Recreational Access and Conservation - News and Information	Short Cuts
| Introduction | News | Notices | Activities | Education | Forums | Columns | Links | Dedicated to conservation and multiple use of public lands for recreation opportunities. Edited by: John Stewart	About 4x4Wire Expo Center ORN Site Index Article Index Links Index Our Mission ORN & Environment ORN & Privacy

UTAH OHV TRAIL PATROL: Safety-Service-Education

The OHV groups in Utah are inaugurating a new off-highway safety, service and education initiative beginning the summer of 2001. The new Utah OHV Trail Patrol is a volunteer organization which supports and promotes safe and responsible recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs). It consists of a state board, various local units and individual members who use or support the use of motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, 4-wheel drive (4x4) and other motorized vehicles capable of off-highway operations. It has junior (8-17 years of age) and senior members.

MISSION

To set an example and provide service that will promote the responsible, safe and enjoyable use of off-highway vehicles.

VALUES

1. We believe recreational use of off-highway vehicles is a legitimate use of public lands.
2. We believe every operator of an off-highway vehicle has the responsibility to do so safely and responsibly.
3. We believe in obeying the laws governing the use of off-highway vehicles.
4. We believe in respecting the rights and privileges of others.
5. We believe in and practice the principles of Tread Lightly.
6. We believe voluntary service is necessary to ensure the future of off-highway vehicle use.
7. We believe safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles promotes good citizenship, physical fitness and family values.
8. We believe off-highway vehicles provide a mode of transportation that allows people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the great outdoors and to partake of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual values found there.
9. We believe in having fun.

MEMBERSHIP

A group of 10 or more individuals, usually affiliated with and organized OHV club or similar organization, may make application to a state board for chartering as an OHV Trail Patrol Unit. Individual members must submit an application for membership to the board for certification either as a junior or senior member. A junior member in good standing will automatically be granted senior status on their 18th birthday.

TRAINING

Every member must have 4 hours of orientation training prior to formal certification. This training will include such things as patrol mission and values, organization, duties and responsibilities, OHV laws and ethics, and the unit's relationship with public and private land owners. Upon completion of this training, each member must sign a pledge to conduct themselves in a responsible and ethical manner at all times when acting as a member of the OHV Trail Patrol. Individual members may also receive training and certification in advanced topics such as first aid, trail maintenance and signing, land rehabilitation, good host, law enforcement assistance, emergency machine repair, avalanche, search and rescue and safety education. Members may apply for and be certified by the board as instructors for these training modules.

DUTIES

1. Provide information and education to users.
2. Provide assistance to users, i.e. fix flats, call for emergency help, trouble shoot mechanical problems, first aid, water, etc.
3. Identify and report areas damaged by OHVS. Assist in rehabilitation work.
4. Install and maintain signs.
5. Do light trail maintenance.
6. Help maintain other facilities such as cattle guards, fences, gates, restrooms, etc.
7. Participate in search and rescue when requested.
8. Assist in, but do not, do law enforcement.

SUPERVISION

General oversight is provided by the state board. Supervision of all on-the-ground activities is provided by the landowner or administrator.

FINANCING

The long-range plan is the formation of a private organization to collect dues and administer a statewide program. In the interim, the state OHV program would pay for identifying insignias and some uniform items and generally support the OHV Trail Patrol program. If a club or similar organization is registered in the state as a non-profit organization, they may apply for grants from the state OHV program for projects and some operational costs. Project costs may be supported by materials or funds donated by landowners, agencies or private entities.

UNIFORM

Members will wear an article of clothing or insignia identifying them as an OHV Trail Patrol member. They will always identify themselves as such to others they contact. Additional uniform items may be purchased at the member-s expense such as jackets, caps, shirts and vests on which unit insignias and names, training patches and other appropriate decorations may be worn.

This initiative is supported by the Bureau of Land Management, National Forrest Service and Utah State Parks and Recreation and seeks to foster proper land use education and OHV driver training programs. To get involved, as a group or individual member, contact Todd Adams, Utah State 4X4 OHV Trail Patrol Board Representative, for further information.