QWR/Partners Launch New OSV Trail Stewardship Module for 2016

Cal Custom Trailers/Powersports, Trevor Messersmith (L), and QWR's

Don Amador (R), Partner-Up for OSV Recreation in 2016 

As the snow begins to fly in California and the West, QWR wants to thank Polaris, Klim, and California Custom Trailers and Power Sports for their generous support in helping us launch our official OSV trail stewardship module for the 2015/2016 winter riding season.

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.

Having an OSV module will allow QWR to continue its efforts to represent our partners and clients in various federal and state OSV planning or legislative efforts.  Such initiatives include the Forest Service Subpart C OSV Travel Planning Process, reauthorization of the CA OHMVR Program, and promotion of the SAE J2567 OSV sound standard for field level enforcement.

Feb. 2015 Field Trip/Trail Review

Stanislaus NF

 In 2013, the New York State Snowmobile Association supported a new state OSV sound law based on SAE J2567.  That measure was enacted because some private property owners were closing trails due to excessively loud snowmobiles.  The New York law mirrors similar legislation in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado. QWR believes the SAE J2567 OSV sound standard in California would complement the current 96dBA sound law for OHVs.

Being proactive in the development of new recreation “tools” (such as reasonable sound laws) is a smart practice and recreationists should embrace these management implements for use in their land-use tool box.

OSV Travel Information Signs

Stanislaus NF

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “The OSV manufacturers have done an excellent job of producing sleds that are sound compliant with low emissions.  I think it is important for law enforcement to have the J2567 sound law in their tool box so they can address riders who have modified their exhaust with excessively loud pipes that create user conflicts and lay the groundwork for potential closures.”

“Adoption of J2567 in California and other states without an OSV sound field test makes good sense and will help keep trails and riding areas open for future generations,” Amador concludes.

Just a quick reminder that California’s Seasonal SNO-PARK permits are available for purchase online. This online service allows visitors an easy and convenient way to purchase SNO-PARK permits.   Permits are required from November 1, 2015 to May 30, 2016.

PURCHASE AN ONLINE SNO PARK PASS HERE

https://secure.kinsail.com/results.asp?p=casno&pt=parks

QWR looks forward to getting out in the field with OSV-related agency staff, users, law enforcement, dealers, and rental businesses to review travel plans, resource issues, management prescriptions, and solutions.  Hope to see many of you out on the trail.

Include Trail Specialists in Agency Planning Efforts

Tillamook State Forest Trail Project

Tillamook State Forest OHV program managers highlight the important role that trail specialists have in recreation, resource, and vegetation project planning, development, and implementation.  These holistic concepts were presented by State Forest staff at the 2015 NOHVCC Annual Conference held in Folsom, California.

The Tillamook State Forest is over 350,000 acres and is located about 30 miles west of Portland, Oregon. It contains the Browns Camp, Jordan Creek and Diamond Mill OHV Areas with approximately 250 miles of routes for dirt-bike, ATV, SxS, and 4WD recreationists.

Logging Operation on Forest Service Land

This is an actively managed unit with ongoing logging operations, forest health/fuel reduction projects, and road/trail maintenance.

Shaded Fuel Break Forest Health Project

The OHV recreation staff leads are also engaged with local user groups and clubs since private sector volunteerism is critical to the success of the area.  Volunteers help clear trails of downed trees and provide a work force to assist agency staff with important trail maintenance projects.  Volunteers provide comments on recreation/forest health projects and also show up to county government meetings to show political support for the area.

Half Culvert on FS System Trail

QWR believes that federal and state agencies should include their trail specialists in any planning effort that might impact recreation facilities such as designated system trails, campgrounds, and staging areas.

Today’s system trail network is comprised of routes with engineered soil/water control structures such as rolling dips, half culverts, and sediment catch basins.  These system trails often represent a significant construction or reconstruction investment of taxpayer or user generated funds that can range from $10 to $40 thousand dollars per mile.

Rolling Dip on BLM 4WD Route

Without substantive input from trail specialists, QWR believes these recreation facilities could be impacted by resource activities related to initial wildfire attack, post-wildfire restoration, fuel reduction, timber projects, and vegetation treatments.   Trail management staff should also be part of any programmatic planning efforts related to Forest Plans or Resource Management Plans.

Rock Catch Basin on Rubicon Trail

 With all agency disciplines working together in a collaborative manner, both the protection of our recreation assets and resource values will be ensured.