BLM cites complaints at off-road area

Written by The Bismarck Tribune

Sunday, June 14, 2009

MILES CITY, Mont. - The BLM is encouraging recreationists to be mindful of rules and regulations and to act responsibly when using the Glendive Short Pine Off-Highway Vehicle Area located six miles south of Glendive.

The OHV area, situated just off Dawson County Road 335, consists of 3 1/2 sections or 2,240 acres of federal lands and is seeing an increase in use from both U.S. and international off-road enthusiasts.

"We would like to keep this area open to OHV use and riders who respect adjacent private property, clean up after themselves and operate safely will allow us to do that," said Elaine Raper, field manager for the Miles City Field Office.

According to Raper, the BLM has had several requests to close the area due to off-road vehicles trespassing onto adjacent private property. Lately, the area has seen an uptick in littering, dumping and sign vandalism; things BLM staff have limited time to address.

"The BLM would rather send staff out to improve access and recreation opportunities," said Raper. "Having to clean up trash and replace destroyed signs takes away personnel, time and resources that could be better used elsewhere."

Short Pine is classified by the BLM as an "open" area; which means it is open for off-road and trail use by motorcycles, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and four-wheel drive trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

Safety is of particular concern; both for the vehicle operator and for others in the area. According to BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Lori Harbaugh, the tendency by some riders to ride up and down the county road is an issue.

"Vehicles need to be plated and street legal when operating on the county road," said Harbaugh. "Both motorists and recreational vehicle operators need to use caution when driving the county road where it bisects the OHV area."

For more information or to report violations, call the BLM Miles City Field Office at 406-233-2800. Violations also may be reported by calling 800-826-3023 or 800-TIP-MONT.

Source: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/

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State by State Momentum

Community Voices

“We’ve had success bringing illegal riders to justice by snapping photos of their ID stickers. The problem in California is that they’re too darn small to see from far away or at high speeds. While I’m normally not in favor of the government getting involved in things, requiring all ORVs to have a visible ID with a minimum size and standard location would make them an even better tool for property owners to identify trespassing riders. We should also look to Wyoming’s lead and make trespassing penalties clear so riders think twice before they head off designated trails and onto my land.”

- Mesonika Piecuch, private property owner, Kern County, CA