Motor Vehicle Travel on National Forests in California

  • Marlene Finley, Regional Director for Recreation, Wilderness and Heritage

The use of motor vehicles, particularly off–highway vehicles, is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation on National Forest land in California. This use — and its effects — has largely gone unmanaged until now.

Motor–vehicle recreation needs to be balanced with the many different uses of our National Forests, as well as ensure the protection of the land, wildlife and other recreational visitors. A new federal travel management rule provides the framework for management on public lands of off–highway vehicles, including ATVs and trail bikes. We have changed motorized recreation on hundreds of thousands of acres by eliminating unauthorized routes used by off–highway vehicles, and by this spring, we will be managing this use on nearly 14 million acres, by restricting use to designated roads and trails.

We recognize that this rule will change the way some people access and experience their National Forests. Our goal is to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and protection of natural and cultural resources. For example, we close roads in the winter to reduce sedimentation and maintain water quality, which leads to healthier fish populations.

In 2002, representatives from the National Forests in California, in partnership with California State Parks and the Off–Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, started developing a rule for designating roads, trails and areas for motor–vehicle use. Since that time, we have held hundreds of open houses all over the state, convened discussion groups, and held numerous public meetings.

The process has been complex and challenging. As responsible land managers, we will continue to provide maps to the public so they know which roads and trails are open.

As always, we welcome your input. The management of motor–vehicle use will evolve and continue to improve as we begin to implement these decisions.