Palm Springs- South Coast Field Office

Off-Highway Vehicle Riding

Off-Highway vehicle (OHV) riding is one of the major recreational activities within the United States, with sales in OHV equipment increasing each year. The majority of riding opportunities in Southern California occur on public lands. Federal Policy has designated these areas either as “Limited Use” areas or as “Open” areas. Within a “Limited Use” area, vehicles must remain on designated routes of travel. An “Open” area has a formal OHV boundary and only within these boundaries is cross-country travel allowed. It is a rider’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations.
 
California residents operating an Off-Highway Vehicle on public lands must register with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the registration must be properly displayed. All ATVs must have a valid “Green Sticker” or “Red Sticker” registration decal affixed to their vehicle. 
 
Non-resident permits are required for vehicles not registered within their own state.
 
Present
 
In 2002, the Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, and the public reviewed and approved the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Plan, which designated routes open and closed for motorized use. Through this plan, over 1500 miles of trail were set aside for Off-Highway Vehicle Use. It is travel upon these routes that enhances recreational opportunities such as camping, bird watching, hiking, hunting and ATV travel as a few of the numerous activities enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts.
 
Off highway, vehicle (OHV) use has long been a major part of the recreation in the area. OHV use has increased five fold in the last three years. Inappropriate OHV use has had detrimental impacts on the environment. A combination of responsible OHV use by the public and good recreation management will create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. 
 
Past
 
San Andreas Fault Zone is the most famous and most conspicuous earthquake rift of its kind in the world. The San Andreas Fault system runs 700 miles from the Gulf of California to Cape Mendocino north of San Francisco, where it moves off shore and dives into the Pacific Ocean. 
 
Evidence of Plate Tectonics and the enormous power associated with its action is visible in the breathtaking geology of the Mecca Hills and Orocopia Mountains Wildernesses. Off-Highway Vehicle routes lead visitors through many of these areas. 
 
An ancient Native American trade route ran between the Orocopia and Chocolate Mountain ranges. Knowledge of this route allowed a transcontinental stagecoach line to move through the area in the late 1800s. Now this route is known as The Bradshaw Trail and is a backcountry byway for recreational vehicle touring.
 
In the 1940’s General Patton used the area for the Desert Training Center in preparation for World War II. Numerous tank tracks are visible on the landscape and can be traced for long distances.  
 
In 1976, Congress enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, which recognized the California Desert as a unique; assemblage of plants and animals that needed protection. The California Desert Conservation Area was born.
 
In the 1990’s the desert tortoise, native to our deserts, was listed as a threatened species.
 
In 2002, the Chuckwalla Desert Wildlife Management Area was adopted to protect desert tortoise and other significant natural resources including special status plant and animal species and natural communities.
 
What we are trying to prevent: 
 
Damage to Soil: Soil compaction followed by erosion eliminates a microbial layer at the surface, which is important for growth often damaging the root systems of plants, which are present in the environment and preventing new vegetation and seed from taking root.
 
Habitat Degradation: Habitat Degradation is the reduction of resources for wildlife to survive. This includes the food source on which they depend as well as the plant or soil in which they seek shelter.    
 
Habitat Fragmentation: Habitat Fragmentation disrupts continuous habitat and isolates sparse resources, this can affect the ability to successfully reproduce, feed young and migrate between ranges safely.
 
Loss of Historic and Prehistoric Resources: OHV riding on the surfaces of ancient trail systems, stagecoach stops and military actions, is a lose of history and a view of who we are and our interaction with the land through time. History is a vital part of planning.
 
Consequences
 
Failure to abide by both Federal and State laws will carry significant fines. California Off-Highway Vehicle Codes (Sec. 38000) can be viewed on-line. The reduction in numbers of important desert plants and animals, and continued failure to conform to laws and regulations may lead to possible route closure due to illegal cross-country travel.
 
Illegal cross-country travel leads to the deterioration of the land’s scenic and spiritual value.
 
What We Have to Look Forward to:
 
Public lands offer a wide variety of natural beauty, to enhance the recreation experience. The practice of environmental ethics and making the right choice while recreating allows for an area that others and ourselves can continue to explore and enjoy, with minimal change through time.
 
As with any environmental issue, there must be a balance of use. When the user recognizes the specialty of the landscapes in which they share with nature it is easier to prevent damage. For instance, when the Recreationalist understands the needs of tortoises and what is important for their survival then there is a greater chance of the tortoise making a comeback. For example, when a tortoise depends on the fluid it stores from all the vegetation it eats, its life can be placed in danger if that fluid is lost. Stress from an animal attack or contact with a human may frighten a tortoise to the degree that it discharges fluid and may not survive the summer months while in hibernation or even during a long drought season.
 
What Can You Do?
 
“Tread Lightly!” Guidelines for Responsible OHV Use.
TRAVEL & RECREATE WITH MINIMUM IMPACT
  • Stay on designated routes.
  • Travel only in areas open to ATV use.
  • On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum tailspin.
  • On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake-sliding during descent, both of which gouge the trail.
  • Cross streams only at designated fording points or where the trail crosses the stream.
  • Avoid riding in meadows and marshy areas.
  • When winching always inspect your equipment, use the right winch for the situation, find a good secure anchor, and never winch with less than five wraps of wire rope around the drum
  • When using a tree as an anchor, use a wide tree strap to avoid damage to the trunk of the tree
  • Protect the soundscape by preventing unnecessary noise created by your vehicle
  • Practice minimum impact camping by using established sites, camping 200 feet from water resources and trails and minimizing use of fire.
  • Observe proper sanitary waste disposal by burying waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from trails, campsites and water resources or pack your waste out.
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS
  • Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
  • Ride only where permitted.
  • Leave gates as you find them. Respect private land.
  • Yield the right of way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.
  • Keep the noise and dust down.
  • Pack out what you pack in.
EDUCATE YOURSELF, PLAN AND PREPARE BEFORE YOU GO
  • Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to ATVs. Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans.
  • Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements.
  • If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
  • Check the weather forecast.
  • Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.
  • Wear a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear.
  • Buddy up with two or three riders. Riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
  • Know your limitations. Watch your time, your fuel, and your energy.
  • Do not mix riding with alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Understand how to operate your vehicle and its controls.
  • The ATV RiderCourseSM provides a fast-paced, half-day, hands-on training session. Call the ATV Enrollment Express toll-free at 1-800-887-2887 to enroll.
  • Make sure your vehicle is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies and spares for trailside repairs.
ALLOW FOR FUTURE USE OF THE OUTDOORS, LEAVE IT BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT
  • Carry a trash bag on your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.
  • Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife you encounter.
  • Avoid sensitive habitats, wetlands, steams, and meadows.
  • Following a ride, wash your ATV and support vehicle to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.
  • Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in designated Wilderness areas.
DISCOVER THE REWARDS OF RESPONSIBLE RECREATION
  • ATV riding provides the opportunity to get away from the rush of everyday life and builds family traditions.
  • Careless operation of your ATV can cause damage and may result in closing areas.
  • By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow.