Off-road vehicle violators threaten area closure, riding privileges

  • Published
  • By Gary Hatch
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Off-road vehicle riders who don't stay on the existing paths in the designated ORV areas put those areas at risk of closure to all riders, base officials said. 

The abuse has been most prevalent in ORV Area 2, where weekend riders have been observed riding south and west of the area. These riders cut new trails, which damage the desert ecosystem. They disturb revegetated areas and potentially endanger a prehistoric archaeological site. 

Staying in designated ORV areas not only protects the environment, but also keeps riders safe. Trails in established ORV areas are regularly monitored. 

By leaving ORV areas or cutting new trails in existing areas, riders increase the risk of injuring or killing animals like the desert tortoise, which is federally listed as a threatened species. Injuring a desert tortoise carries the potential of fines and even jail time. The base has other sensitive animal and plant species that can be injured or damaged by irresponsible use of these areas. 

Additionally, hunters use the area west of the ORV area. These hunters may be using hearing protection and may be unable to hear motorized ORV in the vicinity. Most species are in season in the fall and winter, but jackrabbits are in season all year long. 

ORV Area 2, located west of the Pacific Winds housing area, allows a wide range of activities, including jogging, horseback riding, and use of all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and bicycles. 

Environmental Management has built large signs on paths near the boundaries of this area. However, riders are responsible for knowing and staying within the designated area. Maps are available at Outdoor Recreation. 

To promote safety in ORV Area 2, Environmental Management is seeking volunteers to help monitor activity. Volunteers will be asked to monitor the areas and report boundary and rules violators to security forces.

Motorized vehicle users are required to complete Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and desert tortoise awareness training before using the ORV areas. The next desert tortoise awareness training is scheduled on June 15, 4 p.m., at building 2650A's Conference Room 3. 

For more information on desert tortoise awareness training or becoming a volunteer monitor, call EM at 277-1401. For more information on SVIA training, call Outdoor Recreation at 275-CAMP.