OHV Trails now open for the season

RBC I Spring is finally here, and it is time to put the snowmobiles in storage and get ready to hit the trails and camp on your local national forest lands.
Blanco Ranger District is transitioning from over-snow travel to summer travel on local roads and trails, according to district ranger Ken Coffin of the U.S. Forest Service in Meeker. Summer travel regulations go into effect on May 21 of each year. However, due to lingering snowpack and water saturated road beds many district roads and trails remain closed.
“We were unable to open several roads and trails on the district last week because they were simply inaccessible due to lingering snow or because they were still too wet to drive,” Coffin said. “With the dry and windy weather we’ve had recently, I anticipate folks will be able to access lower elevation areas such as Wilson Park and East Beaver Creek by now, he said Wednesday.
Areas of the forest that are currently accessible by vehicles include Aldrich Lakes, Miller Creek and Trappers Lake. Some roads and trails, including the Deadhorse Loop and Lost Park, do not open until June 21 to limit disturbance in elk calving areas.
Local Wagon Wheel OHV Trail System organizers encourage the responsible use of roads and trails open to motorized recreation.
“Compliance of riders using this connected trail system will be paramount to our trail system success,” said Rio Blanco County Commission Chairman Shawn Bolton.
The Blanco Ranger District continues to work with Rio Blanco County, the Meeker Chamber of Commerce and many other parties to coordinate on the Wagon Wheel OHV Trail System, a network of connecting trails that offers more than 250 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
OHV Trail Crew Leader Ken Thomas and two other crew members will be out on the Blanco District motorized trails again this year, working to clear downed trees and to repair and maintain motorized trails.
“Local riders are taking pride in their backyard and generally being very supportive of what we are trying to accomplish,” Thomas said.
Riders are reminded to ensure their OHVs have a current registration sticker. Registration fees collected by Colorado Parks and Wildlife provide grants to help repair and improve motorized recreation trails.
Updated Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) are now available at the Blanco Ranger District. MVUMs illustrate legal motor vehicle routes and area designations as defined in the White River National Forest Travel Management Plan, and the maps help visitors determine where they may travel in a motor vehicle. Forest visitors need to be familiar with and follow these designations.
Recreationists are encouraged to pick up a free copy at the Blanco Ranger District. MVUM’s are also available online at www.fs.usda.gov/ whiteriver. If you have a question, or suspect you may have found an error on the MVUM, please contact the Blanco Ranger District at 970-878-4039.