tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28223331342158098132024-02-18T23:23:05.583-08:00Stay on TrailsSteve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-21668862452964392542014-05-22T13:26:00.001-07:002014-05-22T13:27:40.457-07:00High-elevation roads, campgrounds may be closed for Memorial Day; check snow level before you go <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYUS6GibXfLlY8uSkRj_hmf7H3GY8mOfqmv_YIdH6gKSrum-ms6TcV3r8QODnoNTtSKZ2efOJ0mHKtEYL1QO0HGD1e3ruQVuQnSHMGUos2jDyab6Ym7msp5PxmzvdwqrUz3fMhNhRAN8/s1600/5840694226_184d8f6de1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYUS6GibXfLlY8uSkRj_hmf7H3GY8mOfqmv_YIdH6gKSrum-ms6TcV3r8QODnoNTtSKZ2efOJ0mHKtEYL1QO0HGD1e3ruQVuQnSHMGUos2jDyab6Ym7msp5PxmzvdwqrUz3fMhNhRAN8/s1600/5840694226_184d8f6de1_z.jpg" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding to Kirkwood or Pittsburg Landing would be a good call this weekend ...<br />
See <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Whitebird+to+Pittsburg+Landing+OHV+Ride">this page</a> for more information ... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r38XcO-ReSsGduajmdcFkR2GaNmJ29J8oYpCmLRygEfCSOOSQhmeiPV5OD9-iQmovoHguNbaMk78WxxIe1UIkQNjg124eYd0OMIjU9SEoTxIiH6crlXMIgNnq2NeYw3HcApSL7WyApo/s1600/Img_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r38XcO-ReSsGduajmdcFkR2GaNmJ29J8oYpCmLRygEfCSOOSQhmeiPV5OD9-iQmovoHguNbaMk78WxxIe1UIkQNjg124eYd0OMIjU9SEoTxIiH6crlXMIgNnq2NeYw3HcApSL7WyApo/s1600/Img_0131.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical scenario that you may encounter this weekend on high-elevation forest roads. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfEecP8iklDhN0a-oHshllpcFSxZezhMcUHPvMy-BBYpVkDG8v5NuT2GjeQvzJDLFEAlD79Ad-d3qjT-sIe_bVBg_LY4rBLKcd_fOvObNDhH-BI64gvSPAP5t5fzSqOZDA4nZ-h2-uq0/s1600/P5060028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfEecP8iklDhN0a-oHshllpcFSxZezhMcUHPvMy-BBYpVkDG8v5NuT2GjeQvzJDLFEAlD79Ad-d3qjT-sIe_bVBg_LY4rBLKcd_fOvObNDhH-BI64gvSPAP5t5fzSqOZDA4nZ-h2-uq0/s1600/P5060028.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't get stuck out there - you might end up with a costly towing bill. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5FViMAPvmqLtoSwdRRRLOKhJYQzRxMRdq5-A-zGBK4tRjy-yWgDR3kqQfqTKx7xHJ40WOgNH4mB7nYprSe93LsQ9CpGVvcFCQBixattlRKY1drnmlDPZPYZLFlbfBODSV2IQ-oOhBpo/s1600/Ketchum-RD-fire-closure-are.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5FViMAPvmqLtoSwdRRRLOKhJYQzRxMRdq5-A-zGBK4tRjy-yWgDR3kqQfqTKx7xHJ40WOgNH4mB7nYprSe93LsQ9CpGVvcFCQBixattlRKY1drnmlDPZPYZLFlbfBODSV2IQ-oOhBpo/s1600/Ketchum-RD-fire-closure-are.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire closure area in the Ketchum Ranger District. (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire closure areas in Mountain Home Ranger District. (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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Hi all,<br />
<br />
Many trails, roads and campgrounds are open for Memorial Day at elevations below 6,500 to 7,000 feet in the southern Idaho, but the higher-elevation locations are likely to be covered with snow, according to national forest officials. Most camping locations, trails and roads should be open on Bureau of Land Management locations throughout southern Idaho because they are at lower-elevations.<br />
<br />
In North Idaho, the snowmelt is going slower. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest reported snow levels are at 3,500 to 5,000 feet in the Powell and Lochsa ranger district areas, and the Panhandle National Forests report snow levels at approximately 4,500 feet.<br />
<br />
Here's a roundup of trail conditions from the Idaho's national forests ...<br />
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<b>Boise National Forest</b> - V<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">isitors will experience deeper snow conditions on Memorial Day weekend compared
with previous years. Water levels in rivers and streams are beginning to rise
with the warmer spring temperatures although the snow melt has been slow. Most
trails, roads and campgrounds will be open within the national forest with the
exception of those above 6,000 feet.</span></span><br />
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“It is easy to think you can keep driving once you reach the snow line, but that snow typically just gets deeper,” said David Olson, Boise National Forest Public Affairs Officer. “Forest roads are not plowed and persons getting stuck have the strong potential for expensive tows or long walks to get help.”<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800356">link</a> to the Boise road, trail and camping <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800356">condition report</a>. </span></span></div>
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<b>Payette National Forest</b> - Snow levels are at about 6,500 feet. North of Payette Lake, you can reach Upper Payette Lake but Secesh Summit is closed by more than 2 feet of snow. That means you can't reach Burgdorf Hot Springs without a snowmmobile or skis. Lick Creek Road is closed by snow. Hazard Lake is not accessible either. Call <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/payette/about-forest/?cid=fsm9_031011">local ranger districts</a> for more information.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sawtooth National Forest</b> - </span></span>The Sawtooth National Forest encourages everyone to get out this Memorial Day weekend and enjoy your National Forest. People planning on recreating on the Sawtooth National Forest over the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend will find a number of facilities open and operating, however, due to the lingering snowpack at the higher elevations, a number of roads and trails will be closed.</div>
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Snow levels are hovering at about 6,900 feet, depending on slope aspect.<br />
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We would like to remind visitors to avoid driving or riding on muddy roads and trails to avoid damaging the running surface. Please check with your local Forest Service office for current road and trail conditions.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Here's the<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sawtooth/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800605"> link </a>to the Sawtooth <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sawtooth/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800605">condition report</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Caribou-Targhee National Forest</b> - </span></span><span style="background-color: #fffdee; line-height: 1.4em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Springtime brings spectacular wildflowers, scenic drives, camping and long hikes. Memorial Day weekend signals the start of the camping and recreating season in this part of the world. Before traveling to the forest, officials remind visitors to keep in mind the following information.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, the forest road and trail maintenance funds are still less than average compared to previous years. Road maintenance will be improved over last but less than what we have experienced in the past. The condition forest roads are in during springtime may very well be the condition they remain in all summer. <br /><br />Please be aware of muddy conditions and do not travel in areas where the conditions are so muddy that ruts are created by your motor vehicles whether it is a bike or a car. Do not drive around snowdrifts crossing the roads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ctnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3801196">link</a> to the Caribou-Targhee <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ctnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3801196">condition report</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Salmon-Challis National Forest </b>- Snow levels are at approximately 5,500 feet. The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/scnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800465">news release </a>put out by the Salmon-Challis is about general camping information. Call ranger districts for more specific information. More information <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/scnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3800465">here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest</b> - </span></span>Snow-laden landscapes are giving way to green grass and wildflowers – a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. An early season getaway to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is the perfect way to celebrate the long Memorial Day Weekend. </div>
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Snow levels are much lower than in southern Idaho - 4,000 to 5,000 feet in the Lochsa and Selway river areas. The Lolo Motorway, also known as the #500 Road, will not open until late June, forest officials said. </div>
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Here's a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3801088">link </a>to the Nez Perce-Clearwater <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/news-events/?cid=STELPRD3801088">condition report</a>. </div>
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<b>Panhandle National Forests </b>- Snow level is at approximately 4,500 feet and up. Most campgrounds are open. High-elevations would be questionable. Low-elevation trails should be fine. Contact <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf">local ranger districts </a>for site-specific conditions. </div>
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See our <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">Where to Ride</a> page for specific ride ideas this weekend. See also Idaho Park & Recreation's <a href="http://www.trails.idaho.gov/trails/">interactive statewide trail map </a>for researching trails, roads and loop rides. </div>
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Ride safe and have fun! </div>
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Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-51196709352617562832014-04-30T11:46:00.001-07:002014-04-30T11:52:18.138-07:00Check on USFS road conditions before you go ... still lots of snow in elevations above 5,000 feet <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoRn7ORKgUyloANGZ5wu85eCuoHshJV2fv5RDoY4hMeFJtkPnnEiZj-Vl1IiMtmynzOoiFnLhUKysej5yTEfMDxkhvPlef7aQqHxMA_fZcbdqjxzpKN6eoDiZH4S4oEr319P_4P-mM2w/s1600/truck+stuck+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoRn7ORKgUyloANGZ5wu85eCuoHshJV2fv5RDoY4hMeFJtkPnnEiZj-Vl1IiMtmynzOoiFnLhUKysej5yTEfMDxkhvPlef7aQqHxMA_fZcbdqjxzpKN6eoDiZH4S4oEr319P_4P-mM2w/s1600/truck+stuck+in+snow.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ODzj07CL2IHbklOIypg8W-le71X3nmnFl-krixDRl2Zzh4-OClDLGxLUdWlniG8Rh0L8eCHwdQjJDERUY0a0gbD1FZ0s1wXTDhyphenhyphenH49WtG1qMpSGICFIjbuk7gVnqHhYz43je21B8RtU/s1600/Damaged+Road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ODzj07CL2IHbklOIypg8W-le71X3nmnFl-krixDRl2Zzh4-OClDLGxLUdWlniG8Rh0L8eCHwdQjJDERUY0a0gbD1FZ0s1wXTDhyphenhyphenH49WtG1qMpSGICFIjbuk7gVnqHhYz43je21B8RtU/s1600/Damaged+Road.JPG" height="312" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even if some roads are melted out, they're soft and wet, and susceptible to lasting damage.</td></tr>
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Hi all,<br />
<br />
Payette National Forest and Boise National Forest officials are cautioning forest visitors to check with local ranger districts before you head out to go play in the national forests this month of May. They're getting reports of people getting stuck in the snow.<br />
<br />
In general, forest roads above 5,000 feet are still covered in snow, and it will take time for things to melt out after a big winter ... most snowpack levels in Central Idaho are more than 100 percent of normal, with some exceptions.<br />
<br />
"Even below 5,000 feet, people may encounter snow in shaded areas two to three feet deep," said Brian Harris, spokesman for the Payette National Forest. <br />
<br />
Let us know what you find in your adventures ... send us a comment and post it below.<br />
<br />
<b>Press Release from Boise N.F., dated April 11: </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">BOISE – Boise National Forest officials are cautioning visitors heading into the mountains to use caution driving forest roads. R</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;">oads at lower elevations are clearing, but as roads reach higher elevations, snow remains on the road surface. Drivers are risking driving through the snow, thinking they can go further only to find they get stuck in the deeper snows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;"><b>Last weekend in the Granite Creek area, just east of Idaho City, Forest Law Enforcement Officers assisted 6 vehicles on Saturday that got stuck on the snow covered roads.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;">“It is easy to think you can keep driving once you reach the snow line, but that snow typically just gets deeper,” said David Olson, Boise National Forest Public Affairs Officer. “That leads to potentially expensive tows or long walks to get help.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;">Although the snow is slowly melting waiting for a few weeks and then checking with forest offices regarding higher elevation road access is advised.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;">For more information contact the Interagency Visitor Center at 208-373-4007 or visit the Boise National Forest Web site at</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;"> </span><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/boise" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.4em; text-decoration: none;">http://www.fs.usda.gov/boise</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.4em;">. To reach the Boise National Forest ranger districts, go to <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/about-forest/offices">this web page</a>.</span></div>
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<b>Press release from the Payette National Forest, dated Tuesday, April 29: </b><br />
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McCALL, Idaho - As spring continues to emerge across the Forest, we expect
more visitors to experience the great out of doors in the weeks to come.
However; Forest officials are suggesting that visitors contact a District
office to inquire about access and road conditions before heading out.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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On the Weiser Ranger District, many roads that normally open
on the first of May are expected to remain closed for a little longer.
Roads on the Council Ranger District that normally open on the 15<sup>th</sup>
of May might also be opened later than normal depending on weather and
temperature. The Forest Service opens road as the surface conditions become
stable enough for vehicle traffic. “We did experience a late string of
storms across the district that has led to many roads still being too wet to
open,” said District Ranger Greg Lesch. “It’s best to call one of our
offices to get the latest information.”</div>
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Roads on the New Meadows, McCall and Krassel Ranger
Districts are higher in elevation and tend to stay closed a little longer than
roads in the lower elevations. Know, before you go is a great way to stay
informed and ensure you have a pleasant visit to your national forests.
If members of the public encounter road conditions that are unsafe, we
encourage them to share the information with the Forest Service so an
evaluation can be done.</div>
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Motor Vehicle User Maps are always available at our District
offices and are free of charge. For specific more information, please
call: Council RD: 253-0100; Krassel RD: 634-0974; McCall RD: 634-0400;
New Meadows RD: 347-0300; Weiser RD: 549-4200 <br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffdee; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Thank you. </span>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-64469620447132434432014-03-17T13:58:00.001-07:002014-03-17T14:00:30.604-07:00Popular Danskin OHV trail system will be closed in 2014 for repairs, restoration<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8W9CnLmILIOb-6z72vMhaso6y9QPZ5TwRDowUjGXdEWrnqZHabdZxIyMLOqKtUh8tn43ZrUcaW0YY-evwyAzdlXCfqmYoiMMOuwjLIGVYRDaUjAj6r49CUBHL6pwwW_hlp6IBKqkZ5c/s1600/Bridge+burned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8W9CnLmILIOb-6z72vMhaso6y9QPZ5TwRDowUjGXdEWrnqZHabdZxIyMLOqKtUh8tn43ZrUcaW0YY-evwyAzdlXCfqmYoiMMOuwjLIGVYRDaUjAj6r49CUBHL6pwwW_hlp6IBKqkZ5c/s1600/Bridge+burned.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burned bridge in the fire zone. (Courtesy Boise National Forest)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS79VGTBB8L7y-chzZq65k1thmFJEPzxLdx7cxXPeLAdiZ7QX_z487fxBxSwFQisn8Ltsl9fP78RMhj_VeXfShYLf3vyAJT00p4uCV6mCDkYHGPYy6es9WlDJNbh56ZQBa9xf67qVLjs/s1600/Deep+holes+on+trails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdS79VGTBB8L7y-chzZq65k1thmFJEPzxLdx7cxXPeLAdiZ7QX_z487fxBxSwFQisn8Ltsl9fP78RMhj_VeXfShYLf3vyAJT00p4uCV6mCDkYHGPYy6es9WlDJNbh56ZQBa9xf67qVLjs/s1600/Deep+holes+on+trails.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep holes like this exist along some of the trails ... (Courtesy Boise National Forest)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's a news release from the Boise National Forest on Friday, March 14, regarding the popular Danskin Trail system ...<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">BOISE, ID – The Danskin OHV area, a popular 60,000-acre recreation
site located east of Boise in last year’s Elk and Pony Fire Complex area, will
continue to be closed this year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The closure applies to motorized and mechanized use, which has been in
place since the late-summer fire due to public safety concerns. Of highest concern are eroded trails,
softened soil, burned roots creating trail depressions, damaged bridges and
infrastructure, and snag trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Two recent accidents, one involving a Forest Service worker, and the
second a private citizen operating a vehicle near the OHV area, involved ATV’s
that suddenly rolled off the trail and down steep slopes due to the soft and
eroded trails. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I have been, and continue to be, concerned with the hazards that
exist in this recreation area due to the fire damage,” said Stephaney Church,
Mountain Home District Ranger. “These
people were lucky they were not killed and until we can fully assess the
damage, fully implement a restoration plan, and begin to see accomplishments
with mitigating the hazards public use of this area is dangerous and
prohibited.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition, the vegetation and wildlife are slowly recovering and are
in a fragile condition. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Church said that high severity fires increase water runoff and burn
vegetation such as brush and roots that hold the soil in place creating
dangerous conditions. Church added a key ingredient to protect and preserve the trail
system is user compliance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Work to rehabilitate and repair the fire damage has begun. Grass seeds were applied by helicopter in the
early winter, and volunteer efforts have begun to help establish sagebrush and
bitterbrush consumed by the fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Coordination with several ATV clubs, conservation groups and outdoor
organizations is occurring, but to repair the vast and significant damage will
take some time,” said Church. “We are
optimistic good progress will be made throughout the coming year, and are eager
to reopen the area as soon as it is safe for public use.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Violation of the closure is punishable by up to 6
months in jail and/or a $5,000 dollar fine.
Further information is available at the Mountain Home Ranger District at
587-7961 or</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><span style="color: #0070c0;"> www.fs.usda.gov/boise</span></u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For alternative places to ride in SW Idaho, please see our </span><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Where to Ride </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">page for some ideas. The foothills of the Owyhee Mountains open up early in the spring and would be a good choice. We feature two rides in that area -- an </span><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Owyhee+Front+ATV+Fun+Run" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ATV fun run</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and a </span><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Owyhee+Front+Motorcycle+Fun+Run" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">motorcycle fun run</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Both rides are about 25 miles long. The </span><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Owyhee+Backcountry+Byway%2c+Owyhee+County" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Owyhee Backcountry Byway</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> would be another possibility, weather-permitting. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See our <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">full list of 50 rides</a>, with detailed descriptions and maps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Another great source of information for OHV riding is the "<a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/trails/">Idaho Trails</a>" statewide interactive online map provided by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Before you go, check with the local ranger district office or BLM district office to check on spring conditions. Lower-elevation trails will be the best bet at this time of year. </span></div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-19384617997523681432014-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:002014-01-04T12:47:53.794-08:00IDPR Trail Rangers clear 1,843 miles of trail statewide in 2013; thanks for the work guys! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3_i7ToWh7X0iQwi9HTmoLHrMfHrZ5h-wEMzwvA6l2Toq9UcmpGREwmHM3I-Gd8N_0MkGQ6S1MO8NvxSvOyJbGVAqVUX-Gv6zhwEmWdnu44h_Mq6p3cvMFVh_7ZDR_k1_tym7z3S6bVM/s1600/60048_407100319411178_552325341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe3_i7ToWh7X0iQwi9HTmoLHrMfHrZ5h-wEMzwvA6l2Toq9UcmpGREwmHM3I-Gd8N_0MkGQ6S1MO8NvxSvOyJbGVAqVUX-Gv6zhwEmWdnu44h_Mq6p3cvMFVh_7ZDR_k1_tym7z3S6bVM/s400/60048_407100319411178_552325341_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post burn log pile-ups can take many hours, if not days to clear. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5PQqUY2x52_cxsNpXrEXwVBO08fE_czV4nNV2tQzXHgGI6wWQc1UElzvTrxE5dmws6xIbfeCotab-EfQ7c51Iq66_XDwxT_zIq6zafoJwg1aXlf24KQmhyphenhyphenArTMxPrd2ci9w7i_rXz78/s1600/Trail+clearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5PQqUY2x52_cxsNpXrEXwVBO08fE_czV4nNV2tQzXHgGI6wWQc1UElzvTrxE5dmws6xIbfeCotab-EfQ7c51Iq66_XDwxT_zIq6zafoJwg1aXlf24KQmhyphenhyphenArTMxPrd2ci9w7i_rXz78/s400/Trail+clearing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi all, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy New Year to the Idaho OHV community! We wanted to share the impressive achievements of the <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike">Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation</a> Trail Rangers program in the 2013 field season. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">The Trail Ranger crews work hard all summer long in Idaho's backcountry to ensure that our multi-use trails on national forest lands are free of downfall and brush, usable and sustainable.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They're strong and sturdy guys who ride motorbikes to access the trails, carrying chainsaws, shovels and other necessary tools for trail maintenance.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">The overall goal is to clear about 2,000 miles of trail statewide. Twenty-six different ranger districts on eight national forests throughout the state put in requests for trail-clearing, and IDPR fulfills the requests as best they can. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">The Forest Service provides a place for the Trail Rangers to sleep, and the trail work is provided to the national forests at no cost. Idaho OHV registration fees pay for the program, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">keeping many popular multi-use trails open and cleared for the public to enjoy. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y_vQVE9LHWo" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Here's the breakdown of the Trail Rangers work by region, according to<a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike"> IDPR's ATV/Motorbike Program</a>: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>North</b>:</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<span style="background: white;">Miles request: 540.7<br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Miles Cleared: 528.3</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Downfall: 1949</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Tread work: 1027</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Water Bars: 179</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><b>Southwest</b>:</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Miles Request: 734.2</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Miles Cleared: 679.6</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Downfall: 7080</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Tread Work: 1058</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Water Bars: 308</span><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><b>East</b>:</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Miles Request: 668.9</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Miles Cleared: 635.1</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Downfall: 2551</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Tread Work: 110</span><br />
<span class="textexposedshow">Water Bars: 169<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Total miles cleared 1,843 miles </b></span><br />
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">
One statistic seems to jump out in the Southwest region -- the removal of more than 7,000 trees! Recent wildfires, microbursts and blow-down events all led to that amazing tally of downed timber.<br />
<br />
You can see individual ranger district reports on Trail Rangers work on the IDPR ATV/Motorbike <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IdahoATVMotorbikeProgram">Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to the Trail Rangers for their fine work in 2013, and thanks to the OHV users for supporting the program!<br />
<br />
If OHV users have a particular trail that they'd like to have addressed by the Trail Rangers, they should contact their local Forest Service ranger district office to ensure that the trail is under consideration for maintenance. Folks also could contact the <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike">IDPR ATV/Motorbike progam</a> for information as well. </div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-58136985357085537832013-11-19T15:59:00.000-08:002013-11-19T16:00:44.694-08:00New free Challis-area Recreation Map is available for all trail users from the Challis Chamber <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRk3y5FJ12TQ08GP8qdaoHNtuzqrHVzpdhuMinHrsvozw_71YXLfFeC6USdbENEdHKaPKX-eXEFsDa1XT6jT0wB3vCG9kRLAHeAUDvbt7oKNmfL3H2S68IHdXobxzzVqZEiZmFP0B5KM/s1600/Challis+Rec+map+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRk3y5FJ12TQ08GP8qdaoHNtuzqrHVzpdhuMinHrsvozw_71YXLfFeC6USdbENEdHKaPKX-eXEFsDa1XT6jT0wB3vCG9kRLAHeAUDvbt7oKNmfL3H2S68IHdXobxzzVqZEiZmFP0B5KM/s320/Challis+Rec+map+cover.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
Hi all,<br />
<br />
The Challis Area Chamber of Commerce has produced a new recreation map for the greater Challis area. The two-sided, full-color map is available for free from the chamber.<br />
<br />
The map is very comprehensive, focusing on Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service trails in the vicinity surrounding Challis, including trails in the Yankee Fork area, Morgan Creek area, the Pahsimeroi country, Big Lost Range, Mackay area and more.<br />
<br />
The map features easy-to-read, color-coded trail designations for ATV trails, motorbike trails, non-motorized trails, jeep trails and roads.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3cFP9RafLUSDir0P8Kfqgca1XipEoePveUlMo1N1QHQ8aQRfAdwkNP56PYTjHQ_mMBvEvQsToi-3WwwB3dglxMJYGSmqDy3EELB02PVu-7lAvxuFBuB-zYW4aD6rTAc2P4k924vrUR4/s1600/Challis+Rec+map+sample+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3cFP9RafLUSDir0P8Kfqgca1XipEoePveUlMo1N1QHQ8aQRfAdwkNP56PYTjHQ_mMBvEvQsToi-3WwwB3dglxMJYGSmqDy3EELB02PVu-7lAvxuFBuB-zYW4aD6rTAc2P4k924vrUR4/s400/Challis+Rec+map+sample+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color-coded trail designations highlights different trail types for<br />
ATVs, roads, singletrack trails for motorbikes or mountain bikes,<br />
and non-motorized trails. (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Melissa Perkins Fitzgerald, executive director of the Challis Area Chamber of Commerce, explains how the map project was conceived. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Challis Area Chamber of
Commerce recognizes the importance of recreation to our community and its
economy," she said. "Subsidized by ad sponsorship, the map features an area of approximately 5,000
square miles. By providing extensive trail opportunities, we offer the public
alternative routes for their enjoyment, thereby enhancing their experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"To
the visiting public this may increase the possibility of their return and
referral. Until now, the public had to review several agency maps to view ‘the
big picture’. While USFS and BLM are the definitive resource for trail conditions and
regulations, our map is a sizable overview of the region and of the trail systems. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We see this project is an investment in
our future."</span></div>
<br />
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If you're thinking about exploring recreation trails in the greater Challis area, the new recreation map would be a great resource for planning and navigating trail rides.</div>
<br />
Contact Melissa at the Challis chamber, if you'd like to order the map. Donations for postage would be appreciated, but not required. She can be reached at 208-879-2771 or via email: <a href="mailto:challischamber@custertel.net" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">challischamber@custertel.net</a> <br />
<br />
FYI: Some of the motorbike and ATV trails in the Challis area are featured in the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">Where to Ride section</a> of the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/">stayontrails.com</a> web site. Each ride has a detailed desciption and map. We offer these Internet resources as an additional place to go for information about riding in the Challis area. Click on the rides below for the details:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Mackay+Mine+Tours">Mackay Mine Tours </a></li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Custer+Motorway+_+Salmon-Challis+NF">Custer Motorway </a></li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Pennal+Gulch+Trail">Pennal Gulch Trail </a></li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Lombard+Trail">Lombard Trail w/video</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Bayhorse+Pacific+Mine+Loop">Bayhorse - Pacific Mine Loop</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Bayhorse+Lake+%E2%80%93+Trealor+Creek+Loop">Bayhorse Lake - Trealor Creek Loop</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Martin+Creek+%E2%80%93+Squaw+Creek+Loop">Martin Creek-Squaw Creek Loop </a></li>
<li><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Cinnebar+%E2%80%93+Five+Mile+Loop">Cinnebar-Five Mile Loop</a> </li>
</ul>
There you have it. Enjoy your ride!Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-83171565459693713882013-09-30T11:29:00.000-07:002013-09-30T11:29:30.030-07:00Brush up on new IDFG motorized hunting rule before you go hunting; rule affects 30 units <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkt31XPqeB8WOpI8iGqRrj27_MEB118el8-7zET2P8_zqfTV5iaNvG1M9TTxeqMn0YNyOWx63-SonoriHhqkGQqNYNP6uz3qJuW7C7T8Jxq0HuaCX2GI4L2juUBxTlmCjSM9oWuIwp2o/s1600/7404_8314_Sun_Valley_Idaho_Hunting_md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkt31XPqeB8WOpI8iGqRrj27_MEB118el8-7zET2P8_zqfTV5iaNvG1M9TTxeqMn0YNyOWx63-SonoriHhqkGQqNYNP6uz3qJuW7C7T8Jxq0HuaCX2GI4L2juUBxTlmCjSM9oWuIwp2o/s400/7404_8314_Sun_Valley_Idaho_Hunting_md.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General deer season opens on Oct. 10 statewide </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8Pz8QFQjAVjhBqRgCAsQVgGO0vApNDalyZR1cqJ83cLy58A-FO3SVFVxyO2B3jOT5KPlAkk9Qnjtd39EEVlGEpLUW9CAwRfYtZM_WPDFgu1q9c-Rae0IDRRedULOhwC1YIqGE7vHzs/s1600/v450_motorVehicleRule+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8Pz8QFQjAVjhBqRgCAsQVgGO0vApNDalyZR1cqJ83cLy58A-FO3SVFVxyO2B3jOT5KPlAkk9Qnjtd39EEVlGEpLUW9CAwRfYtZM_WPDFgu1q9c-Rae0IDRRedULOhwC1YIqGE7vHzs/s400/v450_motorVehicleRule+map.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 big game units are affected by the IDFG Motorized Hunting Rule </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Hi all, </div>
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<br /></div>
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We want to give Idaho resident and non-resident hunters a
head's up about a new "<a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=152">Motorized Hunting
Rule</a>" that the <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=152">Idaho Department
of Fish and Game</a> has put into place for the 2013 hunting season. The
Motorized Hunting Rule is similar to previous IDFG rules regarding the use of motorized
vehicles on public lands, but a few changes have occurred. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Many OHV riders know that the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/">U.S.
Forest Service</a> and <a href="http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en.html">Bureau of
Land Management</a> either have travel management plans in place or are in the
process of finalizing them. These plans guide the use of singletrack trails,
ATV trails, two-track roads and primary access roads on public lands during the
year. Many of these routes are restricted during hunting season or restricted
to benefit wildlife; these restrictions affect all motorized recreationists. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The basis of trail- and road-restrictions benefit wildlife is
primarily to reduce the disturbance effect of OHV's on wildlife, said Jon
Heggen, chief of enforcement for IDFG. The disturbance from motorized vehicles may spook wildlife from cover habitat, but also disrupt the hunting experience
of people hunting on foot or horseback. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZQkw80LHPMGgfo-RR_J5Ua7KE0rPWdO4ybBd5YoZ3d82AWpt9x7GyRY4rE3XfbnO3sHbStkot6cQary115ORBkA2ONC-kngO21zHs1SbZnimBeAtGQR2sGwp6GoRSdd1G-VMmAg7mP0/s1600/Always+secure+weapons+when+traveling+on+ORV+pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZQkw80LHPMGgfo-RR_J5Ua7KE0rPWdO4ybBd5YoZ3d82AWpt9x7GyRY4rE3XfbnO3sHbStkot6cQary115ORBkA2ONC-kngO21zHs1SbZnimBeAtGQR2sGwp6GoRSdd1G-VMmAg7mP0/s400/Always+secure+weapons+when+traveling+on+ORV+pic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's getting to be time to gear up for rifle hunting season in Idaho ... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A number of years ago, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission
implemented specific restrictions for OHV use by hunters in various hunting
units. These restrictions came on top of the OHV restrictions in USFS and BLM
travel management plans to address harvest vulnerability during the hunting
season. <br />
<br />
"Vulnerability is an important management issue because OHV's can cover
more ground than people hunting on foot or horseback, and this can lead to a
higher mortality rate on deer and elk, Fish and Game officials say. Additionally, research in Idaho and elsewhere
has shown that managing motorized access can increase the number and quality of
mature bucks and bulls.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Fish and Game Motorized Hunting Rule restricts OHV use by
hunters on certain roads and trails in <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/motorVehicleRule.pdf">30 big
game units statewide</a>; all of them are south of the Salmon River in southern Idaho. See map. Hunters should check the IDFG web site for details. Some of these units have high road densities
from logging projects conducted years ago. <br /></div>
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Among the changes in the Motorized Hunting Rule this year: </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->OHV restrictions for the Boise River Mountains Unit
#39 and Big Wood Unit #48 have been discontinued. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It applies to hunters pursuing all big game species,
including those pursuing moose, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It is valid and enforced between the dates of
Aug. 30 and Dec. 31. Therefore, it doesn't apply to spring bear, cougar and
turkey hunts. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It does NOT apply to bird hunters -- people
pursuing blue grouse or chukars on public lands. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 37.5pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It does NOT apply to recreational OHV riders who
are just out for a ride, and are not hunting. <br /></div>
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Hunters can still use OHVs to pack in hunting camp and to
retrieve game as long as these activities are done on designated trails. It's
illegal to ride OHV's cross-country to retrieve game unless specifically
allowed by the land manager. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Some folks in the OHV community question whether the IDFG
has the legal authority to enact OHV restrictions over and above those already
adopted by the Forest Service and BLM. The <a href="http://boiseatvtrailriders.org/whats-new/local-news/idaho-legislature-addressing-fish-and-game-ohv-rule/">Idaho
Legislature</a> has been evaluating the issue for the last two sessions. </div>
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The new changes "doesn't change our opinion" about
the rule, said David Claiborne, president of the Idaho State ATV Association.
"I'd prefer to have one travel management plan guiding the use of OHV's on
public lands, rather than having multiple layers of regulation. It'd be better
to keep it simple for everybody. Fish and Game is adding another level of
complexity."</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Motorized Hunting
Rule also is difficult to enforce, Claiborne says, because any hunter riding an
OHV with a firearm during hunting season in a restricted hunting unit is
subject to being stopped by a Fish and Game conservation officer. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Fish and Game officials say they need the additional
restrictions on OHV use to maintain healthy populations of bucks and bulls and
meet management objectives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We expect the conversations between the Idaho State ATV
Association and IDFG will continue about the Motorized Hunting Rule. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF0iKGDww9sZ18zOQEyF_Gq-TOrUn-OnN3g-LII6gtjIaBoe5SFxsOv-Rhd4jweRu_Su0G4837ui5Bz9mdxC0iY4XlpDMUiLPcFHPCC5Vprn7uVX0XZihi3RvaqCI5ydCtmPbAPB4cPQ/s1600/pnfMVUMcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF0iKGDww9sZ18zOQEyF_Gq-TOrUn-OnN3g-LII6gtjIaBoe5SFxsOv-Rhd4jweRu_Su0G4837ui5Bz9mdxC0iY4XlpDMUiLPcFHPCC5Vprn7uVX0XZihi3RvaqCI5ydCtmPbAPB4cPQ/s400/pnfMVUMcover.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps also are important to consult<br />for information about trail and road closures to hunters on OHVs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But in the meantime, hunters will need to do their homework
and check on trail and road restrictions in their favorite hunting units before
deer season opens on Oct. 10 statewide. This means checking the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/hunt/">BLM travel plans</a>, Forest Service <a href="http://stayontrails.com/mvum/">Motor Vehicle Use Maps</a>, and IDFG information
if you're going to hunt in one of the 30 big game units affected by the IDFG
Motorized Hunting Rule.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We joke inside the office that OHV riders almost have to
have a Ph.D. in natural resource management to figure out where to ride legally
in Idaho during hunting season. But seriously, take some time to pore over the <a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/">maps</a> and <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapcenter/">online
resources</a> before you go big game hunting to make sure you can ride where
you want to hunt, or at least know what restrictions exist in your hunting
area. </div>
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<br />
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Hope you have a great hunt! </div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-55740744221982524742013-06-28T14:20:00.001-07:002013-06-28T14:21:09.988-07:00New ATV recreation map for Central Idaho has opportunities for sponsors, advertisers <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JjZcd9mqa9iw43uYjT4ZPpjOqDCu1_T8yLFd5lxaS7BIyB1MkC9LW8ih5bpF5Ysi9qefyO7xP9kMp-9QmBtovre2Yass4kuxcVRStnUf5NyotMtLmoD4bPY8KKep1rbSLRExqYO9xs/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JjZcd9mqa9iw43uYjT4ZPpjOqDCu1_T8yLFd5lxaS7BIyB1MkC9LW8ih5bpF5Ysi9qefyO7xP9kMp-9QmBtovre2Yass4kuxcVRStnUf5NyotMtLmoD4bPY8KKep1rbSLRExqYO9xs/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are lots of great trail rides in the Challis area. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Challis Area Chamber of Commerce is working on producing a recreation map for ATV and motorbike trails in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.<br />
<br />
The idea is to show a larger picture of the OHV recreation trails in the greater Central Idaho area surrounding Challis. The map would cover trails from the Yankee Fork-Sunbeam area to the west, Iron Creek to the north near Salmon, the Pahsimeroi Valley to Goldberg to the east, and areas south of Mackay to the south.<br />
<br />
The map will be free to the general public. The Forest Service, BLM and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation are all supportive of the map project.<br />
<br />
Melissa Perkins Fitzgerald, who is heading up the mapping effort for the Challis chamber, says the deadline is fast approaching for advertisements to support the map research, development, printing and distribution. There are still advertising opportunities for 14 businesses on the map. Contact Fitzgerald if you are interested in advertising by the week of July 1. See her contacts below. <br />
<br />
"By providing extensive trail opportunities in our area, we
offer many routes for people's enjoyment, thereby enhancing their
experience. This project is an investment in our future," Fitzgerald says.<br />
<br />
The Challis chamber plans to have the map printed before the 5th annual "Ride the BayHorse" ATV event, which will be held over the weekend of Aug. 16-18. Also at that time, the Idaho State ATV Association (ISATVA) will hold their annual meeting in Challis.<br />
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For more information, contact Melissa at the Challis Chamber of Commerce, 208-879-2771, or by email <a href="mailto:challischamber@custertel.net">challischamber@custertel.net</a>. Thank you. </div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-40628025220301680872013-06-21T13:28:00.000-07:002013-06-25T09:52:42.810-07:00John Keys of Boise wins Polaris 500 Sportsman from Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK7u8y2cK5wRPgd1J0HsTxzdTG94NI_6jS1iEsvoGa1rViAT8TrjIsTK6A3fnK6RefmsBmdoKKcSv2iMxZhDjl13AXelc60mCEabDvZPZ5dq_9XQUuTdNS_m-RbyHAmI47vcC3TaR0SQ/s1600/DSCN2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLK7u8y2cK5wRPgd1J0HsTxzdTG94NI_6jS1iEsvoGa1rViAT8TrjIsTK6A3fnK6RefmsBmdoKKcSv2iMxZhDjl13AXelc60mCEabDvZPZ5dq_9XQUuTdNS_m-RbyHAmI47vcC3TaR0SQ/s400/DSCN2721.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lucky winner, John Keys, with a Ride Proud T-shirt at Carl's Cycles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi all,<br />
<br />
John Keys was a happy guy on Thursday as he picked up a brand new forest green Polaris Sportsman 500 at <a href="http://www.carlscycle.com/">Carl's Cycles</a> in Boise. Keys won the $6,100 machine by entering an ATV sweepstakes offering this spring from the Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign. We had 1,735 entries in the contest.<br />
<br />
Keys is excited about learning how to ride the ATV. "I've actually never ridden a scooter, a motorcycle or a motorcycle before," he said. "I'm more a sandals and mountain biker and kayaker kind of guy."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H7ecLUOPyt8bg_QnR-3moVFNhtUGJZq_5zKrl-Iv6Dl0KT4DYw4zgmdGbqi73OZouAhl7vfJzL-V9o5hS_tk793NtIk7scHleD5ZFUJxkOczicw8w1HMnSHgBbVE9rO3iYU_a8CP6Xs/s1600/DSCN2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H7ecLUOPyt8bg_QnR-3moVFNhtUGJZq_5zKrl-Iv6Dl0KT4DYw4zgmdGbqi73OZouAhl7vfJzL-V9o5hS_tk793NtIk7scHleD5ZFUJxkOczicw8w1HMnSHgBbVE9rO3iYU_a8CP6Xs/s400/DSCN2705.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale Zimmerman of Carl's Cycles explains the operational features of the Polaris Sportsman 500. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But as Dale Zimmerman from Carl's explained all the features of the Polaris 500 Sportsman, Keys said, "Man, this is really pretty cool!"<br />
<br />
A kayak friend, Jo Cassin, co-owner of <a href="http://www.idahoriversports.com/">Idaho River Sports</a>, steered Keys toward entering the ATV drawing on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayOnTrails">Stay on Trails Facebook page.</a> Cassin had liked the Facebook post, so he checked out the sweepstakes and filled out the information to enter the contest. This is often how good ideas spread in social media networks -- from one friend to the next.<br />
<br />
Keys says his friends have been saying things ranging from "congrats" to "damn you" after learning that he won the Polaris Sportsman. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBw4yHmEp_SKklyLbcVthUEiZKIAjYwIgFJek3Va2JHyIkij9cuFJhbHAMGZqLBz2V-SixL4OkRpPQpN8XysqWZciFllfC-II9aXp-NePUDewqzPPdFHPhy2N_imA8pd4Uyl3dB5kLKc/s1600/DSCN2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBw4yHmEp_SKklyLbcVthUEiZKIAjYwIgFJek3Va2JHyIkij9cuFJhbHAMGZqLBz2V-SixL4OkRpPQpN8XysqWZciFllfC-II9aXp-NePUDewqzPPdFHPhy2N_imA8pd4Uyl3dB5kLKc/s400/DSCN2713.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for the first ride ... to load the machine on the trailer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's won a few things before -- like a new kayak paddle at Idaho River Sports, he won a set of 29er mountain bike wheels at a Banff Film Festival event, and a Core Concepts jacket. Keys says he has a pretty good lucky streak, but that hasn't translated to winning the lottery, at least not yet.<br />
<br />
Brad Weigle, manager of digital strategy and planning at <a href="http://www.drakecooper.com/">Drake Cooper</a>, an advertising firm that oversees the OHV public outreach campaign, said the ATV sweepstakes this spring represented a different way to reach OHV users in Idaho.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ly9jD-1P-An0fuJIk6eYng_fGN6Aqhw1qYTxZmCqaRVGhEaRiNwllqO1pD2sTI2ajrddH4tTjvhrRyKbj93eRV1mZe801pSDJg3CuGO-B6WPXqshO8vVzO03AwXPZTifv-MBZKukf1g/s1600/Jo+Cassin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ly9jD-1P-An0fuJIk6eYng_fGN6Aqhw1qYTxZmCqaRVGhEaRiNwllqO1pD2sTI2ajrddH4tTjvhrRyKbj93eRV1mZe801pSDJg3CuGO-B6WPXqshO8vVzO03AwXPZTifv-MBZKukf1g/s400/Jo+Cassin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo Cassin, far right, "liked" our ATV sweepstakes, inspiring John Keys to enter the contest. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"We started the Ride Proud campaign this spring to remind people why we all enjoy living here and riding our ATVs," Weigle said. "This state provides us with some of the best riding opportunities in the world. Let's keep it that way. Let's Ride Proud and Stay on Trails.<br />
<br />
"Rather than reaching out with typical advertising channels and shouting from the hill, we wanted to connect with our core audience and offer them a few great prizes. By having conversations with this audience, connecting with them on real issues, and having a little fun by giving away stickers, T-shirts and a grand prize ATV, we're able to build new relationships with riders. These are the same riders who are empowered with a message and a belief to protect the land and Ride Proud."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk5IeEG8adzao-2v6IGOgUFIaYXHkTtNe-QQPFqTFt2VVgDpC3NfH6E2QkJjarMrelNFmdGZmc2LewjHbvBe66j11us_ONufZbAocKBuaJM2pqBHUlqmAl_q5jOwakgdt3LibxAC_DUY/s1600/DSCN2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsk5IeEG8adzao-2v6IGOgUFIaYXHkTtNe-QQPFqTFt2VVgDpC3NfH6E2QkJjarMrelNFmdGZmc2LewjHbvBe66j11us_ONufZbAocKBuaJM2pqBHUlqmAl_q5jOwakgdt3LibxAC_DUY/s400/DSCN2718.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded on the trailer and ready to head for the mountains. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Indeed, the Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign always has been about connecting with Idaho's motorbike, ATV and UTV riders and encouraging people to ride in a safe and responsible manner on our public lands. The campaign is overseen by a committee of land management agency officials, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials.<br />
<br />
The ATV sweepstakes enabled the campaign to build its visibility on Facebook and on the stayontrails.com web site, and with new relationships forged through those means, we will be able to reach more of the Idaho OHV community in future outreach efforts.<br />
<br />
There are roughly <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Recreation/11_OHV_Registrations.pdf">135,000 off-highway vehicles registered</a> in the state of Idaho, based on 2011 statistics, so there are a lot of people who enjoy riding OHVs in the state. John Keys will be the latest new addition to the OHV community.<br />
<br />
We want to thank Jack Struthers at <a href="http://www.carlscycle.com/">Carl's Cycles </a>for assisting with the ATV sweepstakes promotion and working with Polaris to give us a great wholesale price on the Polaris 500 Sportsman. Carl's has been a key supporter of the Stay on Trails campaign since the beginning. Thanks Jack!<br />
<br />
For more information about the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/">Stay on Trails </a>campaign, visit our <a href="http://stayontrails.com/">web site</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayOnTrails">Facebook page</a>. Our popular <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">Where to Ride section</a> now has 47 ride descriptions, maps and photos for OHV rides statewide, with several more to be added in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
Have fun out there ... we wish all of our new Facebook fans could have won the ATV, but you know how that goes ... when it comes down to a grand prize drawing, there's going to be only one lucky winner! And that's John Keys. Congratulations John!Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-88316076641485042032013-05-09T10:04:00.000-07:002013-05-09T10:13:32.750-07:00Three new rides on stayontrails.com include the Lolo Motorway and two big rides from Whitebird <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm6Kiwc-_vAFOxVxFVYITNjO4mwfYhRvbZcp6NQGUfk7GpdX0_ZLIthXsZEYbL13zdrbsLddCAba6XyNxdz8lqoNaEz28flKPx1Wul2-z8KearOyKTIIumZvGEWJh0_ZdXXxGR8XVXlc/s1600/5840694226_184d8f6de1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm6Kiwc-_vAFOxVxFVYITNjO4mwfYhRvbZcp6NQGUfk7GpdX0_ZLIthXsZEYbL13zdrbsLddCAba6XyNxdz8lqoNaEz28flKPx1Wul2-z8KearOyKTIIumZvGEWJh0_ZdXXxGR8XVXlc/s400/5840694226_184d8f6de1_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way into Pittsburg Landing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoAWIbICigFbxqenObzMvHqTSFP9lqj-31b89Ij2MgyS5670RROmRYAVkmPsMYUUtD8G9_o5NgEEr45w0B3lGERwQdiu7vzPjV0jUVN5dntUI8hKtLALx5VJtGwZ-FwvVHGCfILMyZNM/s1600/Big-Horned-Sheep-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoAWIbICigFbxqenObzMvHqTSFP9lqj-31b89Ij2MgyS5670RROmRYAVkmPsMYUUtD8G9_o5NgEEr45w0B3lGERwQdiu7vzPjV0jUVN5dntUI8hKtLALx5VJtGwZ-FwvVHGCfILMyZNM/s400/Big-Horned-Sheep-012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bighorn sheep are commonly seen in Hells Canyon. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejesgn8N26uPF-Tb9iv3ysoPwCRh5dkC2ZTEvHFL7cRZmzUbkpXrMIwsnst6ghl8IZqKV-mkizMnxJltEmAde-9JxHWRlL-NlA6edI3oSW4r_22DxxnBNwDcACenM3uvoLQeydc8bLHc/s1600/Petroglyphs+at+PIttsburg+Landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejesgn8N26uPF-Tb9iv3ysoPwCRh5dkC2ZTEvHFL7cRZmzUbkpXrMIwsnst6ghl8IZqKV-mkizMnxJltEmAde-9JxHWRlL-NlA6edI3oSW4r_22DxxnBNwDcACenM3uvoLQeydc8bLHc/s400/Petroglyphs+at+PIttsburg+Landing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native American petroglyphs </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB4QRJ8bb8mBTzUkWIPdsk3h-ER3CzokZRC4FiXbjR8q58_L9pySAc70Y7Mn4zEu1eN9a761Ix4mM6j6txXWvrQvPHngCvG8mYYQc4C3naXPKkNuZV-2NEkL-Q0zt85vEoJjbz4AUQVY/s1600/3361927-Lolo_Motorway_2011-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB4QRJ8bb8mBTzUkWIPdsk3h-ER3CzokZRC4FiXbjR8q58_L9pySAc70Y7Mn4zEu1eN9a761Ix4mM6j6txXWvrQvPHngCvG8mYYQc4C3naXPKkNuZV-2NEkL-Q0zt85vEoJjbz4AUQVY/s400/3361927-Lolo_Motorway_2011-4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lolo Motorway, a single-lane dirt road that traces the route that Lewis & Clark<br />
took through the Lochsa River Country in northcentral Idaho. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-jddCbTfbsnBGE9Ok-9VqUWZJ5c_gz9yosKNXug_0al0ux80jPtoDo1KlBfKphyelv2mgkFqLpg7iuXzsbzJ-qGf0U3pBhtGB5xqCBwg2AGbILfpR4Eely8WNgXs_yFGTdnXYvdjAk/s1600/3361933-Lolo_Motorway_2011-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86-jddCbTfbsnBGE9Ok-9VqUWZJ5c_gz9yosKNXug_0al0ux80jPtoDo1KlBfKphyelv2mgkFqLpg7iuXzsbzJ-qGf0U3pBhtGB5xqCBwg2AGbILfpR4Eely8WNgXs_yFGTdnXYvdjAk/s400/3361933-Lolo_Motorway_2011-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple mountain majesty in the Clearwater National Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyXwGBZWh4DCPoqYagOjCm5-j80CB-liuh-XDKo_p57o9-RuVtIpYAjorURdMhyphenhyphenP6Ox0_UgWbtjyK7psPe2hmPk5Zp2JuIsS-ggtohxAdW5qbiVjQS-4U_eJdB42i0wZ_QXu6eHOhXDA/s1600/5830820515_8381673870_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyXwGBZWh4DCPoqYagOjCm5-j80CB-liuh-XDKo_p57o9-RuVtIpYAjorURdMhyphenhyphenP6Ox0_UgWbtjyK7psPe2hmPk5Zp2JuIsS-ggtohxAdW5qbiVjQS-4U_eJdB42i0wZ_QXu6eHOhXDA/s400/5830820515_8381673870_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirkwood Museum and Ranch </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi all,<br />
<br />
It's springtime in Idaho. The mountains are greening up, and the wildflowers are blooming everywhere. It's time to go riding!<br />
<br />
We've recently added <b>three new rides</b> to <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">stayontrails.com </a>that are worth experiencing no matter where you live in Idaho. In fact, most states would love to have rides like these in their state. One of them is a great destination for this summer - the <a href="http://idahoptv.org/outdoors/shows/backroadadventures/lolo.cfm">Lolo Motorway</a>, Forest Service Road #500, which traces the route of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery, as they slogged their way through the Lochsa River country in thick timber and snow. More about that below.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hn1qGYgnrio" width="640"></iframe>
Two other rides, recommended by the <a href="http://idahopathfinders.org/">Idaho Pathfinders ATV Club</a> in Whitebird, are perfect to ride in the spring, or basically, right now!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Whitebird+to+Pittsburg+Landing+OHV+Ride">Whitebird to Pittsburg Landing</a></b> - <span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Deer Creek Road, Forest Service Road #493, is a well-signed
and well-maintained gravel road that climbs more than 3,000 feet to a high
saddle and then descends more than 3,200 feet over to Pittsburg Landing, a major
boat ramp for jet boats and float boats, in Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in
North America. The ride is 34 miles over and back. The scenery is stunningly beautiful. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pittsburg+landing+idaho&hl=en&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS361US365&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=C9WLUeHjHcfKrQHF74DwAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=799">Pittsburg Landing</a> is also an overnight camping destination, and there are Native American petroglyphs in the vicinity. This is a scenic ride that's suitable for motorbikes, ATVs
and UTVs. It is a county road, so a street-legal license is required on your
OHV. The Deer Creek Road also gets a fair bit of traffic by trucks hauling
boats over to Pittsburg Landing, so it's important to drive defensively and
watch out for traffic on blind corners on the way up and the way down.<br /><br />Click on the link above for the full details, video and trip map. We also mention a 22-mile side trip to Big Canyon. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Whitebird+to+Kirkwood+Museum+OHV+Ride">Whitebird to the Historic Kirkwood Ranch and Museum</a> </b>- </span>The day-long ride from Whitebird to the Historic Kirkwood Ranch and Museum in Hells Canyon is a real treat. It features more than 5,000 vertical feet of climbing as you ascend the mountains from Whitebird toward Pittsburg Saddle, and then you'll stay on a high ridge over to the Kirkwood Corrals before you descend into Hells Canyon to visit the Kirkwood Ranch and Museum. Total distance is about 29 miles one-way to the Kirkwood Museum, or about 60 miles round-trip. The ride follows major Forest Service roads, so it's open to motorbikes, ATVs and UTVs. You'll be on county roads, so a street-legal license is required on your OHV. Be sure to <span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">drive defensively and watch out for traffic on blind corners on the way up and the way down.<br /><br />Click on the link above for the full details, video and trip map.</span></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Lolo+Motorway+_+Clearwater+NF">Lolo Motorway/Lewis & Clark Trail</a></b> - </span></span>ATV and UTV groups like to ride the Lolo Motorway in four days, hauling trailers with camping gear. The best place to start is from Lowell, 99 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho. <a href="http://www.threeriversresort.com/">Three Rivers Resort</a> in Lowell has an RV park with hookups where you can base camp prior to the ride. The standard approach is to ride from Lowell approximately 50 miles or so to a half-way point for the first night's camp. On the second night, you can plan on staying in the tiny town of Powell, where you can refuel, buy any supplies you need, take a shower, and stay at the <a href="http://www.lochsalodge.com/">Lochsa Lodge</a> or camp nearby.<br /><br />Then you retrace your tracks, ride another 50 miles or so from Powell to a point where you'd like to camp on the #500 road, and then return to Lowell on the fourth day. It's about 110 miles from Powell to Lowell, all on Forest Service dirt roads. There are many historical points various points of interest listed below often have an interpretive sign to explain the historical significance. There are numerous places where you can camp along the way. There are no services on the trail, so it would be self-support camping. Much of the trail follows a high ridge without access to water, so be sure to bring plenty of water for drinking during the day, and for camping.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater/">Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest</a> maintains the single-lane dirt road for four-wheel-drives, ATVs, UTVs, and other recreational vehicles during the summer months. The best time to visit is between late June and September. Otherwise, you may encounter snow.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Click on the link above for the full details, video and trip map. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you have a favorite OHV ride that you think we should add to stayontrails.com, please let us know! Write Steve at sstuebner@cableone.net to share your ride. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Have fun! </span></span></div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-76449262719132645682013-04-29T07:01:00.000-07:002013-04-29T07:02:10.102-07:00BLM closes 12,000-acre area to OHV use in aftermath of Stout Fire near Mountain Home<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-75Pklw8_tALfNn2PRdrwIfoIzU1bm911TIJIfoCu71jWdUo9pPPDo48hyGugW4X41rZ0gHoH94b-xdpc1koQ1Re5U02BNGRGy6Aq5sfRNJUNqRDvqjaoSSFqwmS09HUXaZ90ys5LrQ/s1600/Stout+Fire+closure+area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-75Pklw8_tALfNn2PRdrwIfoIzU1bm911TIJIfoCu71jWdUo9pPPDo48hyGugW4X41rZ0gHoH94b-xdpc1koQ1Re5U02BNGRGy6Aq5sfRNJUNqRDvqjaoSSFqwmS09HUXaZ90ys5LrQ/s400/Stout+Fire+closure+area.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLM closure area map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here's a news release from the Bureau of Land Management regarding the temporary closure: </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">BOISE, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) <a href="http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/id/about_blm/advisories_and_closures.Par.7086.File.dat/Stout-Fire-Motorized-Closure-Map.pdf" style="color: #990000; text-decoration: none;">will temporarily close approximately 11,994 acres of public land to all motorized vehicle use as a result the 2012 Stout Fire</a>. The closure will be in effect for up to two years. Non-motorized recreational access is allowed during the closure.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The closure will allow native vegetation time to recover after the fire. If recently burned areas are regularly disturbed by off-road vehicles, native plants struggle to grow, allowing invasive weeds to establish and erosion to occur. The closure will allow planted shrub, forb and grass species to become established and allow existing plants to recover from the effects of the fire. Allowing the recently burned areas to rest will also help ensure the long-term viability of important habitat for elk, mule deer and sage-grouse.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Temporary closure signs will be posted at key entry points to the burned area. Anyone violating the closure may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined, not to exceed $1,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. Violators may also be subject to the enhanced fines provided for in 18 U.S.C. 3571.</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Exempt from this closure are contractors hired by the BLM to work in the area; search and rescue personnel; Federal, State or local law enforcement officials; other employees in the performance of their official duties; and persons with written authorization from the BLM.</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have questions regarding where to ride OHVs, closure maps are available online http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/advisories-closures.html or visit www.stayontrails.org. A hard copy map is available at the BLM Boise District Office or the Forest Service Mountain Home Ranger District Office (2180 American Legion Blvd., Mountain Home, ID 83647).</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more information, please contact Larry Ridenhour at 208-384-3334.</span></div>
<br />Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-19769479829381708122013-04-01T16:16:00.001-07:002013-04-01T18:02:48.659-07:00Enter Idaho OHV sweepstakes to win a new Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV; contest open only to Idaho residents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOl430HEDADbN4vNXSiJdQmWa9pnN4Vikhe6ycKcio0Ey7Y9K6fkL2He5Kj75wzHPZthjSXHAAvBg9ZtlouE5D2FSP9_mmI7iFdBRMbRBqqNTHfP96KyvSYNG0JpAMF-xMpkpLh69i24/s1600/485209_429794960386066_657525475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOl430HEDADbN4vNXSiJdQmWa9pnN4Vikhe6ycKcio0Ey7Y9K6fkL2He5Kj75wzHPZthjSXHAAvBg9ZtlouE5D2FSP9_mmI7iFdBRMbRBqqNTHfP96KyvSYNG0JpAMF-xMpkpLh69i24/s320/485209_429794960386066_657525475_n.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
Hi all,<br />
<br />
For the spring campaign of the Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign, we're dangling a very cool carrot to make sure OHV users are aware of our campaign and web site,<a href="http://stayontrails.com/"> http://stayontrails.com</a>.<br />
<br />
The carrot is an ATV sweepstakes that's launching today and running through June 1, 2013. The winner will receive a brand new Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV, a great all-around trail machine and one of the best-selling ATVs available on the market today. The Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV retails for $6,299.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to participate, go to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/StayOnTrails">Facebook page</a> and click on the ATV Sweepstakes tab or click on the photo of the Yellow Sign that says "Enter to Win" and follow the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayOnTrails?sk=app_448301905230676"> web link</a> to the sweepstakes entry page.<br />
<br />
Follow the directions to enter the contest. You must "like" the Facebook page to participate in the contest, then you fill out your name and information, and click "Enter Now" to submit your entry.<br />
<br />
Among other things, the contest rules indicate that:<br />
1. You must be an Idaho resident to participate in the contest.<br />
2. You have to be 18 years of age or older to participate.<br />
3. Contest entries are limited to one entry per person.<br />
4. Employees of the agencies involved in the Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign can not participate in the contest.<br />
<br />
We hope that you'll consider participating in the contest! Tell your friends! And remember to do your part by riding safe and responsibly out there on Idaho's public lands and stay on designated trails.<br />
<br />
We want to thank <a href="http://www.carlscycle.com/">Carl's Cycles</a> for being our sweepstakes partner for this year's contest.<br />
<br />
The contest winner will be announced soon after the contest ends on June 1. The winner will be able to choose the color of the Polaris 500 they wish to receive. The Polaris 500 is available in white, red and sage green.<br />
<br />
Thanks!Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-91375406472630018252012-09-30T20:28:00.000-07:002012-10-01T07:19:19.458-07:00Bull Cr., Silver Cr. trails re-open today (Oct. 1) to motorbikes & non-motorized use N. of Crouch, ID<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5D3I9nswaLNfyN7Zy2phyphenhyphenmQeZhGWPvQNKskSNAtVD1_GyQRYrJjId-Ma24tJ8HOfTsaVlSS1zJrnf9cR54w4-HtXW9EdZi8KtYLs7XA75RRU67pXcnM548qQ8G7JwOlT_MqtTDny6R0/s1600/4+ft+culvert+install.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5D3I9nswaLNfyN7Zy2phyphenhyphenmQeZhGWPvQNKskSNAtVD1_GyQRYrJjId-Ma24tJ8HOfTsaVlSS1zJrnf9cR54w4-HtXW9EdZi8KtYLs7XA75RRU67pXcnM548qQ8G7JwOlT_MqtTDny6R0/s320/4+ft+culvert+install.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">42 culverts were installed along the trails to reduce erosion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi all, </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Twenty-two miles of Bull
Creek and Silver Creek trails reopen today (Oct. 1) to motorcycle and non-motorized use following
extensive trail work by several public agencies and recreation groups. The trails had been closed for two years to rehabilitate the trails, install culverts and a bridge, and brush and clear the trail. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The trail project, located in the Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest, was a partnership project with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise
National Forest, Trails Unlimited, Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen, and the </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />The singletrack trails are open for motorcycle and non-motorized recreation use to provide for sustainable
and manageable opportunities while reducing impacts to natural resources and
watershed values. ATV or UTV use of the trails is prohibited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaVnDypR6EfbmUzONbC_HhbOhMfS8HndVPDS4jxsHsBgy8TcD3Ktihyas0_aF-kFRIIKDstKUJq1hSgGRX5snkrdfFfyI4t66MpSKykBxsgGgmQwZt9XGi9UiVZKYR1FHp4j1yZ_MYEk/s1600/35+foot+bridge+stringer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaVnDypR6EfbmUzONbC_HhbOhMfS8HndVPDS4jxsHsBgy8TcD3Ktihyas0_aF-kFRIIKDstKUJq1hSgGRX5snkrdfFfyI4t66MpSKykBxsgGgmQwZt9XGi9UiVZKYR1FHp4j1yZ_MYEk/s320/35+foot+bridge+stringer.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New 35-foot bridge before, above, and after, below. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ4iFx-aYTDBAiFQSutikKtySoJtF9tjdLFwANRscJggpiidT5nwlN0ZvVrZoUwEoyN8Yo7iAxPZDZ-eva1JWUTuIJJPmvY45SnpNn6njq0qJaNFhxrkZB3w6cFFvEInztqDm76hC6Dc/s1600/35+ft+completed+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ4iFx-aYTDBAiFQSutikKtySoJtF9tjdLFwANRscJggpiidT5nwlN0ZvVrZoUwEoyN8Yo7iAxPZDZ-eva1JWUTuIJJPmvY45SnpNn6njq0qJaNFhxrkZB3w6cFFvEInztqDm76hC6Dc/s320/35+ft+completed+bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />All told, the reconstruction project included:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Installing 42 arched culverts throughout the 22-mile-long trail system. The culverts will improve drainage on the trails and reduce trail
erosion. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rerouting 10 sections (3 major) of the trail network. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Building a 35-foot bridge <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Building a 40-foot-long retaining wall<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Connecting the upper Bull Creek Trail with the Rice
Peak Trail for a longer ride opportunity that extends into the Cascade Ranger District, and other public trails near Stolle Meadows. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Completing extensive brushing and clearing of the
trail width and tread. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Treasure Valley
TMA volunteered weekend work over a two-year period for
many project tasks. In addition, the Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen
volunteered with trail clearing.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club volunteered to do trail clearing on the Telephone Ridge
Trail, which was key to equipment hauling and better access to the upper Bull
Creek Trail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The trail
system will be seasonally designated for use from July 1 through November
14. Further information is available by
contacting the Emmett Ranger District at 208-365-7000, or by going to <a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/">http://trails.idaho.gov.</a> Search for Bull Creek Trail or Silver Creek Trail to check on seasonal restrictions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdY2BOrbxCj9Prb3uvjYjyb0U1QG3UlX-ltANUEWdx7onLRa6aZYi84N314iZ7C3Hkml-mGXhW7q2sXcVC9yo-IpaElN7Aa66qcUY3cuWnB6k6tRGnnoykUefwSTtlKIgDaFmqlC5U5Q/s1600/Bull+cr+blocks+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdY2BOrbxCj9Prb3uvjYjyb0U1QG3UlX-ltANUEWdx7onLRa6aZYi84N314iZ7C3Hkml-mGXhW7q2sXcVC9yo-IpaElN7Aa66qcUY3cuWnB6k6tRGnnoykUefwSTtlKIgDaFmqlC5U5Q/s320/Bull+cr+blocks+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy-duty trail-rehab on the Bull Creek Trail </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-79589812099898102512012-09-07T14:40:00.000-07:002012-09-07T14:40:06.875-07:005 new tips for OHV hunters in Idaho ... online maps, videos and more ... Have a great hunt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cn30pA_h7pq39Os8vj80Q0hCuXqaPlGP5H8HlNqrOSe79FWPUolA7Q4n9oXT_YUCcN9kw-_IdXDwxNUJy_9DZFYmdDY1lzd-iAxyDJCVRxTJ9ZAr-jgxnp3QTBQxSHC-Gm5MY_4XUmw/s1600/0000-Moose-Racing-Single-Double-ATV-Gun-Rack-Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cn30pA_h7pq39Os8vj80Q0hCuXqaPlGP5H8HlNqrOSe79FWPUolA7Q4n9oXT_YUCcN9kw-_IdXDwxNUJy_9DZFYmdDY1lzd-iAxyDJCVRxTJ9ZAr-jgxnp3QTBQxSHC-Gm5MY_4XUmw/s320/0000-Moose-Racing-Single-Double-ATV-Gun-Rack-Black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hi all,<br />
<br />
The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign has created a <a href="http://stayontrails.com/hunt/">new web page</a> for hunters who use off-highway vehicles to reach their camps and hunting areas. We wanted to share our <a href="http://stayontrails.com/hunt/">5 tips for a safe and legal hunting experience in Idaho</a>. According to the latest survey, more than 70 percent of the 240,000 people who hunt big game in the state of Idaho (residents and nonresidents) use OHVs as part of their hunt.<br />
<br />
The big challenge when you're an OHV rider during hunting season is to figure out what hunting units and specific trails are open to OHV use. It's not enough to just check on the U.S. Forest Service<br />
or BLM travel plan map. You also have to check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations.<br />
<br />
Our tips are meant to help demystify that admittedly challenging process. At least more of these resources are online than ever before.<br />
<br />
Here you go:<br />
<br />
1. Do your homework and know what specific areas or hunting
units are open to OHVs during big game hunting seasons ... Good sources of
information:<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> National Forest </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Motor Vehicle Use Maps </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">BLM </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Travel Maps</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">IDFG </span><a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=63" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">big game
regulations</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">for additional restrictions that
apply to big game hunters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">IDPR Statewide
Online Map</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcsDxtNGG4M&feature=player_embedded">Hunting tips video </a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PcsDxtNGG4M" width="420"></iframe></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
2.
Stay on designated trails. Cross-country riding is illegal on most Forest
Service and BLM lands, and it is destructive to the environment. Responsible riders know that. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
3. Use your trail machine to scout for game and access your hunting camp,
but it's illegal to shoot big game animals from your OHV. (Hunters with a
disabled permit are exempt from this rule).
<br />
<br />
4. Utility Terrain Vehicles wider than 50 inches are not allowed on ATV trails
or singletrack trails. UTVs wider than 50 inches should travel on dirt roads
and/or two-track roads that are open during hunting season.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
5.
Park your OHV if you need to leave a trail or road to retrieve a big game
animal. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
We hope you have a safe and productive hunt! Please feel free to share this information with your hunting buddies. And if you have feedback on our tips, please let us know! </div>
Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-1440400592822849632012-07-24T14:35:00.005-07:002012-07-24T14:37:22.175-07:00Road from Warren to South Fork Salmon River to be closed July 31 - August 14<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt;">Sharing news from the Payette National Forest ... </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">McCall,
ID</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">
- The Forest Service will be replacing the Mayflower culvert with a fish
friendly “Aquatic Organism Passage” box culvert two miles east of Warren on
Warren Wagon Road (#340) next week. The road will be closed at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, and will
remain closed through August 14. During the construction project, the road
will be closed to all motorized travel, however foot traffic will be allowed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">During
the closure period the public will not be able to drive from Warren to the
South Fork of the Salmon River. The closure points will be at the junction of
Warren Wagon Road (#340) and Pony Meadows Road (#359) and at Warren
Summit. During the road closure, alternate access to the area east
of Warren Summit will be via Yellow Pine and Big Creek. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There
may be delays of up to 2 hours from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 30
while the contractor moves equipment in and starts preparing the site.
Please call Will Perry with questions or concerns at 208-634-0767 or visit the PNF Road Conditions Page at: <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/payette/home/?cid=stelprdb5109592">http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/payette/home/?cid=stelprdb5109592</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">(end)</span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-70029624939945018012012-07-10T11:44:00.000-07:002012-07-10T11:50:08.598-07:00StayonTrails.com now has 40+ OHV rides to share, including 2 new rides in the Owyhee Mountains<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxkUD6qnUAa6ydBQZZZJJvRJor3ht6UzdAgbxyFykLnhRZ5axoN9g-kKniv_7M0Q_NE9x7V4QVymnIzWaZgyvjPjeuUxFW5lC2kdzx08dYYujCxxSib0ZEZGBfhb7Ow7YNlKkwp9_Ayk/s1600/owyhee-front-feb-12-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxkUD6qnUAa6ydBQZZZJJvRJor3ht6UzdAgbxyFykLnhRZ5axoN9g-kKniv_7M0Q_NE9x7V4QVymnIzWaZgyvjPjeuUxFW5lC2kdzx08dYYujCxxSib0ZEZGBfhb7Ow7YNlKkwp9_Ayk/s320/owyhee-front-feb-12-013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding on the front side of the Owyhee Mountains. (Courtesy Boise ATV Trail Riders)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9wunWqkgIBmiqdgjGP4tnpeQhsIZ_0EWl5xNaifFWYNGhK7FN5AoZDjrUxEwXl5hAjO4D_LChKm_QAOeUwzQ6Kd22P9hgJpe58kE2Fg171_4pHzVmCUxgCeEJR30lOrnoHYupmkQbxg/s1600/owyhee-front-feb-12-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9wunWqkgIBmiqdgjGP4tnpeQhsIZ_0EWl5xNaifFWYNGhK7FN5AoZDjrUxEwXl5hAjO4D_LChKm_QAOeUwzQ6Kd22P9hgJpe58kE2Fg171_4pHzVmCUxgCeEJR30lOrnoHYupmkQbxg/s320/owyhee-front-feb-12-008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might be the desert, but there are many streams that flow in the spring, fall and winter.
(Courtesy Boise ATV Trail Riders)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hi all,<br />
<br />
We've just added two new rides to the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">www.stayontrails.com</a> web site, which now features 41 ATV and motorbike rides on our <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">where-to-ride page</a>. Each ride has a detailed description and map, and some have photos and video.<br />
<br />
All of the rides come recommended from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and local OHV clubs.<br />
<br />
The latest additions to the ride list -- two rides in the Owyhee Mountains -- come from the <a href="http://tvtma.com/">Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association</a> (TVTMA). Many thanks to club officers Steve Frisbie and Mark Weaver for providing the base maps and details about these rides.<br />
<br />
TVTMA has a fun run each spring, typically in May. Watch their <a href="http://tvtma.com/">web site</a> for the timing and details on next year's ride. The two rides featured on stayontrails.com came from the 2010 Fun Runs.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Owyhee+Front+ATV+Fun+Run">ATV Fun Run course</a> is approximately 30 miles long. Here's the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Owyhee-Front-ATV-ride.jpg">trip map</a>. The ride starts and finishes by the Chalky Butte Trailhead in the Owyhee Front, near Hemingway Butte.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Owyhee+Front+Motorcycle+Fun+Run">Motorbike Fun Run course </a>is 27.5 miles long. Here's the <a href="http://stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Owyhee-Front-motorcycle-fun.jpg">trip map</a>. The ride starts and finishes by the Diamond Basin Corrals Trailhead, accessed from the road to Silver City near Murphy.<br />
<br />
Both of these rides are meant to provide an introduction to riding OHVs on the front side of the Owyhee Mountains. These are literally hundreds miles of trails in the front side of the Owyhees, and several different trailheads to use, including Rabbit Creek, Chalky Butte, Fossil Butte and Kane Springs.<br />
<br />
To see a big-picture view of the trails in the Owyhee Front, check out the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/id/ohv.Par.66314.File.dat/Murphy_poster_public_lowres2OPT_508.pdf">BLM map</a>.<br />
<br />
The best time to ride these trails is in the fall, winter and spring. So when you're itching to get out on a ride, and the trails are still snowbound in your neck of the woods, consider traveling to the Owyhees to get an early start on your riding season in the springtime. You can camp at the trailheads, or you could stay in <a href="http://www.nampa.com/">Nampa</a> or <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g35394-Boise_Idaho-Hotels.html">Boise</a>.<br />
<br />
Beyond the rides we offer on stayontrails.com, be sure to check out <a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/">IDPR's interactive trail site </a>for OHV riders to research new trails to check out statewide.<br />
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In other Idaho OHV news, the BLM Challis Field Office, in partnership with the Great Basin Institute and IDPR, won the <a href="http://boiseatvtrailriders.org/whats-new/local-news/blm-receives-national-recognition-lombard-recreational-trail/">2012 Coalition for Recreational Trails Award </a>for the Lombard Trail Project, located in <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/yankeefork.aspx">Land of the Yankee Fork State Park</a>. This is great news, and a very deserving project. Thanks to the Boise ATV Trail Riders for providing a write up on the award.<br />
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Here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6lDOt-n_Rg">YouTube video</a> of the Lombard Trail -- it's open to motorbikes and ATVs, and it takes you from the state park entrance area south of Challis to the mountains high above the valley and connects to the mines around the ghost town of Bayhorse nearby. It's a super-cool ride. <br />
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<b>Save the date</b>: The annual <a href="http://boiseatvtrailriders.org/whats-new/local-news/invitation-bay-horse/">Ride to Bayhorse ATV event </a>in Challis is set for Aug. 17-19 this year. See this link for more details. Here's a chance to experience the Lombard Trail, Bayhorse, Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, and tons of other motorbike and ATV trails in the vicinity.<br />
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Have fun and ride safe!<br />
- SSSteve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-40251031816321140262012-06-04T15:29:00.000-07:002012-06-04T15:52:16.160-07:00University of Idaho conducts survey on ATVs and hunting; your input is welcome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_g5Vi8EOLXbanUaI-jnlpBqPT2-UH8LbhPtkq7PSDMQcIGSdsG9NlZzHqDO1u_xKcPaqkV9h-VB6cP1eSArRoF3X24Xf4arBFgTg3DxR2cXvTskX7ymUAcaYrVdnvqLCiUSUxL46RzY/s1600/ATV+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_g5Vi8EOLXbanUaI-jnlpBqPT2-UH8LbhPtkq7PSDMQcIGSdsG9NlZzHqDO1u_xKcPaqkV9h-VB6cP1eSArRoF3X24Xf4arBFgTg3DxR2cXvTskX7ymUAcaYrVdnvqLCiUSUxL46RzY/s1600/ATV+pic.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hi all, </div>
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The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is in the process of revising its rules regarding the use of motorized off-highway vehicles (ATV's, UTV's, motorbikes) and hunting. To get a better understanding of how the state's hunters and OHV users feel about the issue, the University of Idaho's Department of Conservation Social Sciences is conducting a survey. </div>
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The survey has been mailed to a random sample of 4,000 people in Idaho who are either hunters or the owners of an off-highway vehicle. The survey asks participants about their experiences using or encountering OHV's while hunting, and how they feel about restrictions on OHV use during hunting season. </div>
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As many people know, these are divisive issues among hunters and OHV users. More than 50 percent of licensed resident hunters in Idaho now use OHV's as part of their hunting trips, according to IDFG officials. </div>
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University of Idaho officials say that if you would like to express your views on OHV's and hunting in Idaho, go to <a href="http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/access/ohvsurvey.htm">this web link</a> and fill out the survey. It is supposed to take less than 5 minutes. </div>
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Thank you. </div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-78053052559754901372012-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:002012-04-27T13:48:49.349-07:00Six new OHV rides to explore in Idaho<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GQkbPL-leLDi-sTiTmIfsoGT-cechYTCjLGNPhjsAFYN0EhR671n-cMu7tKCvHFY3p7Qo8ClGCmlrjaBSHE8mBLJnfvg4O2V45Pde7GQbw2oLTqjd_SyNZv4e_UEHk0v0fJKLlczD8I/s1600/39+rides+on+map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GQkbPL-leLDi-sTiTmIfsoGT-cechYTCjLGNPhjsAFYN0EhR671n-cMu7tKCvHFY3p7Qo8ClGCmlrjaBSHE8mBLJnfvg4O2V45Pde7GQbw2oLTqjd_SyNZv4e_UEHk0v0fJKLlczD8I/s320/39+rides+on+map.png" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The distribution of 39 OHV rides in Idaho ... </td></tr>
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Hi all,<br />
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The <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/about/">Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Public Outreach Campaign</a> has been updating the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">StayonTrails</a> web site with some new rides, and we're happy to report that we've got six new rides to share for the 2012 riding season, with several more to come.<br />
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On our <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">Where-to-Ride</a> page, we now have 39 rides total. Each ride has a detailed <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Paris+Canyon+-+Highline+Trail+Loop">written description</a> with directions to the trailhead, and a <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Paris-Canyon_Highline-Trail-Loop.pdf">trip map</a>. These rides complement the new <a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/">Idaho OHV online trails map</a>, which provides online access to some 18,000 miles of trails in Idaho statewide.<br />
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We've added three new rides in Southeast Idaho near <a href="http://montpelier.id.gov/">Montpelier</a>, courtesy of recommendations by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and three new rides near <a href="http://www.cityofsalmon.com/">Salmon</a>, Idaho, thanks to recommendations by the Bureau of Land Management and local OHV riders.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of the rides in Salmon provides a 39-mile tour of the </span><a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Lewis+and+Clark+Backcountry+Byway" style="text-align: left;">Lewis & Clark Backcountry Byway</a><span style="text-align: left;">. This one is a dandy for history buffs. The single-lane dirt road surface is suitable for motorbikes, ATVs, UTVs and regular trucks and cars. The ride starts and finishes in the beautiful Lemhi Valley, where Sacajawea was born as a member of the Lemhi band of the Shoshone Indians, or the </span><a href="http://www.sacajaweacenter.org/" style="text-align: left;">AgaiDika Shoshone.</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gU6iGa7xYm7ecZ7BZUgJQIKAgSkRmZvCLyZ31QMLau4bL1tDTtDX6Opfjv0XBjEa0wM2LpyRw268xIL4r6C3IlPukotTZ7QH1WEp0K5AWn0PRyXK7BaZSKQcNVnJw5vf3qMJQxNdGfo/s1600/Lemhi+Pass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gU6iGa7xYm7ecZ7BZUgJQIKAgSkRmZvCLyZ31QMLau4bL1tDTtDX6Opfjv0XBjEa0wM2LpyRw268xIL4r6C3IlPukotTZ7QH1WEp0K5AWn0PRyXK7BaZSKQcNVnJw5vf3qMJQxNdGfo/s320/Lemhi+Pass.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the dirt roads meet at the saddle above is 7,373-foot Lemhi Pass. </td></tr>
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The ride takes OHV riders to Lemhi Pass atop the Continental Divide, where you can easily imagine how things may have looked to Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery, when they peered over the west side of the divide for the first time and saw lots of big mountains and no clear path to the Pacific Ocean. The Shoshone told them that they couldn't safely travel to the Pacific via the Salmon River because it was too rocky, it had too many rapids, and they'd certainly drown trying to get through. Instead, they recommended going to the Pacific via the Nez Perce buffalo trail and Lolo Pass, which turned out to be a grueling route through dense timber with very little game. I'm sure many of you know the story. </div>
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The late author Stephen Ambrose, who penned the excellent book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Undaunted-Courage-Meriwether-Jefferson-American/dp/0684826976">Undaunted Courage</a>,</i> wrote that Lemhi Pass was his favorite spot along the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">Lewis and Clark Trail</a>. He camped there with his family on July 4, 1976. "It was the most glorious night of our lives," he wrote. "You could reach out and touch the stars. Except for a logging road, the place was unchanged since Lewis was there."<br />
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You can camp there, too! If you come to Salmon, you also need to visit the <a href="http://www.sacajaweacenter.org/">Sacajawea Center</a>, a museum and outdoor park near Salmon. Here's a link to the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/docs/LCBackCountryByway.pdf">BLM brochure</a> about the backcountry byway. Oh, and by the way, there's a hot springs nearby that you can visit before or after the ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6feIVtG1SHHjgojnll5OTuCWwyISRUCQF0BEQb1fnEPw2UKTEaEKMJxbfHsH177Jj4Mk5H5Yo5HhUVJdsL4Z9PJYCBtW0HWI5A7fN7rxY4qhSsYTbmH7ltd0cm4iJ7gGqa3lezn-Zq7w/s1600/Disco+Hill+Rec+Site.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6feIVtG1SHHjgojnll5OTuCWwyISRUCQF0BEQb1fnEPw2UKTEaEKMJxbfHsH177Jj4Mk5H5Yo5HhUVJdsL4Z9PJYCBtW0HWI5A7fN7rxY4qhSsYTbmH7ltd0cm4iJ7gGqa3lezn-Zq7w/s320/Disco+Hill+Rec+Site.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailhead at Discovery Hill. Photo courtesy BLM</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Discovery+Hill+area+in+Salmon">Discovery Hill</a> is a cool riding area just a few minutes from downtown Salmon. We featured a <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Discovery-Hill-trails-Salmo.jpg">20-mile tour </a>of the Discovery Hill area in the detailed ride, and once you've done that ride, you can explore many other trails in the vicinity. The trails in the Discovery Hill area are old dirt roads, so they're suitable for any OHV use. The base of the Discovery Hill area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, also contains the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Sacajawea+Motor+Sports+Park">Sacajawea Motor Sports Park</a>, where people can practice hill-climbing and test their skills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVXhjoMyvpSPV8k64F9iqsyxJh8S7dOFBOXuX2kjs4VBZdzBZcMIo_VQuFwQ8NP3rv22T85qTAyslJ2Cc-qwRNmZbTjvWQ6x-caiZta9bnSAUJUuXwVxqTIRiZRyu7ZhJLOQffJ69EiA/s1600/Freeman+Peak+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVXhjoMyvpSPV8k64F9iqsyxJh8S7dOFBOXuX2kjs4VBZdzBZcMIo_VQuFwQ8NP3rv22T85qTAyslJ2Cc-qwRNmZbTjvWQ6x-caiZta9bnSAUJUuXwVxqTIRiZRyu7ZhJLOQffJ69EiA/s320/Freeman+Peak+Ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freeman Peak lords over the Freeman Creek Trail.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Freeman+Creek">Freeman Creek Trail </a>is the third ride featured in Salmon. It's a <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Carmen-Cr-Freeman-Cr.jpg">challenging and rocky ride</a> that goes by several old mines to nearly the top of the Beaverhead Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. There are several high mountain lakes on the Montana side where an ambitious person could hike over to catch some fresh trout.<br />
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Moving on to the trails in SE Idaho, we feature two rides in the Mecham Hollow area, north of Montpelier. There is an <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Mecham+Hollow+Intermediate+ATV-Motorbike+Loop">8-mile intermediate loop</a> that provides an introduction to the area, and a 25-mile loop, called the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Mecham+Hollow-Sherman+Peak+ATV-Motorbike+Loop">Mecham Hollow-Sherman Peak </a>Loop, which is more advanced. Both rides are open to motorbikes and ATVs.<br />
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Local Ranger Dennis Deurhen shared a nifty 22-mile ride we called the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/trail.aspx?name=Paris+Canyon+-+Highline+Trail+Loop">Paris Canyon-Highline Trail </a>Loop. <br />
On this ride, you can visit the Paris Ice Caves, and do a brief side hike to Bloomington Lake for fishing or a quick dip on a hot summer day, and finish the loop. Here's the trip <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/maps/Paris-Canyon_Highline-Trail-Loop.pdf">map</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGacyDn-0ELL6Brgy8WgoGPhYrkHuwk4TC-n3lEaDOrx5mTmNyOl9TqtT29JxheQuyEKVGfMownfDSjshcXGZHu-47c5c-oK-DAJSZ8pNII97XmgPgbZETWqErNOmwAhxG8EEAmsNeMxE/s1600/paris_ice_cave_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGacyDn-0ELL6Brgy8WgoGPhYrkHuwk4TC-n3lEaDOrx5mTmNyOl9TqtT29JxheQuyEKVGfMownfDSjshcXGZHu-47c5c-oK-DAJSZ8pNII97XmgPgbZETWqErNOmwAhxG8EEAmsNeMxE/s320/paris_ice_cave_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris Ice Caves</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZvlr5PS9zIp1Oa0iVpq2wp4v9cKw-aK6xnOaQb1ZOvB1lSd8HeOIZ1-QSfdY6CL-sTIeVp4Qz_PcsS8utGa8f1AxmWMN-gluZympuzE_qikfjQCCk3i0mCzNutgMaYilsEAlisvAxk/s1600/paris_ice_cave_boardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZvlr5PS9zIp1Oa0iVpq2wp4v9cKw-aK6xnOaQb1ZOvB1lSd8HeOIZ1-QSfdY6CL-sTIeVp4Qz_PcsS8utGa8f1AxmWMN-gluZympuzE_qikfjQCCk3i0mCzNutgMaYilsEAlisvAxk/s320/paris_ice_cave_boardwalk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris Ice Caves </td></tr>
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Hope you can carve out some time this summer to explore these rides or others on our site.<br />
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Have fun!<br />
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</div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-21054812286007529532012-04-11T10:01:00.005-07:002012-04-11T10:20:57.247-07:00Adena Cook - Thank you for your public service<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jecEBgHOcmwxybDvC-xg2geRofIG856Kq4nA-4BRR7k1zf0M9ypMT_K972VwwZcpf3kGl7OejSyL-DjpGoRBUMlTvHLaWDVij2inv6VmIzdoOivyUFngOWlUpZGSyBHq7P9rColz99I/s1600/Adena_snomo2_lr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jecEBgHOcmwxybDvC-xg2geRofIG856Kq4nA-4BRR7k1zf0M9ypMT_K972VwwZcpf3kGl7OejSyL-DjpGoRBUMlTvHLaWDVij2inv6VmIzdoOivyUFngOWlUpZGSyBHq7P9rColz99I/s400/Adena_snomo2_lr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730194119675492962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Adena Cook</div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Hi all, </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">We wanted to share the news that Adena Cook, longtime public lands director for the Blue Ribbon Coalition, has died. Funeral services will be held on <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org/story/2012/04/10/obituary-adena-cook-post-register">Friday </a>in Boise. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Adena helped the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign</a> a couple of years ago by wrapping up a session on trail ethics with some helpful thoughts about the responsible shared use of trails. Here is a short video of her remarks: </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MtO-HPzGGIo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Here is the news release from the <a href="http://www.sharetrails.org/">Blue Ribbon Coalition</a> about Adena's many achievements for the group over many years. Adena was a well-respected advocate for OHV trail access on public lands. We send our condolences to her family. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span><span ><b>BRC MOURNS THE LOSS OF A FOUNDER & RECREATION CHAMPION</b></span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">BOISE</span></st1:city><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">, <st1:state st="on">ID</st1:state></span></st1:place><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> (April 6, 2012) -- The OHV community joins together today in mourning the loss of one of its greatest activists. On Thursday, April 5th, 2012, Adena Cook--one of the original founders of the BlueRibbon Coalition--passed away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left; ">Adena will be sorely missed, both by those that knew her, and by the recreation community to whom she gave so much.. She will forever be in our hearts and thoughts, and her legacy of dedication, perseverance and determination will live on.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Ms. Cook was amongst those that aided founder, Clark Collins, in turning the Idaho Public Land User's Association into a national organization, re-titled the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). She served as the newly created group's volunteer secretary until 1989, at which point she became the group's first Public Lands Director, and the second paid staff member.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Adena worked tirelessly in her role as Public Lands Director for the coalition and was a strong advocate for protecting recreational access to public lands. She was among the first to establish the ties to land-managers and agencies that still help BlueRibbon in its vital role to this day. She also had a pivotal role in the efforts of Clark Collins to create a network of grassroots groups and individuals. A network that has become the heart and soul of the organization as it is today.<br /><br />Always pushing to modernize the Coalition and advance our methods of communication, Adena was instrumental in the Coalition's keeping up with the pace of technology. In her own words, " we were growing, achieving, and improving grassroots recreation activism, communication technology was changing the world. It primed all those pumps in all those springs that flowed into the creeks and rivers. We were among the first to use every bit of it...our timing was right on."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As part of her relentless drive to improve the Coalition and make it into a powerful tool for recreational advocacy, Adena initiated some of the earliest contacts with the legal firm of Moore-Smith-Buxton & Turcke, the firm that would eventually be integral to the BlueRibbon Legal Program.<br /><br />In the Coalition's first Supreme Court victory-defeating a lawsuit filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-Adena would later say, "I could never have imagined that, a few years after those meager beginnings, we would participate in a case that won before the Supreme Court. Our legal team is now one of the most important parts of BRC."<br /><br />In 2002, Adena Cook retired as Public Lands Director, but stayed on in a volunteer capacity as the Coalition's Senior Policy Advisor. She will be deeply missed by those that worked closely with her:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Adena was absolutely crucial to the BlueRibbon Coalition’s evolution as a nationally recognized recreation advocacy group. Her hard work and dedication was an inspiration to me personally and to grass roots recreation access activists across the nation. No one has had more of a positive impact on back-country recreation than Adena.”</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""><br /><i>—<b>Clark Collins, BRC founder</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"Adena was a true innovator in the field of recreation advocacy. I feel a deep personal loss at the news of her passing. Adena was my friend, mentor, and colleague and I will miss her. The recreation community lost an iconic champion. I mourn with many others today at this news." </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /><i>—<b>Don Amador, BRC Western Representative</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"The public lands community will miss a pioneer and champion in Adena Cook. Her keen insight helped create BlueRibbon's legal program and give recreationists a voice they lacked before agencies and courts. She was quick, efficient and genuine in her thoughts and was respected even by those with differing views. Not only recreationists but the public lands community should take a quiet moment to reflect on the gifts Adena brought and the legacy she hoped to build."</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br />—<b><i>Paul Turcke, lead counsel for the BRC Legal Team</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"It is a sad day. We are all the better for having known Adena. Few ever achieve the level of excellence she demonstrated in her life and in her work. I am proud to say that generations to come will share the benefit of her efforts. I am blessed to have been able to call her my friend and colleague.." </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /><i>—<b>Greg Mumm, BRC Executive Director</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">"I believe there is a bit of Adena's legacy in all of us who remain behind working in advocacy roles to keep the public lands open for people to use. I will carry with me the knowledge and skills she helped me develop over the years. Others will benefit through the years from her research and from the environment created by her presence. Despite her dogged tenacity, she was every inch a lady.....all the time, on her beloved snowmobile or in the courtroom and the boardroom. She continues to be a role model into the future and I will miss her."</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""><br /><i>—<b>Joni Mogstad, BRC President</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Reflecting on her short biography on the BlueRibbon Coalition website, we cannot help but find it woefully inadequate to describe the wonderful, vibrant woman who had such a large hand in the Coalition's creation and growth. Therein she states her goal as being, "To shape public policy in support of diverse recreation on public lands." In truth, her goal was the same as that of the Coalition itself. It is an ongoing goal. She achieved it with grit and determination, and we will continue to achieve it in her memory.<br /><br />Rest in peace, Adena. You remain with us forever.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">(end news release)</span></p></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-49902198678024105432012-03-21T14:47:00.009-07:002012-03-21T15:13:23.221-07:00Try Idaho's new interactive OHV trail map -- a great trip-planning tool with many features<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz-bHdcpnwh-9UgESNkpUpluPEy9TmeERsktaz6Pvq0kz2X9P-XFTDvGQfWGo4uHXUiatjfAQm9uQnphXrwR7FrE-Is2coA1csHXXsssyJOcmgQ2a_ln4HZjAKQHxLxWfofZocf1mmpY/s1600/New+trails+site+image.jpg" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQz-bHdcpnwh-9UgESNkpUpluPEy9TmeERsktaz6Pvq0kz2X9P-XFTDvGQfWGo4uHXUiatjfAQm9uQnphXrwR7FrE-Is2coA1csHXXsssyJOcmgQ2a_ln4HZjAKQHxLxWfofZocf1mmpY/s400/New+trails+site+image.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722472112073400962" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o_l9WKvPNVuU9g9X-zbXIWO6V_IPEhjVEfgiL0blYp1PYhyphenhyphen7ree2IQ1yorELzlFFIxxBAlkpvdNkfWSc6Sgzdo6yNRXsXGPvh89fbonJsUB-xdBiANetYxdYZnXgE4yKgPur3UNpUMc/s1600/OHV_StayOnTrails.jpg" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o_l9WKvPNVuU9g9X-zbXIWO6V_IPEhjVEfgiL0blYp1PYhyphenhyphen7ree2IQ1yorELzlFFIxxBAlkpvdNkfWSc6Sgzdo6yNRXsXGPvh89fbonJsUB-xdBiANetYxdYZnXgE4yKgPur3UNpUMc/s200/OHV_StayOnTrails.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722471960014451554" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0URmsd06TaGwI7dQAsJ4AT7KxnNVxSREwAWAbg3NGBVAUsbriAQYkTjVLO9fm6OBC-Ex9Ct-8RP2PEaFz9M8fD4wCpoRycIxVMUdMTcd0f4e32NfISN0yL6q1OIXnFokw2Bjy0mwOqo/s1600/IDPR+logo.jpg" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0URmsd06TaGwI7dQAsJ4AT7KxnNVxSREwAWAbg3NGBVAUsbriAQYkTjVLO9fm6OBC-Ex9Ct-8RP2PEaFz9M8fD4wCpoRycIxVMUdMTcd0f4e32NfISN0yL6q1OIXnFokw2Bjy0mwOqo/s200/IDPR+logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722471720744195666" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Idaho</st1:place></st1:state> Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Public Outreach Campaign</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; ">Contact: <st1:personname st="on">Steve Stuebner</st1:personname>, 208-484-0295, <span style="font-size: 100%; ">or Jennifer Okerlund, communications manager, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, 208-514-2254</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">BOISE - (March 21,2012) – ATV, motorbike, UTV and 4WD enthusiasts now have a handy online resource available for finding new places to ride in Idaho. It's called the Idaho OHV online map. The web address is: </span><a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">http://trails.idaho.gov</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">With a few clicks, users can zoom into areas of Idaho where they want to find OHV trails, determine what types of motorized uses are allowed, season of use, get driving directions to the trailhead and more. People can export the trails to Google Earth or to their GPS devices for quick reference when they're out riding the trails, and they can share trail maps with their friends. The trail map also provides information on non-motorized trails.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">"The maps are designed to help OHV riders find places to ride in Idaho, and that's exactly what they do," said Troy Elmore, Idaho OHV Program Manager for IDPR.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">"It's really a useful tool for motorcyclists and recreationists," says Mark Weaver of Kuna, president of Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association. "And it shows how proactive IDPR is in providing the tools for people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and legally."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1ydxLtrtcKY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Idaho is the first state to provide an interactive online mapping resource of this kind, Elmore said. "This is a first. We are the first state to produce an interactive Google-based statewide online trail map. It's been a lot of work putting it together. We've had some bugs to work out, but we're pretty excited about it now."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Click on a part of Idaho, and the online map zooms into the trail networks that exist in the area. People can zoom into a particular trail, learn the name of the trail, the trail number, and the online map tells you what kind of trail it is through color coding (motorcycle, ATV, jeep trail, non-motorized trail, road, etc.). It tells you how long the trail segment is, what season of use is allowed, and more.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Creating a map with a downloadable GPS route is a bonus, Weaver says. "I think that's going to be a really wonderful feature," Weaver said. "With the GPS tracks from a route, there will be less likelihood of someone getting lost out there."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The online maps provide a diversity of viewing opportunities for checking out Idaho's trails and roads. People can choose from an aerial photography view, topographic map view, terrain map view, or a hybrid view.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Several years in the making, the interactive online map was produced by the staff at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation with assistance from the Idaho Department of Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The project was funded with OHV registration sticker money.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The maps provide a quick view of when particular trails are open or closed during the spring, summer and fall riding season for ATVs, motorbikes, UTVs and 4WD vehicles. This information also is available on U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), and Bureau of Land Management travel management maps.</span><span style="font-size: 100%; "> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">"This feature is a great informational tool for OHV users," Elmore said. "To research when trails are open and closed with MVUMs, travel management plans and Idaho Fish and Game big game regulations, it can take many hours to figure that stuff out. The online maps will make it much easier for OHV riders to check on when particular trails and roads are open or closed."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">The Idaho OHV online map also provides information about nonmotorized trails and road networks throughout the state. The maps have a tool for creating your own personal route measuring the distance of particular trail segments or loops that people might want to explore.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">"It's going to be a great tool for recreationists to plan trips and explore new trails that they've never experienced before," Elmore said.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-size: 100%; ">About the <st1:state st="on">Idaho</st1:state> OHV Public Outreach Campaign: </b><span style="font-size: 100%; ">To help raise awareness about the importance of OHVs staying on trails, five state and federal agencies in </span><st1:state st="on" style="font-size: 100%; "><st1:place st="on">Idaho</st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-size: 100%; "> work on a statewide campaign called the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Public Outreach Campaign. The campaign encourages riders to ride safe, responsibly and reduce their impact on the land and other trail users. See </span><a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/" style="font-size: 100%; ">www.stayontrails.com</a><span style="font-size: 100%; "> for more information.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-size: 100%; ">About the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation</b><span style="font-size: 100%; ">: The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks. It also runs the registration and recreation programs for snowmobiles, boats and off-highway vehicles. IDPR provides yurt and cabin rentals, winter and summer non-motorized trails, and manages outdoor grant programs that provide facilities and services to a wide variety of recreationists and the local government and nongovernment organizations that serve them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><br /> ###############################</p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-26053967877798866192012-01-30T16:07:00.001-08:002012-01-31T09:58:27.268-08:00A new year means it's time to renew OHV registration stickers for your trail machines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkPMGH6JwWFOC6ZCXByYfZoa6tykhBS4_-b1byGsV-S2Gfli_AeFHgsUEOJjqK0lOZG_KYjlOrIVS_rUZwmAVPbc1Q6sOzsc0uejwwJMWQBjcUwtKFaxUwSsEfql8a6NnqrwGIbSXF1A/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkPMGH6JwWFOC6ZCXByYfZoa6tykhBS4_-b1byGsV-S2Gfli_AeFHgsUEOJjqK0lOZG_KYjlOrIVS_rUZwmAVPbc1Q6sOzsc0uejwwJMWQBjcUwtKFaxUwSsEfql8a6NnqrwGIbSXF1A/s320/DSC_0104.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703856853419945602" /></a><br />Hi all, <div><br /></div><div>Well, it's that time of year again -- time to buy a new registration sticker for your trail machine for 2012. Off-highway vehicle owners are receiving reminder notices in the mail this month.<br /><br /></div><div>OHV registration stickers are required in the state of Idaho for ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes and specialty OHVs such as dune buggies. The stickers cost $12 per year. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/index.aspx">Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation</a> provides an <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/registrationrenewals.aspx">online registration portal</a> on its web site for straight renewals. If changes have occurred to the vehicle owner's name, or if the make and model have changed on your trail machine, then you'll need to renew your registration at an <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/aboutus/contacts.aspx">IDPR office</a>, <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/assets/content/docs/Recreation/Motorized/vendorlist_OHV-12-28-11.pdf">IDPR vendor</a>, county DMV office or mail them in. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to ride your trail machine on city or county roads as part of your trail ride, you'll also need to purchase a restricted vehicle license plate from a county DMV office, if you don't have one already. These license plates cost $3 and they're valid for 7 years. "It's a small price for peace of mind," says Rich Gummersall, OHV Education Coordinator for IDPR. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, the OHV registration stickers are required for the use of OHVs on U.S. Forest Service, BLM and state land trails. The OHV restricted vehicle license plates are required for riding an OHV on city or county roads. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have any questions about the OHV vehicle registration and licensing process, please see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR_NL_1utnw">this educational YouTube video</a>, which details each step of the process, and explains where registration stickers and license plates should be placed on your trail machine. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you register your OHV in another state, it's legal to ride in Idaho. </div><div><br /></div><div>OHV registration stickers are a great investment for OHV riders because a large portion of the fees are funneled into the upkeep of motorized trail systems in Idaho and about $300,000 of the fees go toward new grant projects to create new trails, trailheads, rest rooms, bridges and more.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>The <a href="http://idahostayontrails.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html">IDPR Trail Rangers program</a>, profiled in this blog last fall, typically clears about 1,500 miles of trails throughout the state on Forest Service and state lands. The Trail Rangers are funded by OHV registration sticker fees.</div><div><br /></div><div>The sticker fees also help support the <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/ohveducation.aspx">IDPR OHV Education Program</a>. This program is even more valuable now that the Idaho Legislature passed a law last year requiring all unlicensed drivers to take an OHV education class before riding on national forest roads in Idaho. The classes are free. Have your kids taken the class yet? </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you have a great riding season in 2012! Be safe out there! </div><div> </div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-1291784698105903372011-12-07T14:22:00.000-08:002011-12-08T15:08:25.139-08:00Forest Service identifies "Roads of Concern" in Idaho; works to mitigate safety issues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSQpkOP9ke-NAVH2q6DlkZib5JIYdYSv336xouuhwK42__OeqYwt8flW05EaoIi1ZUqZUmar5-k3Pj2Vq3mtx23SG50piapZTPGT8P9DefwDZt_oLgDtxwhB6EXd_RcImVYj-WHJryvE/s1600/OHV+safety+signage+on+USFS+roads.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSQpkOP9ke-NAVH2q6DlkZib5JIYdYSv336xouuhwK42__OeqYwt8flW05EaoIi1ZUqZUmar5-k3Pj2Vq3mtx23SG50piapZTPGT8P9DefwDZt_oLgDtxwhB6EXd_RcImVYj-WHJryvE/s320/OHV+safety+signage+on+USFS+roads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683894911020611042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Typical sign the Forest Service is installing along forest roads</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> to increase safety for OHV users and motorists (courtesy USFS) </i></span></div><div><br /></div>Hi all, <div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/">U.S. Forest Service</a> has been busy working on its "roads of concern" program in the last year to identify the most hazardous roads, install mitigation measures such as safety signage and trimming brush to improve visibility, and in a few instances, close a few sections of highly traveled roads that were deemed too hazardous to leave open to off-highway vehicle use. </div><div><br /></div><div>This blog provides an update on the program. Just about anybody who has driven a vehicle on narrow national forest dirt roads has probably had a close call with another motor vehicle, not to mention an OHV rider cruising around a blind corner. This is the concern with this issue -- trying to avoid collisions between motor vehicles and OHVs. </div><div><br /></div><div>The roads-of-concern issue came to the fore when the Idaho Legislature passed a law in 2009 that allowed unlicensed drivers to operate OHVs on national forest system roads as long as they had parental supervision. Previously, a driver's license was required for OHV users to operate OHVs on national forest roads. Fearing for the safety of young, unlicensed drivers operating OHVs on national forest roads used by cars and trucks, the Forest Service began a review of roads of concern in early 2011. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the 2011 session, the Idaho Legislature passed a new law requiring that unlicensed drivers who wish to operate an OHV on national forest roads must complete an <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/ohveducation.aspx">OHV safety course</a> first. The law also clarified that youths on OHVs with parental supervision must be riding within 300 feet of an adult. The passage of that law, which was supported by the Idaho Recreation Council, eased the Forest Service's concerns about unlicensed OHV riders on forest roads, officials said. </div><div><br /></div><div>Statewide, there are 7,700 miles of forest roads that are used by motor vehicles and OHVs. For the roads of concern process, the Forest Service evaluated 2,500 miles of roads in all eight of our national forests in Idaho. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 253, 238); "><br /></span></div><div>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/payette/home/?cid=STELPRDB5250726&width=full">Payette National Forest </a>issued a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/payette/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5340915">press release</a> last week indicating that it had completed mitigation activities on 80.4 miles of mixed-use forest roads out of 271 miles identified, including safety signage and brushing to improve sight-lines. Additional mitigation work is scheduled for 83.3 miles of roads next summer. Two roads that restrict OHV use, the paved South Fork of the Salmon River road and paved section of the Goose Creek Road, will remain closed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a map that identified roads of concern on the Payette forest's <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5250729.pdf">east side</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5250730.pdf">west side</a>.</div><div><ul><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/boise/landmanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5247224">Boise National Forest</a> identified 359 miles of roads of concern and carried out mitigation activities on 77.6 miles of roads so far, with 57 miles remaining for next field season. Here's a <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5296752.pdf">map</a> of the Boise forest's roads of concern. </li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ctnf/home">Caribou-Targhee National Forest </a>identified 334 miles of roads of concern and did mitigation work on 201 miles of roads last summer. It plans to do more mitigation work on 89 miles of roads next summer. In August, the Caribou-Targhee <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ctnf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5325788">announced the closure</a> of 19.5 miles of forest roads to OHV use on four road segments, two of which had been closed previously.<br /><br />"The purpose of this order is to protect the safety of the public," said Caribou-Targhee Supervisor Brent Larson. "Current use on these roads includes commercial truck traffic and passenger vehicles both operating in excess of 50 mph. This order is to restrict off-highway vehicle use where current mixed use creates unsafe or dangerous operating conditions."<br /><br /></li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/">Salmon-Challis National Forest </a>identified 299 miles of roads of concern, and 102 miles that were considered high-risk. Forest officials plan to install signage and cut brush on the 102 miles of roadway next summer. Here's a <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/roads_of_concern011411.pdf">map</a> of the Salmon-Challis roads of concern.</li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth">Sawtooth National Forest</a> identified two miles of roadway that needed safety signage in the Minidoka District; that work has been completed. </li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/">Clearwater National Forest</a> identified 453 miles of roads of concern, and treated some of them with mitigation measures last summer. More details are yet to come. Here's a map of the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/Projects/RoadsOfConcern/clwEast_ROC.pdf">east side </a>of the Clearwater's roads of concern, and the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/Projects/RoadsOfConcern/clwWest_ROC.pdf">west side</a>. </li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperce/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5253476">Nez Perce National Forest </a> identified 735 miles of roads of concern. More details are yet to come. Here's a map of the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5253466.pdf">east side</a> of the Nez Perce's roads of concern, and the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5253463.pdf">west side</a>. </li><li>The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/%21ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTSw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAIzTHkw%21/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjJNMDAwMDAwMDA%21/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb5229495&navid=110350000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&ss=110104&position=Not%20Yet%20Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Idaho%20Panhandle%20National%20Forests-%20OHV%20Riding">Panhandle National Forest </a>identified 151 miles of roads of concern. More details are yet to come. Here are three maps of the roads identified -- <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5246287.pdf">north zone</a>, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5246288.pdf">central zone</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5246290.pdf">south zone</a>. </li></ul><div>If you have questions about the roads of concern process, please follow up with any of the national forests mentioned above to get the details. Thank you. </div></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-16967463148879959352011-11-25T10:23:00.000-08:002011-11-25T10:47:13.502-08:00Give thanks to IDPR Trail Rangers for keeping our trails clear on national forests in Idaho<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMGxnqmH3x7KHrnrIaEhthwxCQtqLwARL-D5keF-hbe6fABHrZwEQHlrMTQp8lxCfuwMfS-cTHQmYESU297NpYnVTh_MShUr96GooSWUHi47xSqDWZQl4t5CGjzJz0UXDQXGgGDRLK_Q/s1600/Zane+log.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMGxnqmH3x7KHrnrIaEhthwxCQtqLwARL-D5keF-hbe6fABHrZwEQHlrMTQp8lxCfuwMfS-cTHQmYESU297NpYnVTh_MShUr96GooSWUHi47xSqDWZQl4t5CGjzJz0UXDQXGgGDRLK_Q/s320/Zane+log.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679005776649307138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Typical tree removal<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggumiYlj0zoJfihrsrDZsUhtsJTjccfSaBeghkam789Zwh7KgVZL0jjq257Cniem1XjD7IvjaFFSEbFsCeyb0x0nSJuKjyEMPI3B0RU3qSXAepBgWjByDdC3AF-rWiwp3B_byo2WOO1Bk/s1600/DSCF1171.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggumiYlj0zoJfihrsrDZsUhtsJTjccfSaBeghkam789Zwh7KgVZL0jjq257Cniem1XjD7IvjaFFSEbFsCeyb0x0nSJuKjyEMPI3B0RU3qSXAepBgWjByDdC3AF-rWiwp3B_byo2WOO1Bk/s320/DSCF1171.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679005483797128002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Trail tread work<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdLB6x1hmdzdxO_AUCVJ774nbp52mYcvQMue9puDywj3swt6W3ag1kK79gD_LbHSq4Lvs_pyHAEIsO5YeZ1BjnX27Zp1NRnm1o8lq5IEHVBNs4K9i7t6IJYzRdcqzwStnbxrpj7BUYQA/s1600/2+Rangers+cut++cas+avy.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdLB6x1hmdzdxO_AUCVJ774nbp52mYcvQMue9puDywj3swt6W3ag1kK79gD_LbHSq4Lvs_pyHAEIsO5YeZ1BjnX27Zp1NRnm1o8lq5IEHVBNs4K9i7t6IJYzRdcqzwStnbxrpj7BUYQA/s320/2+Rangers+cut++cas+avy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679005366504183410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Serious downfall! </div><p class="MsoNormal">At this time of year, it's appropriate to give thanks to some unsung heroes who work hard all summer long in Idaho's back country to ensure that our multi-use trails on national forest lands are free of downfall and brush, usable and sustainable. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm talking about the Trail Rangers crews provided by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. They're skilled motorbike riders who carry shovels, chainsaws and other tools into the back country and work on opening up multi-use trails for all of us to enjoy. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last summer, IDPR's Trail Rangers cleared almost 1,500 miles of trails, removed more than 8,000 trees, improved the tread on approximately 1,530 feet of trail, and worked on 1,045 water bars/dips. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The trail work occurred on many of Idaho's national forests, including the Panhandle, Salmon-Challis, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Caribou-Targhee, Boise and Payette. Please see a detailed accounting of the Trail Rangers work on the <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/trailrangerreports.aspx">IDPR web site</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the late spring and cool, wet summer, the IDPR Trail Rangers "struggled with excessive amounts of brush growth" that slowed the crews down and made it difficult to treat all of the trail miles requested by the national forests, IDPR officials said. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">IDPR has four Trail Ranger crews that serves the state -- one in North Idaho, another in Eastern Idaho and a third and fourth located in SW Idaho. The fourth crew is a “roaming crew” that assists all three regions in trail maintenance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">IDPR also has a trail cat that does more heavy-duty trail work. Statewide, IDPR trail cat operators reconstructed 31.3 miles of of trail, built 3.2 miles of trail and 868 water dips, cleaned out 1,003 water dips, and removed 817 stumps. </p><p class="MsoNormal">IDPR's mini-excavator operators rebuilt 2.9 miles of trail, built 27 water dips, cleaned 28 water dips, and removed 27 stumps. </p><p class="MsoNormal">All of this work is made possible by OHV registration funds. </p><p class="MsoNormal">In the spring, IDPR invites national forest ranger districts to apply for assistance from IDPR Trail Rangers. Trail work is provided to the national forests at no cost. But the Forest Service does provide temporary housing for trail ranger crews. In 2010, 26 ranger districts in Idaho's national forests requested and received Trail Ranger services. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks Trail Rangers! </p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-72344518873097529052011-10-14T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-14T10:48:36.470-07:00New hard-copy Motor Vehicle Use Maps for Payette, Sawtooth forests available at IDFG offices<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zxmZSjsOPErEMFgymR-HVizWvhLqg6lGMuauXTsPY1tE_ccGCFKVWUuoSgKlMhbptovPOHvlFxbjgOiBkrTqEjn1lsUiBX-gOE1cm96oaz23vDqEsNMG7lLTREykc6YPTK-EcHCjPwY/s1600/pnfMVUMcover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zxmZSjsOPErEMFgymR-HVizWvhLqg6lGMuauXTsPY1tE_ccGCFKVWUuoSgKlMhbptovPOHvlFxbjgOiBkrTqEjn1lsUiBX-gOE1cm96oaz23vDqEsNMG7lLTREykc6YPTK-EcHCjPwY/s320/pnfMVUMcover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663406072395467250" /></a><br />Hi all, <div><br /></div><div>Here's a news release that we went out to the Idaho news media today: </div><div><br />BOISE - (Oct. 14, 2011) – Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110412&navtype=BROWSEBYSU">Payette National Forest</a> and the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?ss=110414&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=STELPRDB5078145&navid=360000000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detail&pname=Sawtooth%20National">Sawtooth National Forests</a> are now available at <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/">Idaho Department of Fish and Game</a> offices in McCall, Nampa, Boise and Jerome as big game hunting seasons kick into gear.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“The Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game did a special reprint of the Motor Vehicle Use Maps because they have been in high demand,”<span> </span>said IDFG spokesman Mike Keckler. “The hard-copy maps are the best source of information available about what trails and roads are open to off-highway vehicles during hunting season.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The maps are free. By referring to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps, combined with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations, hunters driving ATV's, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and motorbikes can research what roads and trails are open during hunting season.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Making the maps available at the IDFG offices should be more convenient for hunters, said Andy Brunelle, a spokesman for <span> </span>the Forest Service.<span> </span>“Maps are at their highest value when in the hands of the people, not on the display rack.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The maps also are available at national forest ranger district offices and they're available online on the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoY6BdkOyoCAGixyPg!/?ss=110414&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=STELPRDB5078145&navid=360000000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detail&pname=Sawtooth%20National">Sawtooth</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72DTUE8TAwjQL8h2VAQAMtzFUw!!/?ss=110412&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=STELPRDB5112468&navid=130100000000000&pnavid=130000000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=d">Payette National Forest</a> web sites.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For specific locations of the IDFG offices, here is a link from the IDFG web site to the <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/offices/">regional office addresses</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>About the <st1:state st="on">Idaho</st1:state> OHV Public Outreach Campaign: </b>To help raise awareness about the importance of OHVs staying on trails, five state and federal agencies in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Idaho</st1:place></st1:state> work on a statewide campaign called the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Public Outreach Campaign. The campaign encourages riders to ride safe, responsibly and reduce their impact on the land and other trail users. See <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">www.stayontrails.com</a> for more information.</p></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-67712017953539758812011-09-15T15:36:00.001-07:002011-09-15T16:06:14.901-07:00Hunters on OHVs urged to stay on designated trails<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPAtVWrgw5p2LQ4iH8hH4S1Sv3F9Sh6on_i-Pb5-PN8wGC8DPgRxl8turuGD2X0Y4HpKqzj2aeVHQPfl3nsaPb8pqbN6_vTFMrhLNErXNjNIdkcL_h7oCT6jv5KQCq8xh2qXVBDkkdoc/s1600/100_1983.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPAtVWrgw5p2LQ4iH8hH4S1Sv3F9Sh6on_i-Pb5-PN8wGC8DPgRxl8turuGD2X0Y4HpKqzj2aeVHQPfl3nsaPb8pqbN6_vTFMrhLNErXNjNIdkcL_h7oCT6jv5KQCq8xh2qXVBDkkdoc/s320/100_1983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652725884368420322" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign has just issued this press release to outdoor writers/editors in Idaho ... </p><p class="MsoNormal">BOISE – Officials with the <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Public Outreach Campaign</a> are urging people who use ATVs or motorbikes during hunting season to stay on designated trails and do their homework to ensure that the trails they plan to ride are open.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Officials with the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/">U.S. Forest Service</a>, <a href="http://www.blm.gov/">Bureau of Land Management</a> and <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/">Idaho Department of Fish and Game</a> say that hunters riding off-trail on ATVs or motorbikes continues to be a problem on public lands during hunting season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"We are most concerned with instances where a hunter drives off-trail to scout for game or retrieve game," said Andy Brunelle, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service. "One set of tracks through the brush or in a meadow can invite others to do the same, and the impacts add up, damaging vegetation and causing soil erosion into streams."</p><p class="MsoNormal">According to several surveys, more than half of the approximately 240,000 people who hunt in Idaho (residents and non-residents) during the fall months are using motorbikes or ATVs to access their hunting areas.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Officials with the U.S. Forest Service encourage hunters to obtain copies of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM's) from the national forest where they plan to hunt. Hard-copy maps are available from national forest ranger district offices, and in some cases, they are online. The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Project's web site, <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">www.stayontrails.com</a>, has a link to online Forest Service MVUM's on its <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">where to ride page</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">OHV riders also can do research trail/road access information on the <a href="http://trails.idaho.gov/">http://trails.idaho.gov</a> web site, which was recently created by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Click on a trail or road, and details about that trail/road will appear in a pop-up window. If the trail or road is restricted, the closure dates are listed.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Panhandle National Forests have published new MVUMs for the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District and the Kaniksu Zone. These are available from Panhandle National Forest offices, and they are online on the forest's web site. Forest officials are still working on the map for the St. Joe National Forest. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Project's web site, <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">www.stayontrails.com</a>, has a link to online Forest Service MVUM's on its <a href="http://stayontrails.com/where-to-ride/">where to ride page</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110402&navtype=forestBean&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=null&ttype=main&pname=Boise%20National%20Forest%20-%20Home">Boise</a>, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110412&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003853&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Payette%20National%20Forest-%20Home">Payette</a>, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110414&navtype=forestBean&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=null&ttype=main&pname=Sawtooth%20National%20Forest%20-%20Home">Sawtooth</a>, <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110415&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003853&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Caribou-Targhee%20National%20Forest-%20Home/">Caribou-Targhee</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/">Salmon-Challis</a> national forests have completed travel management plans and have published MVUM's to indicate what trails and roads are open or closed during the fall hunting seasons. The <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjBNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110117&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003853&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Nez%20Perce%20National%20Forest-%20Home">Nez Perce</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/">Clearwater</a> national forests are still working on travel management plans before they can publish final MVUM's..<br /><br />BLM officials encourage hunters to check BLM districts or BLM Travel Management maps to see if the trails or roads they plan to use are open or closed. The BLM maps are available online on <a href="http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en.html">BLM district office web sites</a> and hard-copies are available at district offices.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under the Forest Service's <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/final.pdf">National Travel Rule</a>, "it's incumbent on the user to know if the trail is open or closed" regardless if the trail is signed appropriately, forest officials said. That's because people have been known to shoot signs full of bullet holes, remove signs or vandalize them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hunters also should check <a href="http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/">Idaho Fish and Game hunting regulations</a> to check on trail or road restrictions in their hunting areas. The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Project produced a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcsDxtNGG4M">YouTube video</a> that helps explain how to sort through MVUM maps and Fish and Game regulations to see if trails are open or closed. <span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jon Heggen, enforcement chief for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, encouraged motorbike and ATV riders to be sensitive to the fact that some people may be hunting on foot in the same area where they are riding their trail machine. "We want to remind hunters to stay on trails and be courteous to other users," Heggen said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hunters also should be aware that a new state law requires youths who do not have a driver's license to take a free safety course before they ride OHVs on forest roads, and that youths under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet when riding on an OHV or driving one. <span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Idaho OHV campaign officials recommend that hunters check out 10 <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/hunt/">hunting tips</a> on stayontrails.com to make sure they have a safe and legal hunting season. Idaho Fish and Game also has a <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/assets/content/docs/IDFG-ATV-Brochure-2008.pdf">brochure</a> that reviews motor vehicle and ATV regulations pertinent to hunting.<span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>About the <st1:state st="on">Idaho</st1:state> OHV Public Outreach Campaign: </b>To help raise awareness about the importance of OHVs staying on trails, five state and federal agencies in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Idaho</st1:place></st1:state> work on a statewide campaign called the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Public Outreach Campaign. The campaign encourages riders to ride safe, responsibly and reduce their impact on the land and other trail users. See <a href="http://www.stayontrails.com/">www.stayontrails.com</a> for more information.</p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822333134215809813.post-22774158084999998662011-08-04T21:46:00.000-07:002011-08-06T07:24:25.293-07:00New OHV safety classes are filling up fast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFxEwWJukSOs0MexgCjn8pKxFwxvyREbNvhM-lJLqaCCvmKUguO1hNUfgnrVX2HOuFGwRTNwiMNorSOwuhIGcPnCICCbjb-FfifCFF7v4L8jFJ3VFCKV_nU-EEG_1JjWpB1O_twM7hkE/s1600/IDPR+OHV+safety+class.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFxEwWJukSOs0MexgCjn8pKxFwxvyREbNvhM-lJLqaCCvmKUguO1hNUfgnrVX2HOuFGwRTNwiMNorSOwuhIGcPnCICCbjb-FfifCFF7v4L8jFJ3VFCKV_nU-EEG_1JjWpB1O_twM7hkE/s320/IDPR+OHV+safety+class.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637235391387845250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>IDPR safety class in Boise </i></div>Hi all,<div><br /></div><div>In case you haven't heard, the 2011 Idaho Legislature passed new education requirements for youths who ride off-highway vehicles on forest roads in Idaho. We wrote about the <a href="http://idahostayontrails.blogspot.com/2011/03/senate-bill-1001-advances-in-idaho.html">pending legislation proposed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Recreation Council</a> during the legislative session, and now the education requirements have become law. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, the upshot of the new law is that <b>all unlicensed riders who wish to operate an OHV on national forest roads are required to take a free OHV safety course</b> provided by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. These courses are filling up fast, and hunting season is coming up soon, so if your kids need to get signed up, it's best to do so ASAP! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/ohveducation.aspx">links</a> for signing up for the IDPR OHV safety courses in all regions of Idaho. The IDPR has set up courses from early August through October. Contact the IDPR's education specialists as follows to express interest and sign up for a class: </div><div><br /></div><div><b>North Idaho: Scott Hildesheim</b><br />scott.hildesheim@idpr.idaho.gov</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Southwest Idaho: Jonathan Okerlund</b><br />jonathan.okerlund@idpr.idaho.gov</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Eastern Idaho: Patrick Carlson</b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" >patrick.carlson@idpr.idaho.gov</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >You also can <a href="http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/motorbikesandatvs/education-form.aspx">sign up online on this web page</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >IDPR officials say that public demand for the OHV safety courses is high. Based on the number of registered OHV's in Idaho, IDPR officials expect 3,500 to 4,000 youths in Idaho will need to take the courses. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >IDPR policy allows for 10 students per course. The courses involve classroom and practical instruction on the dirt. The parent or legal guardian is required to attend the class with their child or children.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Topics covered by the education classes: </span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Safe riding</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Proper machine sizing for size of rider</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Weight distribution</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Responsible and ethical riding</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Proper handling and shifting</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Riding within your ability</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>What to bring to class</b>:</span></div></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Properly registered OHV or off-highway motorcycle</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Approved helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and boots</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" >Snacks and water (optional)</span></li></ul></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The concept behind the classes is to make youth OHV riders aware of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6o9XTMVv9Y&feature=channel_video_title">dangers of riding OHVs on forest roads</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >It's an extra step that may save a life.</span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08118059411498086244noreply@blogger.com0