Managed OHV Recreation vs. Status Quo - Our Future Hangs in the Balance

Armored Trail Section on Rubicon Trail

For several years, QWR has stated that “Managed OHV Recreation” is a key tenet to the long-term viability of motorized access to public roads, trails, and areas.

User Group Participation

Arguing for the status quo on federal and state units where agencies are faced with a growing number of OHV-related environmental laws, regulations, and court orders is not a wise course of action.

Catch Basin/Rolling Dip on Rubicon Trail

QWR believes access advocates should champion proven trail management prescriptions that mitigate soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife impacts.   A recent article in the Auburn Journal highlights the merits of implementing pro-active OHV management strategies on the world-famous Rubicon Trail.

Auburn Journal Article on Rubicon Trail

http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/29/14/roaders-tackle-rubicon#.U9kP5MdbPiU.facebook

What makes the Jeepers Jamboree possible in the 21^st Century for the 1,000 people who attended this year’s event is the multi-year collaborative effort on the part of the Forest Service, county government, OHV enthusiasts, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grant program to address water quality, soil erosion, and sanitation issues.   Unless those concerns were addressed, there was a good chance the Rubicon Trail would have been closed.

SST Vault Toilet Installed on Rubicon Trail

QWR believes it is important for professional OHV representatives and grassroots advocates to offer proven and sound trail management solutions to agency staff as they work on various travel management-related projects and landscape level planning efforts.

ADDITIONAL READING 

QWR’s Previous Article on Water Quality Mitigation

http://quietwarriorracing.blogspot.com/2013/02/water-quality-management-key-to-ohv.html

Best Kept Wheeling Secret in CA - Located in Greater S.F. Bay Area!

 

Owners of 4x4 SUVs and trucks who live in the Greater S.F. Bay Area don’t have to drive 3-4 hours anymore to test out their off-road skills or the trail capability of their vehicle.   Located near Tracy, the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) now offers a 4x4 driving course that is filled with diverse challenges for all types of 4x4s.

 

Carnegie SVRA has long offered world-class off-road motorcycle and ATV riding opportunities and is very popular with thousands of park fans who live in the area.  However, there was no 4x4 opportunity for full-sized rigs. That situation was remedied when the SVRA recently created a small 4x4 driving area complete with sand pits, hillclimbs, rock trails, and obstacle courses.

After paying a $5 dollar day-use fee, Quiet Warrior Racing had the chance to put its Montero through the paces.  Although QWR stayed away from the many “Rubicon-sized” obstacles, we did enjoy a good number of trail challenges ranging from the sand pit to the “Frame Twister.”

QWR believes that Carnegie should be commended to creating this 4x4 opportunity for the trail enthusiasts who live in the area.  It is a great place to teach off-road skills to a newcomer or test your driving acumen.   You can also find out if your rig is ready for hard-core wheeling on such famous routes as the Rubicon Trail or Dusy Ershim Trail.

 

There are several picnic tables under shade structures where you can enjoy watching your friends get their rigs stuck or otherwise test the limits of their vehicle. If you did not bring any food, you can always stop by Motomart – which is located in the park - to pick up some snacks.

QWR encourages all 4x4 enthusiasts who live in the Greater S.F. Bay Area to consider visiting the park to enjoy this special opportunity that may just be the best kept “wheeling secret” in California.

 

Link to Carnegie SVRA

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172

 

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