendar year. And, that permits are required to have campfire or portable gas stoves on public lands.

They also encourage you to check to ensure there are not any local fire restrictions in the area, since during periods of high fire danger, campfires may be restricted. You should also keep a shovel and bucket of water nearby at all times.

QWR believes the online campfire permit program is an important public service since many land agencies are not open on Friday night or over the weekend when folks are most likely to use public lands for OHV recreation.

QWR took the test and it is convenient, easy, and informative.  Once you have taken the quiz and looked at the 2.5 minute instructional video, you can print out your campfire permit.  Remember to SIGN the permit once you print it out.

QWR hopes that you will have a fun and fire-safe summer this year.  Also, if your state has a similar online campfire permit program – be sure and send us a note at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Happy Trails this summer from QWR.