Sound Tool for OSV Recreation in 2016

QWR OSV J2567 Sound Test Station

As many of you know, QWR believes it is important for winter-based recreation advocates to proactively support the adoption of the SAE J2567 stationary sound test for OSVs. 

Many National Forests are in the early stage of doing Subpart C travel management planning for OSV recreation.  QWR believes that part of the planning effort is identifying the appropriate “Education, Engineering, and Enforcement” management tools.

Travel Management Signs

Being proactive in the development of new OSV recreation “tools” (such as reasonable sound laws) is a smart practice and something recreationists should embrace.

Woods-type Riding Opportunity in Open Area

A few days ago, QWR’s OSV Trail Stewardship Module had the opportunity to practice application of the J2567 sound test on the Stanislaus National Forest with several of their recreation specialists.

OSV Sound Team for J2567 Practice Day

Since the same sound testing equipment common to OHV management is also used for application of the OSV J2567 stationary sound test, there is no additional cost for a sound meter if an agency is already engaged in testing OHVs using the SAE J1287 test procedure.

Popular Non-Groomed OSV Trail 

QWR believes that adoption of SAE J2567 by a public land agency can be used as a potential mitigation or minimization factor in a final travel plan that authorizes OSV use on popular trail networks and open riding areas.

Popular Open OSV Riding Area

Don’t let excessively loud exhaust noise from modified OSVs create conflicts with other user groups.  In OSV planning, those conflicts could result in the closure of popular snowmobile riding areas or could prevent new areas from being designated for OSV use.