SALMON REGION NEWS RELEASE
Salmon, ID
| Date: | June 29, 2005 |
| Contact: | Vicky Runnoe (208) 756-2271 |
Summer Off-Road Recreation Season Is Here!
By Gary Gadwa, Conservation Officer, Stanley
For avid outdoor enthusiasts, as well as an off-road travelers, early summer is a good time to review and consider a few rules and regulations pertaining to off-road motorized travel. First of all, off-road motorcycles and ATV's must be registered with the Idaho Dept of Parks and Recreation. The fee is a minimal $10.00, most of which goes directly to the motorbike recreation account, providing trail maintenance, construction, purchases land for motorized recreation, and funds the trail ranger program.
Once you have registered and have your ORV sticker displayed on your ORV, it's time to hit the trails&.or is it? Maybe. You might just want to take the time to review a few other important rules and regulations. Brand new this year is the addition of the ATV to the requirement that anyone under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet while driving OR riding an ORV. This new addition to the helmet law is a good idea and one we can ALL live with.
What else should you consider before your ride? Mufflers are a consideration for a couple of sound reasons. The muffler on your ATV or trailcycle must have a Forest Service Approved Spark Arrestor to reduce the chance of causing a forest or range fire. In addition, the noise produced by your muffler is important. The machine's muffler has to be able to pass a 96 db noise test. 96 db is actually pretty loud. This restriction protects your ears and will go a long way to reduce the noise for non-motorized recreationists in the vicinity. Remember that if you ride on an unpaved road, you could be asked for your driver's license and proof of insurance.
And one more important thing to consider: Is the trail you are headed for OPEN to motorized use for trailcycles, or ATV's, or both? And if it is will who else might be using the trail. Hikers? Horseback riders? Mountain Bikers? The best place to find this information is the land management agency in charge of protecting and managing the area you are headed to. Travel Plan maps are available from both the Salmon-Challis and Sawtooth National Forest offices. Make sure you have a copy and consult it before heading out for a ride. In addition, promote responsible riding by being a responsible rider yourself. Respect the rights of others on the trail and be courteous and safe.
We have some of Idaho's best off-road riding trails and two-track roads right here in our own backyards. By following a few simple rules, we can all get out and have some fun seeing the great outdoors, the wildlife and the wild places.
Here are just a few simple riding tips to keep everyone safe and help
maintain the respect of non-motorized recreationists.
 | Wear your helmet and other protective clothing. |
| Be prepared for unexpected hazards or breakdowns by carrying the
proper equipment. |
| Always ride under control at a safe speed, considering the terrain and
the possibility of meeting other users. |
| Stay on trails and don't cut switchbacks, take shortcuts or create new
trails. |
| Avoid muddy trails. Save them for future trips when they are dry. |
| When meeting horseback riders, approach slowly, pull over, turn off
your engine, remove your helmet, and ask the riders what to do to
facilitate passing. |
| When overtaking others, follow at a safe distance until they reach the
next suitable place to pass, and then pass as slowly and as quietly as
possible. |
| Honor trail closures, both seasonal and permanent. |
| In campgrounds, turn off and push your machine or ride directly to and
from your campsite only. Minimize noise around others by using a
consistent reduced speed. |
| ATV riders should avoid riding on single track trails. |
| Do not chase or harass wildlife. |
| Respect private property. |
See you on the trail!
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