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Signs posted restricting OHVs in Monroe Canyon
07/13/03 at 07:09:32

By Lyle Goulding

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MONROE - Safety and liability issues have officials at the Fishlake National Forest working to enforce an off highway vehicle ban in Monroe Canyon, which has been in place for 17 years.

The road in question is a 1.8 mile stretch of paved road from the forest boundary to the dirt portion of forest road 078 near Monrovian Park. In the meantime, forest officials are working quickly to improve an alternate route that will get people from the Paiute ATV Trail on Monroe Mountain into Monroe City.

Signs indicating that OHV travel is prohibited were put in place two weeks ago at the forest boundary and on road 078 before the pavement begins, letting OHV riders know they are not allowed. The restriction was written into the travel plan of the Fishlake National Forest in 1986, but until now has not been posted and has not been enforced.

Near misses between OHVs and larger vehicles on the winding stretch of narrow road have prompted officials of the forest service to get the road posted and begin enforcement of the OHV ban.

"In my opinion, its not a matter of 'if' but 'when' we'll have a serious accident on that road," said Fred Houston, Richfield district ranger.

Finding an alternate route is high on Houston's list of priorities as ranger and he is working with several government and private entities to find a way to make OHV access from the Paiute trail on Monroe Mountain to Monroe practical and safe for riders.

Forest service administrators want people to realize that OHV travel is restricted on the paved portion of road 078, but until an alternate route is in place, enforcement on the road will be light.

"Right now we're not taking a heavy handed approach with enforcement," said Mary Erickson, Fishlake forest supervisor. "We're going to try to issue some warnings for now, but we're working as quickly as possible to get an alternate route resolved."

Erickson echoed Houston's concern for safety on road 078 and the need to restrict OHV travel to avoid a serious accident. The potential of a fatal accident occurring between an OHV and larger passenger vehicle is much greater than a fatality between two passenger vehicles, Erickson said.

The ban is being enforced at this time simply for the safety of everyone who travels along the road.

A parking area about a quarter of a mile from the paved portion of forest road 078 is open and available for OHV trailers for those who want to park and ride from that point.

As district ranger, Houston is liable for accidents on the road if he does not do his job in posting and enforcing closures on roads within his district. He wants to maintain access when possible, but believes the paved surface on the road leading to Monrovian Park and blind turns make the route a potential for disaster.

He is encouraging people to respect the OHV ban while he works on the alternate route.

Houston is also asking that OHV riders obey posted laws and rules regarding OHV use throughout the forest system. He said every year there are problems with riders leaving the trail and creating erosion problems or vandalizing areas that need protection.

The more people abide by posted rules, the more access will continue to be available and enjoyable for OHV enthusiasts and others who wish to use federal lands.

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Have fun, ride safe, keepem wheels down, and see you at the Jamborees,
The ATVUtah.com Forums Team.
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