Idfg & Usfs Joint Orv Patrols On Caribou-Targhee National Forest

IDAHO FALLS - Managing natural resources is often not so much about cutting trees or counting elk, it's about managing how people utilize those resources. Once again this fall, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) will be working together to educate the public regarding the proper use of Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) in the great outdoors. Recent studies show that an increasing number of sportsmen use ORVs to enhance some portion of their outdoor experience, IDFG & USFS are working together to make sure that the increased usage does not have a detrimental effect on other sportsmen, wildlife or the environment. The very acronym ORV, "Off Road Vehicle" belies the roots of the growing problem. Today's machines can go just about anywhere and are bigger, faster, and more plentiful than their predecessors. Unfortunately, some individuals choose to break the law and take them off designated routes and into areas where they scar the land, disturb other hunters, and spook the wild game. On the Targhee portion of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest the rules regarding proper ORV use are very straightforward. On the Targhee, all routes are closed unless posted open. On the Caribou, ORV users need to stay on designated routes. Over the past few years the Forest has worked to simplify and increase signage, so that no doubt should exist regarding the access status of a given area. In many cases, off-road travel is actually permitted at certain times of the year, but it important that forest users have the most current version of the travel plan map so they understand what method of locomotion is allowed at that specific time of the year. Travel plans for the forests are available at local ranger district offices throughout the eastern portion of the State. Travel plans for the Targhee are free, plans for Caribou cost $7.00. This fall, the agencies will be using leased aircraft to serve as spotters for violations during high usage periods of the big game seasons. Officers from both agencies will be teaming up and utilizing trucks, ORVs, and horses to contact individuals that have ventured into restricted areas. If any questions arise regarding the access status of a given route it is important that forest users contact the Forest Service. 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.