OHV Travel Restrictions in Parunuweap Canyon WSA, Orderville Canyon WSA, and North Fork Virgin River WSA

OHV Intro / News Release / Federal Register Notice / Parunuweap Map / Orderville-North Fork Map

BLM To Restrict Motorized Travel i

Contact: Glenn Foreman (801) 539-4023
August 29, 2000

Citing impacts to soils, vegetation, wildlife habitat and other resources from increasing off highway vehicle (OHV) use, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it will place new restrictions on motorized travel in the Parunuweap Canyon, Orderville Canyon, and North Fork Virgin River BLM wilderness study areas (WSAs) in southwestern Utah near Kanab. This emergency travel limitation order supercedes the existing OHV travel designations for the three areas put in place September 25, 1980.

The emergency travel limitation order, published today in the Federal Register, will restrict motorized travel on public land in the three WSAs to only those routes and ways identified during the original wilderness inventory completed in 1980 and shown on the inventory maps. Exempt are law enforcement, administrative uses and emergency actions. Cross country travel within the WSAs is specifically prohibited. Signing, maps at key access areas, information, and law enforcement will facilitate implementation of this emergency travel restriction.

Kanab Field Manger Verlin Smith traces the concerns to cross-country travel and off road use by hunters during the big game hunting season. "Travel off inventoried routes is increasing and could impact natural values if this type of use is not controlled now."

When wilderness study areas were originally established in the early 1980s vehicle ways were identified, and use along those identified ways was not a problem.

"We know the public has traditionally used the Parunuweap area for big game hunting in the fall and we are also seeing indications of increasing recreational OHV use of the ways and trails," said Smith. "We want to get a handle on this now so we can prevent impairment to wilderness values while still being able to balance protection with responsible use."

These travel limitations will remain in effect until the threats to the WSAs are eliminated or permanent OHV designations are effected through the land management planning process.

"Additional travel restrictions may be enacted if these travel limitations fail to protect the WSAs," said Smith. "We want to send a clear message that these travel restrictions will be enforced, and I’m optimistic that this can happen if we all work together. But a lot depends on the OHV community. Local groups have stated that they want to be part of the solution and have committed to assist the BLM with signing, monitoring, and education initiatives."

Utah BLM State Director Sally Wisely called today’s announcement an important continuation on getting a better handle on inappropriate OHV use off inventoried ways. "Congress has given us additional responsibilities in WSAs and we know there are trouble spots which we must address," said Wisely.

And while better controls are important, she also stressed that improved information about existing riding trails and continuing to work with partners to set aside appropriate places to ride–including well-managed open areas and trail systems–are a large part of the solution.

"Now more than ever, the public is turning to BLM-managed lands as a sanctuary from urban life. The extensive network of back-country roads and trails found on the 23-million acres of BLM lands in Utah are an invaluable asset. The tricky part, of course, is striking the proper balance of use and protection, " Wisely said.

Director Wisely recently provided all Utah BLM offices with an Interim Management Approach to OHV Use on Public Lands in Utah (June 2000) which instructs field office managers to review the resource conditions of Utah WSAs and possible threats or impacts to resources and wilderness values.

"This decision reinforces our commitment for a balanced approach to OHV use on public lands. This protects our valuable natural and wilderness resources while providing quality opportunities for recreation, including the enjoyment of OHVs," State Director Wisely commented.

Wisely also stressed the need for better user cooperation and compliance. "We’ve put up a lot of signs and erected many barricades only to see them ignored or torn down. Responsible users need to help with this problem. There’s too much at stake, for everyone involved, to do otherwise. Our recent closure of some ways and decision to keep some routes open in the San Rafael Swell has been met with public acceptance, hundreds of hours of volunteer help with signing and restoration, and an outpouring of support from both OHV and environmental groups. We are very pleased with the outcome, and will continue our efforts to provide for responsible OHV use while protecting the resources everyone so dearly enjoys."

A wilderness study area is a BLM title for an area that has been inventoried and found to have wilderness characteristics as described in the Wilderness Act. These areas are managed under the Bureau’s Interim Management Policy (IMP) to prevent impairment of their suitability for Congressional designation as wilderness. Except for emergency and other specific conditions, the IMP prohibits cross-country travel off existing vehicle ways in wilderness study areas.

The Parunuweap Canyon WSA is 30,899 acres, Orderville Canyon, 1,750, and North Fork Virgin River 1,040 acres. All were established in 1980 for study for possible wilderness designation.

Detailed maps are available at the BLM Kanab Field Office, 318 North First East, 435-644-4600.

For more information on these travel restrictions and restrictions in other WSA areas, visit the BLM’s web site at http://www.ut.blm.gov/ohvinfo.html.

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