Joint Idfg/Usfs Ohv Patrols To Continue This Fall On Caribou-Targhee & Salmon-Challis NF

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 provide information to the public regarding the proper use of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) in the great outdoors. Recent studies show that an increasing number of sportsmen use OHVs to enhance some portion of their outdoor experience, IDFG & USFS are working together to make sure that the increased usage does not have detrimental effects on other sportsmen, wildlife or the environment. The very acronym OHV, "Off Highway Vehicle" belies the roots of the growing problem. Today's machines are bigger, faster, and more plentiful than their predecessors. Unfortunately, because these machines can go just about anywhere, 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 OHV use are very straightforward. On the Targhee all routes are closed unless posted open! On the Caribou, OHV users need to stay on designated routes. Travel plans for the forests are available at local ranger district offices throughout the eastern portion of the State. Travel plans for the Tar ghee are free; plans for Caribou cost $7.00. In addition to existing USFS regulations, Idaho Fish & Game had regulations in place for a few years now regarding the use of OHV's while hunting in certain units in the southern half of the state. "Motorized vehicle use as an aid to hunting for wildlife is restricted to established roadways open to motorized vehicle traffic capable of travel by full-sized automobiles. A full-sized automobile is defined as any motorized vehicle with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 1,500 pounds." In the Upper Snake Region units 49, 50, 51, 58, 59A, 59, 66, and 69 are covered by this regulation. Unit 69 was added this year. Specific information and maps are available from the regional IDFG office in Idaho Falls. Again this fall, the agencies will be using leased aircraft to serve as spotters for violations during high usage periods of the big game seasons. According to Regional Conservation Officer John Hanson, "This year both agencies have committed to an increased number of flights to insure better coverage." Officers from both agencies will be teaming up and utilizing trucks, OHVs, 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 OHV use or OHV use with hunting should contact the appropriate land management agency or IDFG.