EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
allow use of certain areas and trails by off-road vehicles. Borrow areas and unused contractor
work areas are examples where compatible off-road vehicle use could be designated and allowed.
a. Designation. Project lands which are found to satisfy the requirements for off-road
vehicle use will be zoned for areas and trails in accordance with paragraph 10-4b below.
(1) Areas. The very nature of off-road vehicles dictates that the majority of use will
occur over areas which have not been developed for specific vehicular use. Off-road vehicles are
manufactured, advertised, sold and purchased within the concept that the purpose and sport of
operating these vehicles lies in operation over rugged, undeveloped terrain. To invite users of off-
road vehicles to areas which are designated for that purpose, the designated area must contain
topography suitable to the vehicles that will be used and have ready access by the public.
(2) Trails. Where it practicable to designate existing or proposed trails for use by off-
road vehicles without conflict with other public uses or without loss of natural characteristics of
the areas resulting in environmental despoilment, degrading local safety or accident prevention
programs, such designation should be accomplished.
(3) Types of Use. Off-road vehicles are of many types resulting in different design, space,
and terrain characteristics for areas of use. Provision should be made in the designation of areas
and trails to accommodate as many types as feasible and still be practical, consistent with
environmental, resource, and safety considerations. These would include, for instance, mini-bike,
beginners, motor-cross, cross country, snowmobile, 4 Wheel Drive (4WD), etc. areas and trails.
As these uses may not be compatible within the same area or on the same trail, care must be
exercised to insure adequate separation to increase public and user safety and compatibility.
b. Criteria. The following criteria will be used in evaluating project lands for possible off-
road vehicle use designation.
(1) Areas which are not restricted for security, safety or accident prevention purposes.
(2) Areas which do not contain soil conditions, flora or fauna or other natural
characteristics of a fragile or unique nature, or areas scheduled for reforestation plantings which
would be subject to excessive damage by use of off-road vehicles.
(3) Areas which are not managed for wildlife habitat purposes, and areas managed for
wildlife habitat if approved by the fish and game agency.
(4) Areas which do not contain archeological, historical, or paleontological resources; or
which do not constitute de facto wilderness or scenic areas; or in which noise would not adversely
affect other users or wildlife resources.
(5) Areas and trails shall be located to minimize damage to soil, watershed, vegetation or
other resources of the public lands.
(6) Areas and trails shall be located to minimize harassment of wildlife or significant
disruption of wildlife habitat.
(7) Areas and trails shall be located to minimize conflicts between off-road vehicle use
and other existing or proposed recreation uses of the same or neighboring public and private
10-2
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