EP 1130-2-550
15 Nov 96
lands, and to insure the compatibility of such uses with existing conditions in populated areas,
taking into account noise, safety, accident prevention and other factors.
10-5. Operating Conditions.
a. Off-road vehicles shall not be operated:
(1) In a reckless, careless or negligent manner;
(2) In excess of prudent and safe speed limits; and
(3) In a manner likely to cause excessive damage or disturbance of the land, wildlife, or
vegetative resources.
b. All off-road vehicles will conform to applicable state laws and registration requirements
for such vehicles and those powered by internal combustion engines shall be equipped with
operating brakes and a properly installed muffler in working condition certified as not exceeding
90 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.
c. Where appropriate and necessary internal combustion engine off-road vehicles,
operating off established road and parking areas, shall be equipped with a properly installed spark
arrester that meets and is qualified to either the U. S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service
Standard 5100-lb (available from USDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development
Center, 444 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, California 91773) or the 80 percent efficiency level
when determined by the appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended
Practices J 335 or J 350. The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service performs these
spark arrester qualification tests under cooperative agreements wherein the spark arrester
manufacturer agrees to pay an established fee commensurate with the actual cost of testing. Such
areas, designating spark arrester use, will be appropriately signed and marked on maps available in
the Project and District offices.
d. Adequate information will be provided to off-road vehicle operators and passengers on
the advisability of using safety helmets conforming to standards established by the American
National Standards Institute, as in their standard, Number Z90.1(1971). If state or local laws
require the use of safety helmets for off-road use, this fact will be noted in the project operating
conditions.
e. District commanders may establish additional operating conditions or rules consistent
with Chapter III, Title 36 (CFR), specifically for each project, which could include items such as,
opening and closing dates of areas and trails, daily opening and closing times, and areas which
may have unique conditions or hazards.
10-6. Public Involvement. The key to successful implementation off-road vehicle use of project
lands involves the opportunity for full participation by the general public, off-road vehicle user
groups, conservation organizations, and other interested public in the selection, designation, and
uses of Project lands for off-road vehicle use. Accordingly, district commanders will establish
procedures to:
a. Identify such individuals and groups and solicit their participation and views in the
process.
10-3
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