Offroad ban?

Depending on the region it makes sense, otherwise the trails get trashed and dug out really bad.

Worse yet is guys going around the deep stuff into the green space.

 

Oh, for sure. You'd hope people are mindful of conditions. But just in case...forest closure.

 

why i love plumas

 

The existence of the road is not "native", but the material from which it is created (dirt) is.

But let's say they do say that "dirt roads" are closed. No doubt there will be dipshits out there who will try to argue that the road they were on "technically" wasn't a dirt road because it had rocks in it or because it's not dirt, it's mud, or some other nonsense.

So, if you want to blame someone for this type of government speak, blame the dipshits that think the intent of the law doesn't apply to them because "well technically it's not dirt"

 

Yep, nail on the head. Hence my stating:

 

The “problem” with the law is when you say “native surface also called a dirt road”, there is no latitude. It’s a dirt road. What ever that means. And when you write in vague generalities, it’s also true that “it wasn’t clear where I could and could not drive. I didnt think a dirt road was native”. Use the term “road” and it doesn’t matter what the surface is. Roads are closed means all roads not just native roads

 

lets just all disagree to agree

 

"also known as" is NOT the definition of what is being described, just an example of a commonly used term.

They are vague on purpose, because we have a bunch of wannabe lawyers who will always find that one "road" that is actually designated a "trail" so it "technically shouldn't be closed because only "roads" are closed. Again, you have people trying to go by the letter of the law vs. the intent of the law just so they can continue doing what THEY want to do despite what we all know is obvious (i.e. you aren't supposed to be driving there).

That said, it's almost always very clear where you can and can't drive, and what is, and isn't closed. The big yellow locked gate across the road (or trail), and "closed" signs should be a good first clue.

 

not always obvious. i have gotten from open areas to closed areas in a forest many times and had to show a ranger or usfs my ipad route to prove i didnt drive around a gate. so these orders come in handy because you are supposed to have a mvum on you now and know where you are at.

fun times

 

I work for the FS and can confirm this

 

I was being a little facetious, but yeah, gates aren't everywhere.

It usually comes down to "things you should know". Like there doesn't have to be a sign that says "you can't drink and drive" for it to be enforceable.

 

Closed roads are not always marked and it is your responsibility to know where you are and whether or not the road is open.

 

I was being facetious, but yes, you are 100% correct.

LEOs LOVE it when people say "but I didn't know..." Either they're too dumb to know, or smart enough that they didn't want to know, lol

 

Some dirt bikes came off of the ridge between Wade's Lake and the Spencer Lakes on a hiking trail, said there was no sign. Most of us who ride would know where we can go, whether marked or not. I've seen tracks too on the PCT headed east towards "A" Tree.
Duane

 

I've seen plenty of people tear down signs (or at least evidence of people tearing them down) just so they can say there wasn't a sign.

I actually see it a lot with equestrians riding on MTB trails. I guess they feel entitled.

 

Or boulders winched out of the way. Or FS swing gates damaged. Or the opposite of the above with locals blocking access to public trails. I’ve seen most of these examples. It just sucks. All of it. Period.

 

I think it comes down to knowing where you can and cannot be. Hopefully, the FS will publish overlays to show you what is and isn't open whether seasonally or mvum.

 

maps exist in at least paper form. you are required to have them. seasonal forests have that info on also. that info is also on the web. but if all that doesnt work, you are supposed to visit your local ranger station for the correct information before entering the forest.

its your job to know where you can go and not go and if caught there is no valid excuse if they want to ticket you.

 

Overlays are wishful thinking and maybe hope.

Technically, you are supposed to go to the ranger station before you enter the forest. Even if you have the "latest" intel from the web.