Off-Highway Vehicle Use on Public Lands

Contact:  Jason Torgerson (435) 896-9233

Richfield, Utah—July 18, 2008—Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the abundance of recreation opportunities on your public lands.  Riding ATVs and other off-highway vehicles is one of the most popular recreation activies in Utah, but maintaining trails for off-highway vehicle use is a labor instensive endeavor that requires the cooperation of many agencies including the state, Fishlake National Forest, Paiute Trail Committee, Southern Utah OHV Club, BLM, Fremont Indian State Park and Otter Creek State Park. 

For example, trail Rangers at the Fishlake National Forest maintain over 1,000 miles of trail, using a trail cat to perform heavy maintenance on more than 100 miles of trails alone.  By the end of the 2008 field season, all of these trails and roads will have updated signage in accordance with the recently finished travel plan. 

Everyone is reminded not to drive cross-country in areas that are not designated for off-highway vehicle use.  Visitors can receive free travel maps of designated routes at the Bureau of Land Management Richfield field office as well as Forest Service offices in Richfield, Fillmore, Beaver and Loa.
 
It is imperative that all riders—especially children—use appropriate riding gear, which includes long pants and long sleeved shirts, over the ankle boots, gloves, eye protection and a properly fitting helmet.  Riding with the proper safety gear can reduce you risk of serious injury and even death. 

Remember when riding, treat trails with respect.  Not riding on designated trails damages resources on your public lands.  Staying on designated trails at all times ensures that these wonderful resources are protected for everyone’s future enjoyment.  Pack all trash out and dispose of it in the proper recepticles.
 
The Bureau of Land Management’s abundance of designated trails is unique and everyone needs to do their part to protect these great recreation opportunities.  For additional information, please contact Jason Torgerson at 435-896-9233.