Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Travel Management/Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Route Designation Project Over the next few years, national forests in California will designate a system of roads, trails and specifically defined areas for motorized use that will enhance recreation opportunities, promote public safety and protect resources. This route designation process will include improving some motorized routes, consolidating others to prevent duplication and not designating routes that pose environmental concerns. Public involvement is the key to success. Contact the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to get involved. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please fill out and send us a contact form.   WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOU CAN RIDE YOUR OHV? (Information as of December 9, 2008)

Background Information and Need for the New Rule

Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of OHVs has increased tremendously. That's a good thing. More Americans are enjoying access and recreational opportunities on their national forests and grasslands, in keeping with the Forest Service's multiple use mandate. However, the increase in OHV use also affects soil, water, wildlife habitat, and other recreational visitors (more information on OHV use on public land).

On July 15, 2004, the Forest Service published proposed travel management regulations in the Federal Register. During the 60-day comment period, the agency received 81,563 responses representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and seven foreign countries. Most comments supported the broad concept of designating roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use. The final rule addresses these comments. Final rule as published in Federal Register.

The new rule provides a national framework for local units to use in designating a sustainable system of roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use. The rule's goal is to secure a wide range of recreation opportunities while ensuring the best possible care of the land.

Highlights of the Rule

• The rule requires each national forest or ranger district to designate those roads, trails, and areas open to motor vehicles.
• Designation will include class of vehicle and, if appropriate, time of year for motor vehicle use. A given route, for example, could be designated for use by motorcycles, ATVs, or street-legal vehicles.
• Once designation is complete, the rule will prohibit motor vehicle use off the designated system or inconsistent with the designations.
• Designation decisions will be made locally, with public input and in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments.

Next Steps

• The Federal Register Notice (73 FR 74689) for the final travel management directives was published on December 9, 2008. The directives are effective beginning January 8, 2009.
• During the next few years, forest supervisors and district rangers will involve the public in designating roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use.
• The agency expects national forests and grasslands to complete the designation process within four years.

Working Together

• Effective partnerships with state and local government and user groups are already providing collaborative planning, maintenance, and shared resources to better manage OHV use.
• Sustainable motorized recreation will require continuing partnerships to address road and trail maintenance, enforcement, and protection of natural resources.

US Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Last Modified:  Monday, 12 January 2009 at 14:34:31 EST