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.

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2012 Right Rider Access Fund Report

Dear Trail Enthusiast,

 

The Right Rider Access Fund (RRAF) recently released their 2012 financial and contribution report. Six OHV-related projects were funded by the program.

 

According to RRAF, it is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty vehicle Institute of America, the Recreational off-Highway Vehicle and of other clubs, dealers and OHV organizations.

2012 Right Rider Access Fund Report
http://www.riderfund.org/downloads/Annual_Reports/2012/2012-Right-Rider-Access-Fund-Annual-Report.pdf 

The Fund was created to ensure off-highway vehicle enthusiasts can safely and responsibly operate their OHVs and access riding areas. By combining the existing support of the powersports industry associations with contributions from businesses and individuals, the financial resources available to support OHV enthusiasts increase exponentially. The Fund uses industry expertise on a charitable basis to manage the work of the Right Rider Access Fund, the result is one hundred percent of contributions support riders. The breadth of the funding sources, the depth of expertise and the absence of overhead make the Right Rider Access Fund a one-of-a kind resource for OHV enthusiasts.

 

Quiet Warrior Racing (QWR) is proud and honored to be among the 2012 grant recipients which includes; the Western Governors' Association, Knott County Rough Terrain Rescue, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, and the Egg Harbor Township Police Athletic League's "Ready to Ride" OHV Park.

 

QWR believes that championing responsible OHV recreation is a team effort and that a rising tide lifts all ships. With declining federal and state recreation budgets, the Fund will play an important and critical role in supporting OHV-related educational programs, travel management collaborative efforts, recreation research, and on-the-ground trail projects.

 

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