COVID-19 UPDATE - Embrace Land-Use Ethos as Parks Reopen

New Tread Lightly! Covid-19 Poster

QWR appreciates the efforts by our friends and fellow trail enthusiasts at Tread Lightly! to encourage a common sense land-use ethos for use by recreationists in areas that are under county, state, or federal COVID-19 shutdown directives or orders.

TREAD LIGHTLY!

https://www.treadlightly.org/

The Governor of Utah has a very simple “Stay Home and Stay Safe” message for those of us who like to enjoy the great outdoors.  His directive encourages residents and visitors to refrain from long distance recreational travel at this time.  That same message is also being echoed by many other government agencies and non-profit organizations.

LINK TO UTAH MESSAGE

https://www.visitutah.com/plan-your-trip/covid-19/

The Forest Service has a similar message on their national website that they are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and are following USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health guidance as they continue to offer services to the public. Visitors to National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the CDC.

The Forest Service also has an easy to use icon on their website where you can go to get the latest COVID-19  information on any National Forest in the country. 

LINK TO FS COVID-19 INFORMATION

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates

As many of you know, our land agencies are working hard to keep recreational opportunities for local residents available during the COVID-19 crisis.  There are both HARD and SOFT restrictions of varying degrees based on state/federal guidance county health officer orders.

As local/state/federal recreation sites start to reopen after winter seasonal closures or as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, it is important for trail enthusiasts to embrace a strong land-use ethic out of respect for our partners and friends.

Complying with existing trail management rules and regulations during casual use now can help ensure that county, state, and federal agencies will authorize permits – when the time comes - for competition and club events that occur on either public or private lands.

Rules, restrictions, and reopening efforts are changing on a daily basis.  As the Tread Lightly! poster suggests, it remains important to always check with the land agency before you travel to an area.   

Stay well!  

Trespass on Private Property is Not Cool

As OHV recreationists get ready for the fall riding season, QWR wants to remind users that motorized trespass onto private property that is properly signed and gated is not legal or cool.

Private Land Boundary Sign

California and some other states have “hold harmless” laws to help encourage private land owners to allow both motorized and non-motorized recreation on their property.  Throughout much of California and the West there are “checkerboard” lands where there is a mix of private and federal property.

Area under Electronic Surveillance

While there are some private land interests that allow motorized access on their lands, there are many property owners that do not.  Some of those who restrict public motorized use include timber companies, ranchers, and hunting clubs.

Gate on Private Timber Land

QWR believes it is important for riders to respect private property and their management prescriptions which can include restrictions on OHV use, mountain bike access, and other forms of recreational activities.

FS LE Rule # 6 – Don’t Trespass

http://www.fs.fed.us/lei/motorized-use.php

Many of these private lands have extensive electronic monitoring systems which capture pictures of you, your vehicle, and license plate.  They also have to comply with complex soil erosion and water quality regulations.  OHV users owe the private property owner the same respect that we show land managers at Forest Service, BLM, and SVRA riding areas. Trespass can also dim the prospect for any future use of said lands for legal OHV recreation.

Tread Lightly! Respected Access is Open Access PSA Program

http://treadlightly.org/promote-tread-lightly/resources-banner-ads-public-service-announcements/respected-access-campaign/

Our good friends at Tread Lightly! have a new “Respected Access is Open Access” campaign and QWR believes this type of outreach from private land owners in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies is something that can help riders understand the importance of staying on legal routes regardless of the managing agency or in-holder.

QWR believes this type of pro-active messaging can help address the trespass issue which will actually enhance and protect managed OHV recreation for future generations.

Ethics for Recreational Shooting on Federal Lands

Recreational target shooting is a time honored tradition on federal lands in the West.  Often times, sport shooting enthusiasts use OHVs such as Side x Sides, ATVs, or jeep-type vehicles to access the backcountry where target shooting is legal.

Our good friends at Tread Lightly! have developed some sport shooting ethics such as: practice target shooting and other shooting sports only on lands opened to shooting - never take a shot unless you see the target clearly and you know what lies between you, the target and beyond - don’t shoot across roads, trails, waterways or into caves - and do not shoot in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds, trailheads, parking areas or boat launches.

TL Recreational Shooting Ethics

http://treadlightly.org/quick-tips-for-responsible-shooting-sports/

QWR believes it is important that you do not use live trees as a backstop and to make sure you have a dirt embankment as a bullet stop.  QWR supports TL’s recommendation that shooters check with the local land manager to find out about any restrictions.

Just as riding your OHV with non-sound compliant exhaust is unacceptable, shooting up signs and leaving your spent casings on the ground are equally damaging to ongoing efforts to protect and promote recreational access to public lands.