Forest Supervisor Notes Import of Wildfire Impacted Roads and Trails

Dual-Sport/Adventure/SUV Route to the

Lassics Botanical Area on the Six Rivers NF

(Area Closed Due to the Lassic Fire which is part of the Mad River Fire Complex)

Both street-legal and non-street legal OHV recreation is impacted by wildfires.  Many of the lightning-sparked fires burning in California and elsewhere in the West have understandably resulted in the immediate closure of popular routes used by dirt-bikes, ATVs, dual-sports, SxSs, 4WDs, SUVs, and adventure bikes.

In the long-term, what is most important for recreationists is the closure period of the Forest Order related to a fire event.  Some Forests institute a mandatory one-year or longer closure order to all public entry.  On the other hand, some Forest Orders state the closure is in effect until… “the fire is declared out” or the “fire season has ended.” 

QWR commends the Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor, Merv George Jr., for his commitment to reopening roads and trails once safe conditions are restored.

LINK TO SIX RIVERS NF PM FIRE UPDATE AND GEORGE STATEMENT ON ROADS/TRAILS

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/4439/26703/

“We recognize the impact these roads, trails and area closures have on the public and these decisions have not been made lightly. These closures are necessary for public safety and fire operations,” said Merv George Jr., forest supervisor. “Knowing your desire to get into some of these areas as soon as possible, we will work with the incident management team and local law enforcement to lift the closures when it can be done safely.”

Once again, QWR urges riders to check in with your local Forest Service or BLM office to find out what roads, trails, and areas are closed due to wildfires.  A link with updated info is listed below:

LINK TO WILDFIRE INFO ON FS AND BLM LANDS

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Stay safe!  Also, feel free to post comments on how things are going in your neck of the woods.

Knoxville OHV Staging Area

*QWR is concerned the Jerusalem Fire is headed for the BLM’s Knoxville OHV Area

LINK TO MAP

http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/pub/cdf/images/incidentfile1193_1704.pdf

Wildfire Impacts Popular NW CA Coastal Mountain Adventure Routes

Dan East Trail - Closed

"It may not look like this after the fire"

The wildfires raging in California and the West are having a dramatic impact on natural resources, small businesses, private in-holders, fire crews, and recreationists.  In addition, these fires are occurring right in the middle of the adventure-bike and dual-sport riding season.

Many of these fires have resulted in the closure of very popular inland transportation corridors used by adventure riders to explore the backcountry in the Six Rivers National Forest.  

Forest Highway One

For example, the Route Complex Fire is burning through one of the only motorcycle-only OHV trail systems in the coastal mountain range in NW California.  The fire has resulted in the closure of Forest Highway One (Route 1) and many of the associated “Pilot Creek OHV” motorcycle, ATV, and 4WD roads/trails.

Route Complex Fire Footprint - 8.5.15

QWR urges the adventure/DS community to be sure and check for fire closures before starting off on any ride that includes traveling up the center of the Six Rivers NF between Mendocino County and the Oregon border.

Six Rivers NF Fire and Closure Update

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3848714

While the impacts of the Route Complex and other fires have yet to be fully assessed, QWR believes that riders and/or clubs should ready themselves to help the agency with post-fire volunteer trail rehabilitation efforts.

Post Mill Fire Volunteer Work Party

QWR knows from experience that keeping post-fire trails open and maintained is a long-term project that will require dedication and a multi-year commitment by agency leadership, recreation staff, and a volunteer workforce.

Once the fires are out in your favorite area, be sure and contact the appropriate land agency and ask what you or your club can do to help with post-fire volunteer efforts.

Examples of Post Fire Volunteer/Partnership Efforts

2012 Mill Fire – Post Fire Trail Rehab – Trail Tools

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2013/09/post-fire-travel-management-tools-trail.html

2012 Mill Fire – Post Fire Trail Maint. – Hazard Trees

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2014/10/trail-management-post-fire-hazard-tree.html