Mogollon Rim Motor Vehicle Closure / Off Road Vehicle Restrictions Information

This area is off limits to any motor-vehicle being operated off of National Forest System Roads. Camping, game retrieval and wood-gathering may still take place in this area. Vehicles may park off a designated route (numbered roads ONLY) a distance that is the same as the length of their vehicle (and trailer if applicable), unless signed otherwise.

The affected area is roughly: east of Hwy 260, south of FR 142, west of FR 141 and north of FR 300.

PURPOSE: To eliminate off-road use that has caused resource damage.

• This Order is in effect until September of 2009 when the Travel Management Rule (TMR) is implemented. 
• A map identifying the off-road closure is attached and made part of this Order.

Coconino National Forest - Mogollon Rim Ranger District
Motor Vehicle Closure / Off Road Vehicle Restrictions Information

Click here for the
Forest Order 04-06-09-R
and map

1. Why here, why now?
   Damage is occurring to resources in this area of the forest from unrestricted cross country vehicle use. This area has fairly deep soils, generally good precipitation, and is one of the most productive for vegetation and wildlife on our forest.  Our goal is to greatly reduce resource damage and to protect the values that draw people to recreate on this part of the forest. This action will help us achieve those goals.
2. Specifically, what damage is being done?
   
   • Riparian and upland vegetation are being damaged by tire tracks and repeated use.
   • Soil gets compacted by multiple OHVs driving over the same area. This makes the soil less healthy so that grass and other vegetation can’t grow. Runoff from rain is increased and results in soil being washed into streams.
   • When loose soil travels into streams, it can negatively affect habitat for fish (especially Threatened & Endangered fishes).
   • Wildlife Disturbance: calving, fawning, and nesting by wildlife is impacted by off-road vehicle use. This can also result in wildlife moving out of affected areas, depleting energy sources, and affecting wildlife condition and health.
3. I want to camp, gather firewood, or retrieve game in the area restricted to off road travel—do I have to keep my vehicle on the road?
   You may park your vehicle your vehicle’s length off of the road to set up camp, hike, gather firewood, or retrieve game.
4. Will the area be closed to off-road travel forever?
   Yes---but not strictly under this order.  This rule is in place until Forest-wide travel management is completed which will restrict travel to designated roads or trails only.  We expect that forest-wide Travel Management planning will be completed in 2009. For more information you can go to our websites: www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/tmr, www.coconinoforest.us or call the Coconino National Forest @ 928-527-3600.
5. Where can I go to drive in the woods?
   Motorized travel is now restricted to existing roads only, unless posted otherwise. Off-road/cross country travel is prohibited.  Upon completion of Travel Management planning in 2009, motorized travel will be restricted to designated roads and trails forest-wide.
6. I’m driving down an existing road and see a sign saying either road or area closed, but the road continues behind the sign—can I drive on this portion of the road behind the sign?
   No, the sign designates the end of the road—the piece of the road you see beyond the sign is a portion of the resource damage that has been occurring. That is the reason for the closure.  The extension of existing roads is creating resource problems especially when the extension goes off steep hills and leads to riparian drainages—such as Tom’s Creek, Pivot Rock Canyon, and East Clear Creek.
7. So what happens if I go cross country with my motorized vehicle?
   The enforcement of the temporary closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual, or $10,000 for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than 6 months.
8. If I see a road which is not marked with a Forest Service number, but it's a good road not marked as closed, can I drive on it?
   Motorized travel on non-numbered roads is permitted, unless it is posted/signed closed. Off-road/cross country motorized travel is prohibited.