Helena National Forest

Projects & Plans

Where can I get a Motor Vehicle Use Map?
How do I print the Motor Vehicle Use Map?
What does a Motor Vehicle Use Map show me?
Does the Motor Vehicle Use Map also show mechanized and non-motorized trails and over-snow uses?
Are there any ‘play areas’ or areas open to cross-country motorized travel?
What do you mean by vehicle class designation?
Why are some routes only open during certain times of the year?
Are there road and trails route marker signs on the ground?
How does the MVUM impact access to my favorite camping site?
How does the MVUM impact firewood gathering and other permit activities?
Where can I find State of Montana laws and regulations governing motorized vehicles?

Back to Top

Where can I get a Motor Vehicle Use Map?

Maps are available on this website (above) or paper copies are available free of charge at each of the Forest Service offices in Townsend, Helena and Lincoln, and the Supervisor’s Office in Helena, Montana. Many sporting good stores in local communities may also have these maps available. Other partners and distribution locations may be developed over time to help disseminate maps.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

How do I print the Motor Vehicle Use Map(s)?

The Townsend Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is 34" x 44" and cannot be printed on conventional home printers. The other maps are 17”x22”, and likewise cannot be printed on most home printers. A full-size version can only be printed from a large plotter.

To be readable, only a portion of the MVUM can be printed on 8 ½" x 11" paper using home printers. With Acrobat Reader, use the "Print Current View" (see picture below) function to print the view on your screen. Other .pdf viewers, such as for the Mac, may have additional ways of printing the current view. It is recommended that the legend box, as well as applicable special designations, be printed to aid in interpretation of the MVUM.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

What does the Motor Vehicle Use Map show me?

The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) shows all National Forest System roads, trails and areas designated for public motor vehicle use. Motor Vehicles are defined as any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than a wheelchair or mobility device as defined in 36 CFR 261.2, including highway legal and non-highway legal terra vehicles. This definition excludes aircraft, watercraft, and over snow vehicles according to 36 CFR 212.51

The MVUM shows what type or class of vehicles are allowed, and seasons or times of the year the use is allowed.

Administrative motor vehicle access may occur on routes not shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the purpose of limited administrative access by Forest Service personnel; for fire and law enforcement or other emergency purposes and; by persons authorized by a written special use permit or contract from the Forest Service.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

Does the Motor Vehicle Use Map also show mechanized and non-motorized trails and over-snow uses?

No. The intent of the MVUM is to show only motor vehicle use. Mechanized, non-motorized, and over snow uses are not displayed on the MVUM.

A Forest Visitor Map or other opportunity map will provide information on mechanized routes such as bicycle trails, non-motorized routes such as hiking and horse trails, and winter recreation use (such as skiing and snowmobiling). The Forest does have trails that have restrictions to certain types of non-motorized travel, such as hiking-only trails, and trails that have restrictions to mountain bikes. Check with the Ranger District to see if any of the trails on which you plan to recreate with mechanized, non-motorized, and over-the-snow modes of travel have any restrictions.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

Are there any ‘play areas’ or areas open to cross-country motorized travel?

No. The Helena National Forest does not have any areas designated for cross-country motorized travel. All motorized travel must occur on designated routes as shown on the MVUM.

There are two areas where vehicles may travel cross country. One area is near Radersberg on BLM land commonly used for motorcross activity. The second area is located east of the Warm Springs Road and is open from December 2 to May 15. In this area and in Tizer Basin, snowmobiles may travel cross-country.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

What do you mean by vehicle class designation?

Vehicle class refers to certain categories of motor vehicles. The following are typical vehicle class route designations on the Helena National Forest:

• Roads open to highway legal vehicles only

• Trails open to ATVs and motorcycles (two-track)

• Trails open to all vehicles, including highway legal vehicles

• Trails open to motorcycles only (single track)

It is important to understand that showing routes and areas as open to certain vehicle classes does not mean that they are maintained for, or suitable for, travel using those vehicles. It simply means it is legal to use them. For example, many low standard roads may be open to all motor vehicles. This designation includes passenger cars, although it may not be prudent to drive this type of vehicle on the route due to the condition of the surface or during inclement weather. Please check with the local Ranger District Offices for more information. Phone numbers, addresses and email addresses are listed on the maps, or at our Contact Us web page.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

Why are some routes only open during certain times of the year?

Some routes or areas may be open only during certain times of the year for various reasons such as to reduce wildlife disturbance, protect users from unsafe or impassable conditions, reduce conflict between users, and to reduce impacts to other resource values.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

Are there road and trail route marker signs on the ground?

Every reasonable attempt has been made that routes designated for motor vehicle use are appropriately marked with route marker signs. However, some routes may be missing route markers due to vandalism, severe weather, maintenance schedules, etc.

Travel management signs indicating motor vehicle closures, restrictions, or the prohibition of cross-country motor vehicle travel are not required for enforcement of the MVUM. Travel management signs may be used in addition to the MVUM to draw attention to the prohibition such as:

• In trespass or other problem areas with poor compliance from the public
• For educational purposes when the restriction or prohibition is new to the public
• When a route has been open historically to motor vehicles
• To avoid confusion with other prohibitions on non-motorized, mechanized or over snow use.
• To provide reassurance to the public as needed

Routes designated for motor vehicle use are identified on the MVUM. The MVUM is an enforcement tool to ensure that individuals are on the correct route. It is the responsibility of the user to determine if they are on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used, whether a route marker is present or not.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

How does the MVUM impact access to my favorite camping site?

Developed (including fee) campgrounds on the Helena National Forest will continue to be open as in previous years. Most have gates that will be closed at the end of the summer-fall recreation season, and not re-opened until the next spring when facilities such as water pumps and toilets have received maintenance and are ready to use.

Wheeled motorized vehicle travel for parking or camping is allowed within 300 feet of designated system routes, including roads and trails (unless signed otherwise) as long as:

1. No new permanent routes are created by this activity
2. No damage to existing vegetation, soil or water resource occurs
3. Travel off-route does not cross streams
4. Travel off-route does not traverse riparian or wet areas
5. Travel off-route is in an area designated on the MVUM

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

How does the MVUM impact firewood gathering and other permit activities?

Activities taking place under a special permit, such as firewood gathering, mineral permits, Christmas tree cutting, range allotment activities, and others are managed by a permit system. If the permit does not specify that motor vehicles are allowed for that activity, then using a motor vehicle to carry out such activities is governed by the Motor Vehicle Use Map. If the permit specifies that motor vehicle use can occur in certain areas or on roads or trails closed to motor vehicle use by the public, the permit holder is authorized to use motor vehicles as required in the permit. Be sure that you are carrying the permit with you and abide by all stipulations outlined in the permit while carrying out that permitted activity.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

 

Where can I find State of Montana laws and regulations governing motorized vehicles?

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) traveling off-road on public lands falls under the State of Montana’s off-highway vehicle laws. For specific information about those laws, including required fees and decals required to travel off-highway on Montana public land, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks State Headquarters at (406) 444-2535, or your local regional office. OHV Education information is also available at the web site.

Highway-legal vehicles (e.g, registered and licensed passenger cars and trucks, and licensed OHVs, ATV’s and motorcycles – driven by a licensed driver) are also defined by Montana law and the laws governing them must be followed on National Forest Service roads. This includes regulations such as driver licensing, child-seat use, seatbelt laws, and all other laws governing vehicles on roads within the state of Montana. Contact the Montana Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division’s general information line at (406) 444-4536, or your local Sheriff or Highway Patrol office for information on these regulations.

Back to FAQs **** Back to Top

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 21 July 2008 at 14:10:38 EDT