COVID-19 UPDATE - Embrace Land-Use Ethos as Parks Reopen

New Tread Lightly! Covid-19 Poster

QWR appreciates the efforts by our friends and fellow trail enthusiasts at Tread Lightly! to encourage a common sense land-use ethos for use by recreationists in areas that are under county, state, or federal COVID-19 shutdown directives or orders.

TREAD LIGHTLY!

https://www.treadlightly.org/

The Governor of Utah has a very simple “Stay Home and Stay Safe” message for those of us who like to enjoy the great outdoors.  His directive encourages residents and visitors to refrain from long distance recreational travel at this time.  That same message is also being echoed by many other government agencies and non-profit organizations.

LINK TO UTAH MESSAGE

https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/covid-19/

The Forest Service has a similar message on their national website that they are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and are following USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health guidance as they continue to offer services to the public. Visitors to National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the CDC.

The Forest Service also has an easy to use icon on their website where you can go to get the latest COVID-19  information on any National Forest in the country. 

LINK TO FS COVID-19 INFORMATION

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates

As many of you know, our land agencies are working hard to keep recreational opportunities for local residents available during the COVID-19 crisis.  There are both HARD and SOFT restrictions of varying degrees based on state/federal guidance county health officer orders.

As local/state/federal recreation sites start to reopen after winter seasonal closures or as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, it is important for trail enthusiasts to embrace a strong land-use ethic out of respect for our partners and friends.

Complying with existing trail management rules and regulations during casual use now can help ensure that county, state, and federal agencies will authorize permits – when the time comes - for competition and club events that occur on either public or private lands.

Rules, restrictions, and reopening efforts are changing on a daily basis.  As the Tread Lightly! poster suggests, it remains important to always check with the land agency before you travel to an area.   

Stay well!  

COVID-19 UPDATE - HARD OR SOFT

As you know, there is frustration in a small but growing number of both motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts about the ongoing shutdown.

At the start of the Covid-19 shutdown process, many local, state, and federal recreation sites tried to stay open to allow for citizens to get exercise and experience a quality recreation experience in a safe manner in compliance with related CDC and other health guidelines or Stay at Home orders.

Unfortunately, on-the-ground observations by unit staff and the news media at various recreation sites showed the general public was not complying with social distancing and other health protection measures.

Those observations by elected officials, state/county health officers, and land managers resulted in more park units enacting HARD closures such as the OR Dunes National Recreation Area and in many CA State Park units.

Nobody, including me, wants to see developed and dispersed trail recreational opportunities restricted. 

However, the temporary restrictions on recreational use at the OR Dunes and certain CA State Park units highlight the importance of local, state, and federal park units enacting proactive temporary restrictions as needed to protect public health, comply with county/state stay-at-home orders, and avoid damage to natural/cultural resources and developed/dispersed recreation facilities including campgrounds, staging areas, and trails.

Achieving victory over the pandemic requires a team effort by the recreation community so we can get back to work and also get back out on public lands to enjoy both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities with family and friends.

COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

Crush the Curve

COVID-19 UPDATE – Keep Mitigation “Throttle” Twisted

  

The announcement today by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, about a reopening pact with other Western states is good news.  It reinforces what I have been hearing over the last few days from other government officials about a growing sense of cautious optimism that our shelter-at-home, social distancing, park closures, and other mitigation measures have been helpful in Flattening the Curve.

Regardless of that good news, the recreation community (motorized and non-motorized) cannot relax but must continue to keep their mitigation throttle twisted over the next few weeks as part of our pro-active collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

Part of that collaboration means that we should honor the spirit and intent of county stay-at-home orders/directives, soft or hard closures of recreation areas, and resisting the temptation to post inappropriate pictures of trail enthusiasts riding in groups or engaging in illegal and/or unethical travel activities.

As advocates for responsible recreation we have an obligation to set an example for the general public.  Many trail users are new to the sport and may not understand they are part of a much larger recreation community that consists of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. 

Managed recreation in the 21^st Century exists because of efforts by trail leaders over the last 30 years to work in a substantive collaborative manner with land agencies, law enforcement, and elected officials in support of sustainable trail activities.

Based on the aforementioned information and my experience, I believe the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.  However, the length of that tunnel depends on our commitment to continue mitigation efforts out of respect for frontline workers, 1^st responders, and our trail community.

Our actions over the next several weeks remain critical as we move into the next phase of the battle to finally “Crush the Curve” so we can get back out on the trail and enjoy it with our family and friends.

COVID-19 UPDATE – SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF

Plumas County Sheriff OHV Patrol

COVID-19 UPDATE – SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF

Fellow inductee in the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, James Garner, starred in Support Your Local Sheriff, a late 1960s-era comedy.  Garner became the hero as he fights off outlaws who create chaos when they tried to tear up the town.

Today, many of our OHV land management and law enforcement partners are issuing orders  (enforceable with steep fines) that prohibit both motorized and non-motorized recreationists from traveling long distances to their jurisdiction to enjoy to OHVs, MTBs, ride horses, camp, fish, hunt, rock climb, or hike.

Closure Sign at OR Dunes

Picture Courtesy of Save the Riders Dunes

Over the last week, I have talked with numerous county sheriffs, federal land managers, state parks officials, and healthcare workers (most of them also enjoy and support responsible OHV recreation) who are pleading with the recreation community to honor STAY-AT-HOME orders. 

I also talked with a well-known OHV industry representative today who has several friends who are fighting the virus.  Some of us know people who have died.

Here are a few strong suggestions for OHVs to consider during Stay-at-Home orders:

THINGS TO DO

• Obey Stay-at-Home orders and follow related health guidelines 
• Recreate on local trails or areas that are open for public use 
• Encourage your trail network to comply with land use or travel restrictions
• Check on friends and family who may need help 
• Call an old riding buddy
• Participate in “essential activities” such as getting food and medical supplies or to perform work for an essential business

THINGS NOT TO DO

• Ignore government Stay-at-Home orders 
• Invite friends to go on group rides or outings 
• Travel to rural areas to recreate since many have limited or no food/ emergency/hospital services
• Post pictures on social media of you recreating on closed facilities

  

A seasonal closure of recreation facilities is a common land management tool.   Those temporary closures are often related to wet weather conditions, floods, wildlife management, or wildfires.

Seasonal Closure Sign

Mendocino National Forest

Historically, recreation facilities have been closed periodically due to the Bubonic plague, a bacterial infection. Covid-19 is also a serious and deadly infection that is not just located to a small area on a National Forest or BLM unit, but is a worldwide pandemic.

Trail enthusiasts can show they are a responsible member of the recreation community by supporting current and temporary Covid-19 “seasonal closures” enacted by our county, federal, and state agency  partners.

We have respected seasonal closures before and we can do it again.

# # # 

COVID-19 UPDATE – DON’T BE GROUND ZERO

DON’T BE GROUND ZERO

Many of my colleagues in the recreation advocacy/management profession have been working hard to encourage and inspire motorized and non-motorized trail enthusiasts to follow the “Stay at Home” directives being issued by local, state, and federal authorities to help Flatten the Curve of Covid-19 infections. 

As you know, our frontline healthcare workers and 1^st responders place themselves in harm’s way every day to take care of a compounding number of very sick and/or critically ill Covid-19 patients.  Many of them are asked to work long hours with limited amounts of PPE.

Rural government officials including a number of sheriffs and county supervisors are asking visitors to honor those stay at home orders and postpone your backcountry adventures until the nation gets a handle on the Covid-19 crisis.

Here are a couple of reasons for those requests.

DON’T BRING THE VIRUS TO WHERE WE LIVE – With an apparent large number of infected people being asymptomatic (showing no sign of any disease), why  would trail enthusiasts want to be  the “ground zero” for introducing the coronavirus to our friends, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officials who live and work in largely uninfected rural areas of the country?

DON’T TAKE NON-ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR RISKS - Trail enthusiasts of all persuasions understand that participation in the sport comes with inherent risks.   Many of those injuries are critical and can require medical evacuation to a hospital where you will unnecessarily place yourself and others in danger of infection or require hospital staff – who are already maxed out taking care of Covid-19 patients – to address your self-inflicted injuries.  If you get lost, the local Search and Rescue may not be able to respond due to staffing shortages.

There is a growing consensus in the outdoor recreation advocacy corps that the best short-term advice is for us to avoid traveling long distances to recreate but rather utilize local opportunities to get some fresh air and exercise while practicing social distancing.

Responsible recreation means that we have an obligation to be good stewards and show respect for other trail users and our land management partners.  Part of that responsibility is to respect temporary unit closures.

When the Covid-19 book is written, let’s hope the recreation community is credited for doing its part to Flatten the Curve vs. being cited as the “Ground Zero” infector of a rural community.

# # # 

OP ED - COVID-19 MITIGATION IS NOT VACATION

OP-ED

By Don Amador

March 24, 2019

COVID-19 MITIGATION IS NOT VACATION

With hospitals and emergency responders running out of masks and other PPE in California and elsewhere, it should come as no surprise that local, state, and federal land managers are expanding the scope of their COVID-19 temporary access restrictions to popular destination recreation sites that - are or have the potential to -attract large crowds of visitors.

For example, California State Parks issued a news release late last night that stated, it is taking additional safety measures to reduce crowds and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Many state parks and beaches received record visitation over the weekend which made it impossible for the public to implement appropriate social distancing practices.

LINK TO STATE PARKS ANNOUNCEMENT

https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/945

The Nevada BLM issued a temporary closure order for the Sand Mountain Recreation Area near Fallon, Nevada.   As many of you know, the Sand Mountain OHV Area is a popular destination site for families and clubs that enjoy riding dirt-bikes, ATVs, SxSs, and 4WD vehicles.

LINK TO NV BLM CLOSURE OF SAND MOUNTAIN

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/Emergency%20Closure%20Order.pdf

Based on photos and stories posted on social media, it appears that many motorized and non-motorized recreationists have misinterpreted various “shelter-at-home” orders from state or county government as authorization for them to take a short or long-term vacation - often with large groups – on public lands.  

Until we collectively “Flatten the Curve,”   recreationists should honor the stay at home directives and if they do go out for trail activities it should be close to home and/or in dispersed areas sans large crowds where social distancing is practiced.  Respecting the seriousness of this issue will hasten its resolution and help expedite the withdrawal of closure orders and the reopening of public lands for both casual use and permitted events.

The professional healthcare workers, law enforcement officials, and park maintenance staff  that I know will be greatly appreciative of us doing our part to address the coronavirus.

# # # 

BEING "TRAIL PROUD" DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

BEING TRAIL PROUD DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Over the last week, private citizens, businesses, organizations, and government agencies have been under a tremendous amount of pressure to address and/or take preventative measures to help “Flatten the Curve” by practicing “social distancing” such as avoiding crowded places, working at home, and traveling only when necessary to the grocery store, pharmacy, or essential meeting/appointment.

Having worked the field of OHV advocacy and recreation management for the last 30 years, I want to express my deep appreciation and pride in how the OHV community is responding to recent shelter-in-place orders and other guidance that is severely limiting our ability to work and/or enjoy our sport.

Here are some examples from what I have seen so far from OHV;

PROFESSIONAL - Consultants, contractors, agency leads, and legislative staff are tele-working from home on issues such as grants, policy, programs, cancelled events, resource management, law enforcement, safety, and legislation.

PERSONAL – Taking cancelled events in stride, getting out on trails with small numbers of your family or friends to enjoy the great outdoors, and urging others to remain calm and respectful.

BUSINESS – Instituting strong disinfectant mitigation measures in the store or shop, closing the doors if required by government orders although I believe dealerships should stay open since OHVs are used for farming/emergency services/rescue/utilities/law enforcement, etc., and offering mail order or delivery on products.

The greater OHV community should take pride in how this highly popular outdoor activity has matured over the last 30 years into a sport with the capacity needed to adapt to ever changing Covid-19 related circumstances so as to ensure our continued access to high-quality OHV recreation on public lands during the emergency and after it subsides. 

# # # 

QWR STATEMENT ON COVID-19 - This Too Shall Pass

STATEMENT ON COVID-19

“This too shall pass”

The outdoor recreation community in California is all too familiar with having significant natural disaster events - such as the recent 2018 wildfire season - disrupt access to both casual trail use and permitted events.

Today, we are facing the coronavirus (COVID-19) that is another type of natural disaster which is not just restricted to forest lands in California but is impacting people and their activities – including powersports related events - on a worldwide basis.

The federal government has been directing the public to follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and to follow mitigation measures and other guidance from state and local government agencies.

CDC GUIDANCE on COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/

QWR would like to support guidance from the AMA, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, and other recreation groups who have issued statements about working in a cooperative manner with government officials and our land agency partners when it comes to cancelling or postponing scheduled permitted events or conferences.

GUIDANCE FROM GOV. NEWSOM’S OFFICE

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/03/12/governor-newsom-issues-new-executive-order-further-enhancing-state-and-local-governments-ability-to-respond-to-covid-19-pandemic/

Also, some jurisdictions may decide to allow outdoor group events based on site-specific information.  However, local government agencies may have a lower number of people that may be gathered at an event.  Always check with your local health agencies.

COVID-19 has now become a political issue with an uncertain outcome at this point.  It is the hope of many that the virus will run its course in a short period of time so we all can get back to a normal life.   However, there is the possibility that things could get much worse before the situation gets better.  We just don’t know.

As OHV, MTB, MotoGP, Supercross, and other competition events continue to be cancelled or rescheduled it is important to know that both motorized and non-motorized recreationists can still get out and enjoy casual trail use with family and friends in small group settings.

We will get through this natural disaster as we have so many times before.  That is what we do!