OHV BLM SITE REVIEW – CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY IN S. CENTRAL
OREGON
It’s not uncommon for Santa Claus to surprise an off-road
enthusiast on Christmas morning with a new OHV either stuffed under the
Christmas tree or parked outside in the driveway. Discovering that new dirt-bike, ATV, or SxS is
always a joyous occasion for all parties involved.
Trail fans also enjoy finding a new riding area where
they can explore unfamiliar opportunities and challenges with family and
friends. For example, there is a very
cool sand dune riding area in the high desert of south-central Oregon called
the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes and might be one of those destination OHV sites
where you want to vacation.
It was interesting to see how the BLM was managing a rather complex ACEC that had an 8,900 acre sand dune area that was OPEN to cross-country travel, a Research Natural Area comprised of an ancient ponderosa pine forest with OHV use limited to routes posted “open” , and the Fossil Lake Area that is CLOSED to OHV use.
In my experience, the only way this area could remain open to meaningful OHV use would be if the agency was committed to managed OHV recreation and had implemented a substantive travel program that includes quality signing, trail delineators, closed area barriers, well-stocked informational kiosks, and a robust volunteer program with local, state, and regional partners.
Fortunately, that agency commitment to sustainable OHV recreation and resource protection is exactly what was witnessed upon first entering the west boundary of the Christmas Valley Sand Dunes. The kiosk had quality maps of closed and open areas, vehicle registration info, driver requirements, and safety regulations.
The fence pole delineators and routes signs appeared well
maintained and effective. I saw very
little if any OHV off-route travel into protected areas.
Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “This
recreation area is one of the most impressive and well-managed federal OHV
units that I have ever seen. I think it
is a great example of what can be accomplished when there is a strong working relationship
between the agency and volunteer partners such as the Deschutes County 4
Wheelers, Four Runners of Klamath Falls, and the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel
Drive Association – Region 6. The BLM
also receives OHV management grants for this unit from Oregon State Parks.”
“This would be an awesome place to bring your UTV/SxS,
ATV, dirt-bike, or 4WD and explore the open sand dunes and/or tour the
designated route system that exists in the vegetated area next to the dunes or
though the Lost Forest. There are also
numerous campgrounds that can accommodate everything from a group of toyhaulers
to a single tent,” Amador continues.
The Christmas Valley Sand Dunes is listed as one of the
BLM’s Top OHV Recreation Areas in the country with a world-wide reputation for
providing a high quality and unique OHV recreation experience. It deserves not only to be on your OHV bucket
list but added as an area to be visited on a regular basis.
BLM CHRISTMAS VALLEY SAND DUNES
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/poi/262727
OR STATE PARKS OHV PROGRAM
https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-permits.aspx
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