IDFG & Forest Service Team Up Again To Enforce ORV Violations

IDAHO FALLS - One agency is in charge of the forests, the other is in charge of the animals that live there, together the two will once again team up to make sure travel management plans are followed for the benefit of all. Interagency cooperation isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of doing business for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and the United State Forest Service. Officers and staff from the Upper Snake Region and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest will resume their joint ORV (Off Road Vehicle) patrols for the upcoming Memorial Holiday weekend. The upcoming patrols resume where efforts left off last fall. During the fall 2001 hunting season the agencies patrolled together on 11 different days. Efforts will again focus on the same areas as in the past: Poker Peak, Medicine Lodge, Big Bend Ridge, and Centennial Mountain Areas. Last year a total of 37 violation notices were issued by the Forest Service and five citations were issued by IDFG for Forest Travel Plan and other Forest related illegal activities. Efforts last year worked out so well that IDFG Regional Supervisor Bob Saban awarded a plaque of appreciation to Palisades District Ranger Ron Dickemore, who spearheaded the project for the Forest Service. Patrols were accomplished using a wide variety of methods of locomotion. In many instances, a spotter airplane was used to identify potential problems to staff on the ground that then investigated on foot, horse, ATV, or other marked vehicles. Personnel also made numerous contacts with outdoor resource users and distributed copies of the Forest Travel Plan. The majority of individuals contacted were very supportive of the patrols and hoped that a few bad apples wouldn't ruin things for the whole bunch. Along with increased patrols, the Caribou -Targhee Forest has been working to improve the signs used to designate the various types of roads and trails. Individuals with questions about the ORV patrols or the Caribou-Targhee Forest Travel Plan should contact the Forest Supervisors Office in Idaho Falls at 529-1020.