Recreational Activities
Off-Highway Vehicles
Calaveras
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Mi-Wok
Off-Highway
Vehicle (OHV) recreation is just one of the many uses allowed
on National Forest lands. The Stanislaus National Forest
offers many opportunities for OHV recreationists.
State law requires registration of all motor
vehicles before being operated on public lands.
You must have either a current Green Sticker or
Highway license, both issued by the State
Department of Motor Vehicles. If highway licensed,
the vehicle must meet all standards for operating
on a public highway.
OHV ROUTE USE AND SAFETY
Many routes are open and
accessible to those who enjoy recreating on OHVs. It is your responsibility to know and abide by regulations relating to motor
vehicle travel. It is a violation of federal law to cause damage or rutting to
roads or trails (36 CFR 261.12c). In addition, it is a violation to cause
unreasonable damage to the land or resources (36 CFR 261.13h). While
operating on OHV routes, avoid excessive wheel spins while attempting hill
climbs or traveling over waterbars. Please restrict use during periods of wet
or muddy soil conditions to reduce damage to the route surface. Trees, rocks,
and other debris may pose a hazard and restrict easy access on roads and
trails.
Safety Tips
- Share the roads and
trails with all other users. Slow down
when your sight distance ahead is limited by
blind turns, weather conditions, vegetation, and
when passing other recreationists.
- Be extra careful
when parking or loading and unloading, especially
along highways and other high-use areas.
- Never ride alone.
Accidents happen easily and you may not be able
to help yourself.
Restrictions
-
Off-highway travel is restricted to
designated routes. Travel on designated routes only and
pay attention to all signs that tell whether an area is
open or closed to OHV use.
- Motorized travel is
prohibited in some areas. Federal law (36 CFR 261.16(a))
prohibits operation of any mechanical or motorized
equipment within the boundaries of a Wilderness.
- Occasionally, sections of
roads or trails are closed temporarily to minimize
impacts to wildlife and to prevent rutting and soil
erosion. Extreme fire conditions may also restrict OHV
access.
-
Forest roads closed to motorized vehicles include roads
which are gated, or blocked by berms or rocks, and old
logging skid trails--the narrow trails with mounds of
dirt across them to divert water.
- Your OHV must be equipped with a
properly installed Forest Service approved spark arrestor
in good working order.
- ATV operators must wear a helmet any time
they are riding and must not carry passengers.
- Persons
under age 14 must be supervised and be in possession of
an ATV Certificate, or enrolled in a State Approved
Course. Persons aged 14-17 must be in possession of an
ATV Certificate or be enrolled in a State approved course
or be under direct supervision of an adult who is in
possession of a State approved certificate.
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