Agency Leads get Dirt Bike Training at Nor Cal OHV Area

Chris Lloyd (L), Archeologist, BLM Ukiah Field Office - Rebecca Wong (C), Manager,

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument - Paul Hart (R), MSF Dirt Bike Coach 

QWR wants to congratulate the federal land agency leads that completed official dirt bike motorcycle training at a recent trail workshop held at the BLM’s Chappie Shasta OHV Area near Redding, California on April 26, 2019.

Those graduates include Rebecca Wong, Manager of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, and Chris Lloyd, BLM Archeologist at the Ukiah Field Office.  The class was taught by Paul Hart, a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Dirt Bike Coach.  Hart is also the Trails Manager on the Yuba River Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest.

Paul Hart (L), MSF Dirt Bike Coach - Chris Lloyd (L), BLM 

Ukiah Field Office 

QWR believes it is important for agency line-officers, specialists, and recreation staff to learn how to ride OHVs so they can have 1st hand knowledge of how travel management is being implemented on their unit.

Due to decreasing federal funding for recreation and related training, QWR believes that non-government partners have an important role to play in helping provide access for agency staff to certified safety instruction for OHVs.

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, states, “A lot of our OHV trail opportunities are either designated as single-track motorcycle trails or ‘50-inch’ routes that are used by dirt-bikes, ATVs, and in some cases very narrow UTVs.”

“Due to decreased federal funding for recreation programs, it is important for OHV stakeholder groups to create educational opportunities for agency staff to get dirt-bike and other OHV-related training.  There are a lot of important travel management, resource protection, and post wildfire recovery planning efforts that deserve on-trail review by decision-makers and riding the appropriately sized OHV on those surveys is the best way to understand the issue,” Amador continues.

“QWR wants to thank Beta USA for their support of rider education with use of an Xtrainer and Paul Hart for his ongoing commitment to helping educate agency staff on how to ride a dirt-bike in a safe and responsible manner. QWR looks forward to our continued partnership with Hart and land agencies to provide dirt-bike classes at future events,” Amador concludes.

# # #

Get Your OHV Kick on Route 66

Entrance to BLM OHV Trail on Route 66

QWR believes that trails can provide an important link to our past.  For car enthusiasts, nowhere is that statement more relevant than on a short section of Historic Route 66 that has been designated by the BLM as an OHV trail near Needles, CA.

Kiosk at BLM Route 66 Entrance

While attending the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org’s 30^th Anniversary at the Pirate Cove Resort, Don Amador had the surprise of his life that while doing some trail recon in the area that he ended up on an old section of Route 66 that can be used by both street-legal and non-street legal OHVs.

Driving on Historic Route 66

Constructed in the 1920s, Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, stretched for about 2,400 miles from L.A to Chicago.  It is one of America’s most famous roads and has also been featured on T.V. and the big screen.  It was decommissioned in 1985 when it was largely replaced with the Interstate Highway System.

This Section of Route 66 is also BLM Trail 114

What a special treat for both young and old OHVers to be able to access this important part of Americana. 

When traveling on the trail be sure and keep your eyes open for any of the wild burros that live in the area. 

Wild Burros along Route 66

There is OHV access to this and many other BLM trails in the Needles area from Pirate Cove, a local resort that has both OHV and water-based recreational opportunities.

QWR encourages you to consider a trip to this region of California the next time you are feeling nostalgic or in the need for a great OHV adventure that includes desert scenery, wildlife viewing, great trails, and that all too important link to our past.

Proud American and Off-Roader

Proud to be an American and Off-Roader

By Don Amador

July 3, 2016

The 4^th of July/Independence Day weekend is when millions of Americans celebrate our freedom, history, and traditions.  It is when we show pride in our country by flying Old Glory, wearing patriotic gear, honoring service members, and championing all that is American.

One of our cherished pastimes is using off-highway vehicles to recreate on public lands with family and friends.  

This 4^th of July, I want the OHV community to take pride in how this highly popular outdoor activity has matured over the last 30 years into a sport that has effective professional and volunteer representation at the grassroots, administrative, legal, and political levels.

Having worked in the field of OHV advocacy for the last 26 years, I want to thank all of you who have contributed to the fight to preserve and protect responsible OHV recreation on public lands.  

You make me Trail Proud!

# # # 

*I sent out a limited number of Trail Proud tees and decals to a few folks that I have worked with over the years and who have been strong supporters of OHV.  I have a few decals left, so send me an email and snail mail address if you would like a decal for your rig. 

Email: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Also, feel free to leave a note in the blog comment section about your own pride of OHV.

User/Agency Trail Field Trips Important Part of Collaborative Process

Stonyford OHV Program Manager - Sarah Ridenour-Chamberlin (R) Explains 

Soil Erosion Structures to Forest Supervisor - Ann Carlson (L), 

and Forest Recreation Officer - Katy Rich (C)

QWR is committed to the collaborative process as a strategy to bring land agency staff and the trail-based recreation community together with a common goal of both protecting resources and providing a high-quality outdoor experience.

Much of the collaborative or stakeholder process is centered on attending meetings where information is shared, values are appreciated, and relationships are formed.

QWR believes that “out-of-the office” field trips where private sector partners invite agency staff to review the development and management history of an OHV area is also an important element of the stakeholder process.

Mendocino Forest Supervisor - Ann Carlson, Reviews

St. John's Mountain Restoration Project (Funded by a CA OHV Grant)

with Agency Staff

Recently, leadership from the Mendocino National Forest toured the multiple-use recreation program on the Grindstone Ranger District.  With one of the largest destination OHV programs in the country, the District is a good case study on how OHV management prescriptions have evolved over the last 36-40 years.

Mendocino NF OHV Manager Reviews Work Order

with Trails Unlimited Crew

On the Mendocino and several other National Forests/BLM units, managed recreation didn’t start with the 2005 Travel Management Rule.   Rather, it has been a multi-decade process where the 1960s-era mining, firebreak, or logging road-based route network was gradually converted to a sustainable trail system that consists of engineered contour trails, soil loss structures, and road-to-trail conversions.

Functioning Sediment Catch Basin on System Trail

Managed federal OHV trail-based recreation programs are hard to sustain on current (and future) recreation budgets appropriated by Congress.   In some regions of the country, the Forest Service and BLM receive grants from state funding sources such as the CA OHV Division Grant Program or OR’s ATV Grant Program.

In the 21^st Century, successful OHV trail programs must also rely on partnerships with the private sector such as OHV clubs, conservation groups, and other local stakeholders.   Those entities can be the source for the agency’s professional volunteer workforce where users are given chainsaw certification classes or other trail maintenance training.

Getting Ready for a Day of Trail Clearing

QWR commends those user groups and agency units where an all-hands-approach has been adopted and implemented.   QWR understands that it can take a lot of agency staff time to manage a substantive volunteer program.   However, a robust volunteer corps can also play a supportive role in helping the agency obtain non-federal resources/monies (i.e. grants to help manage their trail program, fund projects such as an OHV bridge, or donations for construction labor/materials).

Post 2012 Mill Fire Volunteer Work Party

 The collaborative process is a two-way street.  Don’t wait for agency staff to call for a meeting or workshop.  As a private sector partner, looks for ways to engage your federal contacts either at meetings, field trips, or volunteer work parties.  Be willing to do some heavy lifting yourself. 

Successful Day of Trail Clearing

QWR believes the quality of our trail future is directly proportional to the quality of the collaborative process/stakeholder involvement on your Forest or BLM unit.

Be a Trail Champion - Start an E-Club

Agency Staff and Trail Volunteers 

Mendocino NF

As the Forest Service and BLM continue to improve their trail-based recreation programs throughout the country, it is important for agency officials and community leaders to appreciate the two key elements needed for long-term success.  Those critical tenets are substantive interaction/collaboration between an agency recreation lead/point-of-contact and a local club/organization.

Trail Volunteers Review Restoration Project with Agency Staff

Tahoe NF

Virtually any successful fed/state/local OHV recreation program has both an agency and local “champion.”  The agency lead meets with local recreation groups to discuss trail management issues.  They develop a robust volunteer program that engages trail enthusiasts in caring for the land by maintaining recreation facilities which include staging areas, campgrounds, and trail systems.

Trail Volunteers Help with Post-Fire Rehab

Mendocino NF

The community user group provides important feedback to the agency in regards to historic uses and cultural norms.  Local trail organizations can provide the labor pool to help the agency with volunteer work projects and fundraising.  Community groups can often help act as a bridge between the agency and local county/city government.

Trail Volunteers Work with Agency to Install Trail Delineators to Protect Resources

Mendocino NF

Line-officers have an important role to play in this equation since it is up to them to identify and appoint the appropriate agency staff lead that will be a “trail recreation champion.” In areas of the country where there is no organized trail group, a local user should “answer the call” to step forward and help organize a trail association.

Local Club Leaders Tour Route Project with FS District Ranger

Six Rivers NF

That new local group does not need to worry about incorporating at first.  An “E-Trail Group” comprised of an email network of interested riders and businesses can be a very effective organization that has standing with the agency and local government.

OHV Club Leaders Tour Trail System/Post Fire Rehab with FS Staff

Stanislaus NF

If you or your club has already “adopted” a local land agency, then good on you!  However, if your area does not have a club or network formed to assist the agency in helping care for the land, then consider starting an association.  The agency will appreciate it more than you know and it can lead to a successful relationship/partnership between the public and private sectors.

Companion Trails Complement Federal Land Road Networks

ATV/MC Companion Trail Along Road 1

Chappie Shasta OHV Area - BLM Redding Field Office

As the Forest Service and BLM continue to plan for motorized travel management throughout the country, QWR believes the agencies should add the concept of the “companion trail” to the planning process. 

In regions of the country where federal units have been planning for and implementing travel management,  the companion trail often plays an integral role in creating a high quality motorized route network that is both functional and fun.

ATV/MC Companion Trail Along Forest Road M5

Stonyford OHV Area - Mendocino National Forest

Construction of new companion trails along existing high standard roads can separate vehicle types for safety and an enhanced trail experience.   Adding a companion trail for OHVs will create a “trail” opportunity for non-street legal motorized recreation.

Companion Trail Along Road 3

Chappie Shasta OHV Area - BLM Redding Field Office

Often, the environmental review process is less complicated if the companion trail is sited within the road’s sphere of influence or prism.

In many cases, companion trails can utilize pre-TMR routes (where OHV use was allowed), existing skid roads, or old mining paths.  Often, no new construction is needed.  The old road/trail bed simply needs to be brushed and the downed trees cleared.

Companion Trail Along Samoa Road

Provides Access from County Park to Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

Companion trails for non-street legal OHVs can provide access from a camping/staging area to the trail network. 

Companion Trail Along Forest Road M5

Stonyford OHV Area - Mendocino National Forest

Ultimately, the goal of a companion trail is to complement existing OHV opportunities.

Companion Trails Along Paved Road

Access from Staging/Camping Area to Main Riding Area

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area - BLM Arcata Field Office

QWR believes there are a lot of quality OHV recreational opportunities that can be enhanced through better utilization of roads and trails within an existing riding area and we urge users and land agencies to look for projects where use of the companion trail makes sense. 

Knoxville OHV Area - Hidden Off-Road Gem

Vista on Ridge Trail

QWR just finished a post-Jerusalem Fire field review of the BLM’s Knoxville OHV Area located about 13 miles east of Lower Lake, California.  This remote low elevation 17,700 acre riding area has a good mix of easy roads for beginners and some very challenging OHV trails that will test the ability of even the most experienced rider.

Entrance to Red Elephant Mine Trail

One of those black diamond dirt-bike routes is the Red Elephant Mine Trail.  This is an 8-mile long trail that traverses some steep terrain.  It also presents the rider with some rocky downhills, tight switchbacks, and several rock gardens. 

Rock Garden on Elephant Mine Trail

Since most of the trails are south facing with reduced vegetative cover (thanks to the Jerusalem Fire), the trails are dried out enough for riders to enjoy within 1-2 days of an average rain event.

Use Caution When Trail Riding in Burn Area

The BLM has an ongoing resource protection program and is in the process of updating the areas’ travel management prescriptions.

Road/Trail Barriers to Protect Resources

The North Staging Area is convenient for day riders who want to explore the trail network.  It has a vault toilet and ample parking for a number of trucks.  Hunting Creek Campground is the southern staging and campground area.  It has several campsites and a vault toilet.

Hunters Creek Campground

QWR suggests that experienced riders recon the area before bringing up beginners and/or small groups.  This is a great area for winter riding when higher elevation trails on other units are closed due to snow or wet weather.

Engineered Trail from Hunters Creek Campground

QWR is excited about this area because it also has the potential to provide some excellent adventure/dual-sport opportunities for riders who want to explore this portion of the Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Monument.

Link to Knoxville OHV Area

http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ukiah/knoxville.html

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.

REPORT - Mega Fires Gut FS Recreation (and other) Accounts

Only "We" Can Prevent Mega-Fires

QWR believes the August 4, 2015 report; The Rising Cost of Fire Operations: Effects on the Forest Service’s Non-Fire Work, gives OHV recreationists and other public land stakeholders an easy to understand explanation on how catastrophic mega-fires are burning through agency resources.

This report highlights how funds are diverted from important accounts that support road/trail maintenance, recreation facilities, restoration projects, forest planning efforts, and cultivation/utilization of partnerships as force multipliers.

LINK TO REPORT

http://www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/2015-Fire-Budget-Report.pdf

On page 2, the report states that the depletion of non-fire programs to pay for the ever-increasing costs of fire has real implications, not only for the Forest Service’s restoration work that would help prevent catastrophic fires, but also for the protection of watersheds and cultural resources, upkeep of programs and infrastructure that support thousands of recreation jobs and billions of dollars of economic growth in rural communities, and support for the range of multiple uses, benefits and ecosystem services, as well as research, technical assistance, and other programs that deliver value to the American public.

Prescribed Fire is a Forest Management Tool

On pages 11/12, the report notes the decrease in funding resulting from increased fire costs has limited the agency’s ability to provide vital recreational opportunities on NFS lands, which jeopardizes the thousands of jobs that are part of a growing recreational economy.

Logging is a Forest Management Tool

The agency has been unable to more fully implement sustainable Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Services and Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers programs to provide consistent, quality recreation opportunities to the public. Reductions in recreation funding have a direct impact on local economies

supported by these activities, including many small outfitter and guide businesses that depend on

recreation sites and programs on NFS lands. Additionally, the Forest Service’s ability to leverage funds and implement projects with partners and volunteers is constrained by the reductions in funding and staff, substantially affecting services.

A Shaded Fuel Break is a Forest Management Tool

The report concludes that Congress must address the way the agency pays for fighting wildfires by supporting legislation that treats mega-fires as natural disasters such as tornadoes or hurricanes.

QWR believes that approach is worthy of consideration, but falls short in addressing the underlying cause of these mega-fires and that is the agency’s inability to engage in substantive, robust, and multi-dimensional forest health projects.  The solution may be a combination of both concepts?

QWR welcomes comments, criticisms, or observations.  Use the comment box so others can benefit from your comments or send them directly to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Amateur Off-Road Events are Educational Opportunities

Youth at Tech Station

2015 Shasta Dam GP

Amateur off-road events are great family-oriented venues where competitors challenge their skills on designated OHV trails.  In addition, they can provide an important real-time in-the-field educational opportunity for professional advocates, volunteers, club members, and land managers to share new management concepts, review trail maintenance and restoration projects, and practice enforcement of OHV-related rules and regulations.

Recently, QWR had the privilege to help with tech services at the AMA National Shasta Dam Grand Prix held at the BLM’s Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding, California.   Hosted by the Redding Dirt Riders, this event afforded us chance to help educate riders - young and old alike - about riding with current vehicle registration, sound compliant exhaust, and U.S. Forest Service approved spark arresters.

QWR Riding with BLM Staff on Trail Review

Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

Before and after the event, QWR was able to tour a number of recent and proposed trail and restoration projects with BLM recreation and fire/fuels staff.  This was a great opportunity to see how the use of modern trail management techniques are used to address water quality and soil erosion.  In addition, it was important to see how fire/fuel reduction projects might help reduce the intensity of a wildfire.

BLM's, Sky Zaffarono, at Current Trail Maintenance Project

Chappie-Shasta OHV Area 

This last weekend, QWR was at Round One of the AMA Sanctioned SRT D36 Northern California Championship Enduro Series.  The 61^st Annual Sawmill Brand Q Enduro was hosted by the North Bay Motorcycle Club. 

Sara Mathews, the Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM’s Ukiah Field Office, was on hand to help oversee the event and to practice the field-level application/enforcement of California’s OHV regulations related to spark arresters, registration, and sound compliant exhaust.   QWR, RDR, and BLM were also able to tour trail and restoration projects.

BLM's, Sara Mathews, Checking Spark Arrester

Cow Mountain National Recreation Area

Trail Armor on Climbing Turn

Cow Mountain National Recreation Area

The 2015 Sawmill Enduro was held at the BLM’s Cow Mountain National Recreation Area (NRA) near Ukiah, California. This NRA was designated by Congress specifically for OHV use in 2006.

The ever growing number of retiring BLM and Forest Service recreation staff and line-officers who are experienced with managing OHV recreation is problematic.  QWR believes a lot of corporate knowledge is being lost.  Additionally, said retirements have even a greater impact on OHV because those personal and professional relationships that have been developed over the last 20-30 years are lost as well.  

QWR believes it is incumbent on the OHV community to make sure that relationships are cultivated with new federal and state recreation staff and leadership.  It is not just enough to ask for a meeting at the district office.  While those meetings are important, it is even more critical that you ask for agency staff to meet you in the field to review issues, ideas, and solutions.

Often times, new agency staff are not familiar with OHV recreation and in some cases have never taken a ride in a 4WD, ATV, dirt-bike, or SxS.  At that introductory meeting in the office, try and schedule a time when you can meet recreation staff in the field or at an event.  There is no substitute for taking a ride together in a SxS or other OHV and discussing trail and resource management from that close perspective.

Q Format Enduros,Cost Recovery, and Improved Communication/Collaboration Key at FS Meeting

As QWR starts our 5^th year anniversary in 2015, there might be no better kickoff of our Adventure module then riding to a meeting with Region 5, Forest Service, in Vallejo, California yesterday.   It was great to have Nick Haris (AMA) and Dave Pickett (AMA Dist. 36) join the discussion on important topics with agency recreation and trail leads.

Throughout the country and in California, the Forest Service provides a significant amount of high quality OHV recreation for both the casual user and clubs hosting amateur events such as enduros, poker runs, and dual-sport rides.

I think there is a growing consensus in support for addressing excessive cost recovery fees for permitted events.  Other topics include user support for “Q format” enduros which seem to be growing in popularity with new and old riders alike and improved communication/collaboration between clubs and the agency.

QWR is excited for 2015 and what it holds for both street legal and non-street legal OHVs.  Stay tuned for more articles and updates as this year kicks into high gear.

"Signs" are Important Communication Tools

South Border Fence at Oceano Dunes SVRA

Festive lights at shopping malls, decorated store fronts, and carols playing in many venues are all signs the Christmas season is upon us.  Signs are important forms of communication.   Land management agencies also use “signs” to communicate their commitment to high quality recreation and resource protection.

Boundary Fence between Motorized and Non-Motorized Area

One example of that commitment is Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) located on California’s Central Coast.   Managing about 1,500 acres of open OHV sand riding and another 1,500 acres for non-motorized uses requires a complex system of “signs” that include border fencing, travel management placards, and public education.

Placards are used to advise users about speed limits, dangerous surf, and where to camp.  With over 1.6 million recreationists visiting the SVRA each year, maintaining those signs is a must. 

Dune Condition Advisory Sign

Insuring the integrity of the border fencing that separates the motorized area from the non-motorized section requires a constant vigil due to blowing sand or sand washed in by the tide.

Native plants are protected by exclosures in the OHV open area.  Exclosures (specific areas fenced in to protect important natural or cultural resources) have proved effective management tools in many sand-based state and federal OHV open areas.

Vegetation Islands (Exclosures) within SVRA OHV Open Area 

QWR believes the ongoing public education program at the SVRA is also an important sign the agency has dedicated a significant amount of time to help users, school children, and local residents understand the many recreational, natural, and cultural resources that reside within the unit.

SVRA Education Program on Cultural Heritage

The aforementioned signs are the most effective (and often the only management tool the public sees) method by which a land agency communicates its commitment to the public and the resource.  Other “signs” can include level/type of law enforcement, route markers, and understandable maps.

QWR believes the quality of an agency’s signing program is directly proportional to the rate of user enjoyment, public compliance with regulations, and success of the unit’s mission, vision, and values.