SHOW ME THE SIGN – SxS SAFETY

FS Trail Marker with Vehicle Types Allowed - Mendocino NF

SHOW ME THE SIGN – SxS SAFETY

  

In August 2022, the CA State Parks OHMVR Division – in partnership with Tread Lightly! and the CA Outdoor Recreation Foundation -  hosted a safety summit at their McClellan Training Center in Sacramento.  For many it was their first in-person major conference in 2.5 years due to COVID restrictions.  It was attended by various key state and federal agency representatives, powersports industry leads, major OHV organizations, ROV/UTV trainers, motorized media outlets, law enforcement, competition event organizers, and educational non-profits.

FS Route Marker with Vehicle Types Allowed - Mendocino NF

 

The primary focus was on improving/updating safety efforts to address the rapid growth of ROV/UTV/SxS use on public lands.  The summit was successful since it planted the “safety standard” in the ground to mark this effort and to recognize the commitment by those in attendance to improve safety and reduce impacts to natural resources and other user groups.

August 2022 CA State Parks Safety Conference

 

What makes this SxS-related safety program important is that many owners of these vehicles have very little if any experience in motorized backcountry recreation on public lands.  Often they are not aware of the various land management agencies or their efforts to manage travel on legal routes.

End of Combined-Use County OHV Connector Route

 

Having just got back from doing a trail management survey at the Stonyford OHV Area on the Mendocino National Forest, I remain convinced one of the most important travel management tools is a quality trail signing program.

 

In my opinion, the most effective signing program uses a combination of positive and negative reinforcement strategies to inform the rider/driver on what routes are open or closed for their specific vehicle type.

OHV "50-inch" Trail for Motorcycles and ATVs - No SxSs Allowed

 

As this new safety initiative continues to build capacity to address SxS-related management needs, it is important for the greater OHV community to increase efforts to share our responsible use message and one good source comes from our friends at Tread Lightly!  and their RESPECTED ACCESS campaign.

 

https://treadlightly.org/campaigns/respected-access/

 

 Thanks for your interest in managed OHV recreation!

 

 

 

TRAIL HIGHLIGHT - Planning for SxS Recreation on Federal Lands

Trail 12 - Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

BLM Redding Field Office

As many of you know, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) or Side-by-Sides (SxSs) are becoming increasingly popular and are the fastest growing segment of the powersports market.

Trail 4 - Black Diamond Challenge

With that increased popularity comes the responsibility for land agencies and their OHV partners to look for opportunities to designate and sign legal routes for SxS recreation in areas where that use is appropriate and sustainable.

Trail 12 - View of Shasta Dam

Recently, QWR had the privilege to tour some of the SxS-related trail program at the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area managed by the BLM’s Redding Field Office in Northern California.

Trail 12 - Rolling Dip/Soil Erosion Structure

Over the last several years, the BLM has worked to improve SxS recreation in the area with enhanced trail signing, trail improvements, and installation and/or maintenance of soil erosion structures.

Trail 12 - This Trail Climbs 2K ft. to the Ridge 

Those efforts to enhance legal SxS routes have resulted in many trails that now provide looped touring opportunities with varying degrees of challenge and scenic views.

Signing to Inform Public about Private Property

QWR encourages SxS users to consider a trip up the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area if you are looking for new trail adventures.  The unit has a very cool staging/camping area at the base of Shasta Dam.  Make sure you have current registration for any vehicles when you cross the dam.  The guards will check for a valid driver’s license and current registration.

You can also access the Copley Mountain OHV Staging area via the Iron Mountain Road from Highway 299 about 1 mile west of the Redding city limits.

Copley Mountain Staging Area - Start of Trail 4

QWR wants to commend the agency for their continued commitment to excellence and urges other federal and state land agencies to be sure and review their trail programs to assess if SxS recreation can be included on the unit.