Potlatch, Forest Service cite ORV damage

Off-road vehicle drivers are wearing out their welcome on public and private wild lands.

The Colville National Forest and Potlatch Corp. both reported seeing damage to roads, meadows and gates starting in April.

With the Memorial Day weekend looming, land managers are trying to get out word that the damage is costly, and fines will be issued if the perpetrators are caught.

The snow had barely receded from the midlevel forests when Potlatch’s Lewiston office reported damage from mud-bogging in two areas and at least three vandalized gates that were locked to prevent vehicles from damaging wet forest roads.

“Forest visitors are always responsible for knowing whose land they are visiting and what guidelines and rules are associated with their specific activity,” said Michael Sullivan, company spokesman.

The Colville National Forest is a land of multiple uses, but creating mud bogs with off-road vehicles is not a legitimate one, forest officials said recently.

ORV damage in the Middle Fork of Calispell Creek had been declining for a few years until off-roaders seemed to go crazy in the area last year, said Larry Melampy, a seasonal bio-technician on the Newport Ranger District.

Describing photos of serious vehicle damage to an area near Delaney Meadows, he said, “This area in past years has supported amphibians in the form of frog tadpoles and long toed salamander larvae. Not last year, though.”

This year, significant damage already has occurred in several Colville forest areas, including near Iron Mountain, said Donna Nemeth, forest public affairs officer.

Despite their name, off-road vehicles cannot legally go off any road or trail in the national forests. They are required to stay on routes designated for ORVs, said Nemeth.

Forest guidelines also call for ORVers to:

•Stay in the middle of the trail so that the trail does not widen.

•Cross streams at designated fording points or at the same location the trail crosses the stream.

•Approach streams slowly and cross streams at a 90-degree angle.

•Avoid stopping at the apex of a switchback when climbing to prevent gouging the trail when power is applied again.

•Avoid brake-sliding during descents, and applying power in a way that spins the tires. This also gouges the trail.

•Avoid travel on muddy trails. Wait until the trails are dry.

•Pack out whatever you pack in. Carry a trash bag with you.

•Avoid spreading noxious weeds by washing your off-highway vehicle, as well as your support vehicle, immediately after each use.