Elko District Office
Safe Backcountry Driving is Fun
Elko, Nev. -- We’ve all heard stories about someone driving around and getting incredibly stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and about all the people who had to come out and rescue them, as well as how long it took to get un-stuck, right? But have you ever seen what’s left behind after a vehicle has been stuck like this? The damage to the roads in backcountry areas is costly to repair and it takes a long time to heal the scars on the land.
With the summer season here and the extensive rain northeastern Nevada has been experiencing, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is encouraging backcountry enthusiasts to use caution and consider the TREAD Lightly! rules and ethics while driving on public lands. These rules and ethics will help outdoor enthusiasts to have a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience.
Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use is allowed almost everywhere lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Exceptions are Wilderness Study Areas and designated recreation sites like campgrounds, where OHV’s must stay on designated roads. The BLM encourages backcountry enthusiasts to always stay on established roads and trails and follow the "TREAD Lightly!" principles:
T = Travel Responsibly
R = Respect the Rights of Others
E = Educate Yourself
A = Avoid Sensitive Areas
D = Do Your Part
Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas. Cross streams only at designated fording points or where the trail crosses the stream. Comply with all signs and barriers. These actions will preserve the backcountry for years to come.
Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Leave gates as you find them. If crossing private property, be sure to ask for permission from the landowner(s). If a rancher has left a gate open on purpose he or she will pull it back out of the way and lean it against the fence. If the gate is lying on the ground it is more likely someone did not close the gate properly after driving through, please go ahead and close the gate behind you.
Educate yourself and others by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies. By planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely. Your trips to the backcountry will be more enjoyable. By making a realistic plan and sticking to it you will help others to know where you are and when you plan to return.
Be sure to tell someone of your travel plans. Know your limitations. Watch your time, your fuel, and your energy. Wear a helmet, eye protection, and other safety gear.
Avoid and protect sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, by staying on designated routes. Avoid disturbing historical, archeological, and paleontological sites. Wildlife and livestock "spook" easily so it’s best to keep your distance and enjoy the view.
Do your part to preserve the backcountry by leaving the area better than you find it. Dispose of waste properly, minimizing the use of fire, avoid spreading invasive weed seeds and other plants, and pack out what you pack in. Also, joining a local off-highway vehicle organization will help you learn about the area from others as well as become a responsible driver.
Driving cross-country can create new roads which cause loss of wildlife habitat. Driving during muddy conditions may damage roads and if an individual is caught damaging publicly owned lands they are subject to a fine up to $1,000 or could be sentenced to 12 months in jail or both. This includes damage to roads such as ruts and holes from getting stuck.
The BLM strives to conserve and restore riparian areas, such as streams and meadows. Remember catalytic converters are hot and can start fires—vegetation will soon be drying out. Do your part and help to prevent damage and be careful with fire!
The BLM encourages everyone to be good land stewards by recreating responsibly so that all may enjoy their public lands. To learn more about recreating on public lands in northeastern Nevada, contact the BLM office at 3900 East Idaho Street, or go online to www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/elko_field_office.html, or www.treadlightly.org, or call 775-753-0200.
The BLM manages more land - 253 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Elko District Office 3900 East Idaho Street Elko, NV 89801