Off Highway Vehicles:Management and Issues in the East Valley

Presented By:Officer Kriselle Colvin

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Background• AGFD responsible for OHV management• Huge increase in OHV use, very limited

resources to manage that use– A 347% increase since 1998

• Legislation in 2009 requires OHV decal on any public lands– Registration and decals administered by DMV– Funds allow for education, enforcement, grants,

habitat damage mitigation etc.

OHV Issues• Safety– Helmets– Riding double– Speed

• Dust• Know before you go• Cross Country Travel and Habitat Damage– Road proliferation and widening– Kiddie areas– Riding on stock tanks

“OHV track” created by unlawful cross-country travel and subsequently used on a regular basis.

Livestock tank that unlawful OHV use has essentially destroyed from livestock and wildlife perspective.

Route proliferation and widening. This used to be the intersection of two, two-track roads that livestock operators use to maintain range improvements.

Route proliferation and widening. Used to be one two-track road to a livestock tank.

This “OHV track” was forged in one weekend in January 2014 by unlawful cross-country travel. As of January

2015 two more loops have been added.

Described as a “Glamis Camp”, many of which can be found most weekends from November – March. Note wildlife habitat loss and cross-country travel affiliated

within short distance of the camp.

Another “Glamis Camp” (note fire ring bottom center). Adults in these camps typically let children ride cross –

country from camp resulting in significant adverse effects to the desert

UTV on unlawful “OHV track”. (Individuals were cited)

What Can We Do?

• Educate users about the consequences– Closures!!!

• Advocate for designated routes– Designated routes facilitate

enforcement and keep areas open

• Be a safe, ethical and responsible operator

How to Get More Information

• https://azgfdportal.az.gov/OHV

• http://www.azstateparks.com/ohv/ambassadors.html

• http://treadlightly.org/quick-tips-for-responsible-atv-riding/