One Ranger was in an airplane and two others were on the ground making contacts. The rangers issued several warnings for sound that was above 99 db and citations were issued for riding in closed areas. We also sent several people home because they did not have spark arrestors and their sound was above 99 db.

Our policy has always been and will continue to be education, education, education! However, compliance levels have been dropping and we feel it is necessary to enforce the rules more strongly. I know those of you that ride here have either heard or read the saying "The future of this area depends on you."

Sometimes we hear things often enough that we
take them for granted. I can not stress this message enough! We have so many issues here in Central Oregon, we have homes adjacent to our trails systems, we have wildlife issues and we have plant issues. It is so important for you, the riders, to ride responsibly.

Every track through a sensitive plant colony or across private land and every bike that is too loud gives OHV opponents more ammunition to close our areas.

I realize that we made some people unhappy this weekend when we sent them home, issued a warning or citation. But how many more people will be unhappy if the area closes because our riders' compliance continues to drop?

Another issue that has come to our attention is that parents aren't getting their children legal. We at COHVOPS are glad that parents take the time to teach their children this great sport.

However, parents need to make sure that their children are legal all of the way - not
just part of the way. Everyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. Children under 7 cannot ride motorcycles on public land. Children between 7 and 12 must have an operator permit and be accompanied by an adult with a license or permit when riding a motorcycle.

Individuals over 12 may either have an operator permit or have a valid drivers license or be accompanied by someone 18 or older with a licence or permit. Quads are completely different. A person of any age, on a Class I, must have either an operator permit or a valid drivers license or be accompanied by someone 18 years or older with a license or permit.

To enroll in the class to receive an operator permit for motorcycles call 1-877-288-7093. For ATV's call 1-800-887-2887. As always, if you have any questions, comments that's what I'm here for. Feel free to give me a call or email (I have a feeling I'll get quite a few of both.)
Happy Trails...

Sarah Schartz
Off-Highway Vehicle Coordinator
Prineville BLM
(541) 416-6865
Sarah_Schartz@or.blm.gov