Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests

Wenatchee River Ranger District
600 Sherbourne
Leavenworth, WA 98826

509. 548-2550 or 548.2551 Voice
509.548.5817 Fax

Forestry Sciences Laboratory
1133 N. Western
Wenatchee, WA 98801

509.662-4315 Voice
509.664.2742 Fax

USDA Forest Service
Okanogan National Forest

Shannon O’Brien, Public Affairs Specialist, 509-486-2186

Cool crisp weather and changing colors make fall a great time to visit the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest . Hunters, woodcutters and others are out and about taking part in the various fall recreation opportunities on the Tonasket and Methow Valley Ranger Districts. For many, motorized access is the primary means of getting out and enjoying the Forest .

The use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) is permitted in some areas of the National Forest. “People using OHVs to get around on the Forest need to be certain they understand the rules”, said Michael Alvarado, Recreation Staff Officer for the Tonasket Ranger District. “The responsibility lies with the operator to know the laws governing the use of these machines and the specific restrictions about where they can be operated on National Forest Lands.”

As stated in the Okanogan National Forest Travel Plan, off-highway vehicles not licensed to operate on public roads or highways may be used only on roads that are blocked with rocks, trees, or earthen barriers and not open to passenger cars or trucks. The Travel Plan identifies areas that are open or closed to motorized access and lists rules and tips for OHV use; it also identifies seasonal closures for motorized travel. The Travel Plan is available at offices in Okanogan , Tonasket and Winthrop or online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/maps/index.shtml .

There are specific routes identified on the Tonasket Ranger District where mixed-use is allowed. “When we say mixed-use, we are saying that OHVs (not licensed for highway use) can be operated on specific roads that are also open to passenger vehicles,” said Alvarado. “Extra care needs to be taken on these routes. Drivers should to be prepared to encounter any variety of vehicles.”

Maps of the mixed use routes on the Tonasket Ranger District are available at the Tonasket, Okanogan , and Methow Valley Forest Service offices or online at http://wwwtest.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/maps/travplan.shtml .

“While there are no mixed use routes on the Methow Valley Ranger District, there are still many places where people can ride OHVs,” said Jennifer Zbyszewski, Recreation Staff for the Methow Valley District. In areas shown as open to motorized vehicles on the Travel Plan Map, OHVs are allowed on roads that are blocked with a berm.

“People should pick up a free copy of the Travel Plan and check to see where motorized vehicles are allowed. Even in the open areas, riders need to be careful to avoid resource damage. Steer clear of meadows and marshy areas and travel at slower speeds,” Zbyszewski added.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is continuing to move toward implementing the National Travel Management Rule. This rule requires all national forests to complete Travel Analysis, National Environmental Policy Act requirements, and designation of trails, roads and areas open to motorized use no later than December 2009.

“As part of the analysis process, the Travel Management Team will be reviewing and taking into consideration the many comments received so far,” said Tom Graham, interim leader for the Access Travel Management Team. The Team plans to develop a proposed action and publish a notice of intent in the Federal Register this fall. Information about the Travel Management process is provided through newsletters and posted online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/travel-management/ .

“Public involvement is critical to this process”, Graham added. Individuals interested in providing input and being involved in the process are asked to contact Graham at (509) 664–9384.

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