Nelsonville, OH - On Friday, April 15, the Wayne National Forest in Ohio reopens more than 300 miles of designated trails (OHV, horse, mountain bike) for recreation use. The Forest reminds the public that the use of alcohol is prohibited within key areas of the off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail system. Additionally, motorized riders are now required to wear a helmet and eye protection.
In January, Forest Supervisor Jo Reyer established the new restrictions when she signed a Forest Order to help reduce the number and severity of OHV accidents and to bring the Forest in line with the safety requirements of other trail providers.
The order states the possession of alcohol is not permitted while riding an OHV on the Wayne National Forest. The ban also includes no possession of alcohol within 100 feet of the centerline of designated OHV trails and certain access roads and within 100 feet of the cleared edges of OHV trailheads. The Forest order also requires riders operating or riding an off-highway vehicle to wear eye protection and a helmet that meets United States Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards.
The order covers the Monday Creek OHV Trail System on the Athens District (http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5108535.pdf) and the Hanging Rock, Pine Creek, and Superior OHV Trail System on the Ironton District (http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5108533.pdf).
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A detailed map of areas included in the order is available on the Forest website or by visiting a Wayne National Forest office. The Forest order and map will also be posted at all OHV trailheads.
The ATV map includes trail systems featured on the ORV map, which are: Monday Creek on the Athens District; and Pine Creek and Hanging Rock ORV areas on the Ironton District. A copy of this map is given out free with the purchase of a trail permit. Non permit holders may purchase a copy of the map or those who purchase a permit can buy extra maps or replacement copies for $2.
Further details about the Forest order with maps are available on the Forest website located at www.fs.usda.gov/wayne. In the left column, click on the Alerts & Notices tab to see a complete list of Forest orders. An audio podcast is available on the Forest web site at http://bit.ly/eAgkGI.
