OFF-ROAD VEHICLE LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS BY STATE--2007

 

ALABAMA - NF's in Alabama - On 10/26, an LEO attended Lexington Magistrate court on a mandatory court appearance for hitting an LEO’s vehicle while driving an ATV.  The man pleaded guilty to operating an ATV without a helmet, reckless operation, and damaging government property.  He was sentenced to pay $250 in fines and $530 restitution to repair the FS vehicle.

 

ALASKA - Tongass NF - On the night of 10/5, an LEO observed an ATV with two riders on a public road.  The LEO and a Wrangell PD officer attempted to contact the ATV riders.  The two fled down a logging road, ignoring the LEO's lights and siren.  The ATV continued up a 4x4 trail to a dead-end less than a mile from the main road.  The LEO and PD officer observed the suspects as they walked back down the road after leaving the ATV and arrested them without further incident.  The operator was charged with felony eluding, driving on a suspended license, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and refusing to submit to a chemical test.

 

ARIZONA - Coconino NF - On 11/6, an LEO assisted Yavapai County SD with an ATV accident when a man flipped his rented ATV multiple times on an NFS Road. The man was unconscious when he was airlifted to a local hospital.

 

ARIZONA - Coronado NF - On 11/9, LEO’s conducted a night patrol on the Santa Catalina RD and issued several citations regarding ATV registration, persons in closed area, and consumption of alcohol in closed area.  Gang graffiti was found in several of the overlooks that were checked during the operation.

 

ARIZONA - Coconino NF - On 10/4, a man and a woman were riding ATV‘s on a NFS Road on the Red Rock RD when they came upon a slower vehicle.  The driver motioned them to pass and the man passed without incident.  The woman hit rocks in the road and the ATV started to fishtail.  The ATV was headed for a cliff, but instead of hitting the brakes the woman accidentally hit the gas and the ATV rolled three times.  The woman sustained injuries including paralysis in the lower half of her body and was flown to a hospital. Coconino County SD is continuing the investigation.

 

ARIZONA - Coronado NF - On 9/27, a defendant was found guilty after a trial regarding violation notices that were issued to him as the result of an incident on the Santa Catalina RD.  The unlicensed ATV operator had observed an LEO approaching from the opposite direction, made a u-turn and sped off in a cloud of dust, only to be contacted approximately 1/2 mile further down the road.  The vehicle also did not have the proper registration.

 

ARIZONA - Apache-Sitgreaves NF - The Whiplash Motorsports event was held over the Labor Day weekend on the Black Mesa RD.  Approximately 5,000 people attended the event involving ATV’s, sand rails, 4x4 vehicles and motorbikes.  LEO’s issued four violation notices and responded to one fatality and numerous serious injury accidents. 

 

ARIZONA - Tonto NF – 8/5- 8/11- Several incidents occurred recently on the Mesa RD.  LEO’s located and processed a stolen vehicle in Cotton Wood Wash.  Officers also responded to an ATV accident in which the male driver’s foot was severed. The man was airlifted to a hospital.  LEO’s responded to another accident where two men were injured while standing on the back of an OHV vehicle. The vehicle rolled over and both men sustained a broken leg.  They were also flown to a local hospital.  An intoxicated woman was arrested at the Goldfield Admin site after fighting with deputies.  Charges are pending.

 

ARIZONA - Tonto NF – 9/5 - At approximately 0800 hours, a 20 year-old man was killed while riding his Quad in the Four Peaks area.  The man was traveling on an NFS road at a high rate of speed when he clipped his 10 year-old brother’s ATV from the rear and was ejected several feet into the air.  The man, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained severe head trauma.  A helicopter was dispatched to the incident, but the man died at the scene.  Alcohol was a contributing factor in the accident.

 

ARIZONA - Tonto NF - LEO’s assisted with five SAR’s including one for a man who consumed 10 beers while tubing and then walked away from his friends into the desert.  He was located early the next morning when he walked out to a highway and hitchhiked back to the valley.  Another SAR was in response to an ATV accident on an NFS Road on the Cave Creek RD.  The injured driver was flown to a hospital. 

 

ARIZONA - Coconino NF - On 7/7, two people were riding double on an ATV along an NFS Road when the 25 year-old driver lost control of the unregistered and uninsured vehicle. The ATV flipped over and landed on her four year-old passenger.  The child was temporarily pinned face down in the dirt and was not wearing a helmet. Both were transported to a hospital by ambulance.  Coconino SD issued the driver a citation for reckless driving and child endangerment.

 

ARIZONA - Kaibab NF - On 6/24, a 28 year-old man was driving an ATV on an NFS Road when he attempted a sharp corner and rolled his ATV.  An LEO and an FPO provided first aid to the victim who had a severe scalp laceration and a possible broken arm and collarbone.  He was transported to a hospital.

 

ARIZONA - Prescott NF - On 6/16, an LEO and Yavapai County SD deputies conducted an OHV patrol in the Crown King area of the Bradshaw RD.  As a result of the patrol, 14 state citations, 3 federal violation notices, 48 state warnings and 22 federal warning notices were issued.  Violations encountered included no registration, no insurance, operating a motorcycle without the appropriate license, state fire ban, required equipment for highway use, failure to show ID, no eye protection, and passenger on a vehicle not equipped.

 

ARIZONA - Prescott NF - On 4/7, an LEO stopped a group of OHV riders on an NFS Road on the Wambaw RD.  While questioning the group, the LEO could smell the odor of alcohol from a man who was operating an ATV.  The man was uncooperative and was eventually arrested for disorderly conduct.  During transport to jail, the man became verbally abusive toward the LEO and kicked the patrol vehicle’s cage several times.  Upon arrival, the LEO needed assistance from several jail personnel to bring the man into the booking room.

 

ARIZONA – Prescott NF - On 4/1, an LEO on the Long Cane RD investigated a fire on a NFS Road that burned approximately 15 acres.  The fire was determined to have been caused from a warming fire possibly built by a fisherman in the area.  While on the fire, the LEO received a report of ATV riders on the road near the intersection of two NFS Roads.  The LEO located the ATV riders and issued three citations for the illegal operation of ATV’s on the roadway.

 

ARIZONA – Prescott NF - On 4/7, an LEO on the Long Cane RD was flagged down by a motorcycle rider who worked as a volunteer and had just witnessed ATV’s in a mud hole near the Cedar Springs OHV Trail.  The LEO responded to the location and observed four ATV riders drive off the trail.  Three of the riders drove their ATV’s into the mud hole and began tearing up the area while the fourth rider watched.  The LEO contacted the individuals and issued four citations for operating ATV’s off the designated trail.  The particular area of the trail has several signs indicating no ATV operation permitted.

 

ARIZONA – Prescott NF  On 4/6-7, two ATV accidents with injuries occurred on the OHV trail system on the Uwharrie RD.  A 13 year-old boy sustained a broken nose when his 680 cc ATV flipped over backwards and landed on top of him.  Violations of riding double and age/cc restrictions appeared to contribute to the accident.  A 34 year-old woman sustained a temporary loss of consciousness and multiple contusions when she lost control of her 650 cc ATV when it struck a log and she fell off.  Operating outside designated trail and operator inexperience appeared to contribute to the accident.

 

ARIZONA - Prescott NF - On 12/10/06, an LEO contacted a man and his wife on NFS lands in Yavapai County.  During a consent search, the LEO discovered $1,060 of counterfeit money and numerous pain pills in their possession without a prescription.  The man and woman were arrested and their ATV was towed.  On 1/29, the man was convicted of forgery and was sentenced to serve seven years in prison.  On 12/19, the woman was convicted of tampering with a public record and sentenced to serve 25 days in jail and 3 years probation.

 

CALIFORNIA - Tahoe NF - On 11/24, an LEO attempted to stop six off-highway motorcycles for riding on a paved highway.  The lead rider fled the scene and the remaining five riders would not identify the rider.  One of the remaining riders was found to have a suspended driver’s license and the LEO accompanied them to their campsite.  Because he had been wearing a full face helmet, the fleeing driver could not be positively identified by the LEO.  The man suspected of fleeing was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Lake County, CA.

 

CALIFORNIA - Gila NF - LEO’s on the Gila and Coronado NF’s assisted with a special operation on BLM lands in response to a large gathering of off-road vehicles on the Imperial Sand Dunes in California.  Numerous citations were issued and DUI patrols were conducted to prevent vehicle accidents in the areas.

 

CALIFORNIA - Imperial Sand Dunds, CA - On 10/29 at approximately 1000 hours, USBP Agents and the Imperial County SD responded to a report of gunfire at the Buttercup CG within the southern Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Witnesses reported four males on all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) loading suspicious looking packages into a vehicle occupied by three men.  During this process, gunfire erupted and the vehicle sped away, resulting in six packages of marijuana falling out of the vehicle onto the roadway. Witnesses stated that they were quickly approached by several unknown individuals on ATV’s who threatened to shoot the bystanders if they didn’t stay away from the packages.  USBP Agents collected 131.3 pounds of packaged marijuana.  An El Centro BLM SA assigned to the DEA Task Force was notified and responded.  Follow up investigation is underway.

 

CALIFORNIA - Red Buttes, CA - On 10/27, the Victor Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Team responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. The victim reported that he and his son were riding their dirt bikes and were shot at by the suspect.  The father was able to call 911 on his cell phone and gave the suspect’s description and vehicle information.  Adelanto Deputies stopped the suspect and a semi-automatic handgun was located in the truck.  A Ranger and a San Bernardino SD Deputy responded to the victim’s location for the interview and crime scene investigation.  The location of the crime scene is a mine site on private property, surrounded by public lands.

 

CALIFORNIA - Dumont Dunes Recreation Area (BLM), CA - On 10/6, a Ranger was assigned to quad patrol at the Dumont Dunes Recreation Area.  At roughly 2130 hours, the Ranger observed a quad approach his location at a high rate of speed.  When the quad was within a few feet of the another Ranger’s vehicle, it turned sharply and accelerated, throwing sand and rocks all over them and the marked patrol vehicle (commonly known as roosting).  The suspect lost control of his quad and clipped the Ranger’s marked BLM patrol quad that was parked approximately 20 feet in front of them.  The suspect wrecked and the Ranger responded to his location.  The suspect appeared to be getting up to run at which point the Ranger placed his body weight on top of him and held him to the ground.  The suspect ignored verbal commands to put his hands behind his back.  With assistance, the Ranger was able to apply handcuffs to the suspect’s wrists.  EMS responded. The suspect refused medical care, was cited, and released.

 

CALIFORNIA - Stanislaus NF - On 8/18, two men, without helmets, were riding an ATV on a closed road blocked with an earth berm on the Summit RD.  As they tried to ride over the edge of the berm, the ATV rolled several times and landed on top of the two riders.  The passenger pulled the ATV off the driver and discovered he did not have a pulse.  An FS Recreation Technician administered CPR to the driver but he did not survive.

 

CALIFORNIA - Stanislaus NF On 8/10, a Caldwell County SD Deputy witnessed two people lift two four-wheel ATV’s over a rock barricade and determined they had been riding on the closed road.  The Deputy and an LEO later visited their residence and issued citations for ATV violations and providing false information.

 

CALIFORNIA - Lassen NF On 7/6-7, an LEO and an FS Recreation employee patrolled the High Lakes OHV area on the Almanor RD.  The area has experienced an increase in use and resource concerns.  Numerous violation notices were issued for registration, shooting, and alcohol offenses.  Visitors were provided education and information regarding upcoming changes to the area.

 

CALIFORNIA - Tahoe NF - On 6/11, an LEO saw two ATV’s riding on a paved highway.  When the riders saw the LEO vehicle they turned around and attempted to flee.  One ATV became wedged into a trail crossing barrier designed to allow only motorcycles through.  The second rider started to flee but stopped.  When the LEO started to pat down one of the riders for officer safety, the man announced he was a parolee and tried to twist around to face the LEO.  The LEO pulled the ATV rider off balance and handcuffed him.  The man had a suspended driver’s license which constituted a violation of his parole.  He was arrested for the misdemeanor crime of riding on the highway.  The man had been out of prison for about one month after having been sent back for three months for domestic violence charges.

 

CALIFORNIA Pacheco Peak, CA – BLM - On the morning of 9/5, a multi-agency operation consisting of Santa Clara County SD Deputies, San Benito County SD Deputies, United Narcotics Task Force (UNET) members and a BLM Ranger conducted a raid/eradication on a suspected marijuana garden.  The garden was reported two days prior by a land owner of a Ranch bordering BLM managed public lands. A total of approximately 2,550 plants were eradicated during the operation.  While en route to the garden, a Ranger from the Hollister Field Office was involved in an ATV rollover accident.  Both the Ranger and a UNET Agent sustained injuries as a result of being thrown from and crushed by the ATV.  Both officers were airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital.  The UNET Agent was released with minor injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.  The BLM Ranger sustained 12 broken ribs, 2 collapsed lungs and a broken clavicle and was admitted to the ICU.

 

CALIFORNIA - Stanislaus NF - On 5/28, the Patrol Captain responded to the Cherry Dam rock quarry (a site that is used heavily for camping by OHV groups during holiday weekends) to investigate reports from an FPO that there had been shooting and fireworks in the remote area the previous two nights.  The campers were gone, but had left abundant evidence of OHV riding, litter and gun shells.  On the quarry floor, a large slash pile had been ignited, a campfire with litter was burning, and two spots of wildland fire had apparently been aerially ignited by the burning slash pile.  An FS engine and FPT responded to suppress the fires.

 

CALIFORNIA - Eldorado NF - While conducting OHV registration checks on the Georgetown RD, an LEO contacted a juvenile riding a motorcycle on NFS roads and trails.  A registration check determined that the motorcycle had been reported stolen.  While the LEO waited for an El Dorado County SD Deputy to arrive, a parent of the juvenile rode up on another motorcycle.  This motorcycle had an obscured VIN, which the LEO located under thick fresh paint.  It had also been reported stolen.  The parent, who claimed ownership of both vehicles, was cited and released for knowingly possessing a vehicle with an altered VIN.  Both motorcycles were impounded.  Further charges for vehicle theft are pending by the El Dorado County DA’s office.

 

CALIFORNIA - Sierra NF - On 3/25, an LEO and a CHP Officer conducted an OHV patrol to address public complaints of resource damage and unsafe vehicle operation.  They responded to several incidents, including a clash between a snowmobile rider and 4-wheel drive vehicle driver.  The vehicles nearly collided and one driver challenged the other to fight.  The CHP Officer also conducted several vehicle safety and/or equipment inspections. 

 

CALIFORNIA - Los Padres NF - On 3/23, two men, ages 20 and 23, pleaded guilty in U.S. Magistrate Court to one count each of threatening, resisting, intimidating or interfering with a forest officer.  They were each sentenced to serve 40 hours of community service, and one was ordered to pay $320 restitution to the FS.  The case began on 10/07/06 when the men entered into a Forest fire closure in Ballenger Canyon OHV area and two FPO’s contacted them.  The men initially refused when asked to identify themselves.  As the FPO’s attempted to write the citations, the men called them names and cursed at them.  While the FPO’s explained the citations to the men, one of them sounded his vehicle’s horn numerous times, interfering with the officers.  After the citations were issued, the men told the officers they would take care of the matter later, intimidating the officers. 

 

CALIFORNIA - Tahoe NF - An LEO discovered fresh motorcycle tracks going around a clearly posted OHV Trail Closure sign and three motorcycles coming out of the closure area.  All three drivers fled when the officer attempted to contact them.  One of the riders eventually stopped.  The 18 year-old male driver had never been issued an identification or driver’s license.  The “Green Sticker” on his motorcycle was registered to a different motorcycle and a check of the ATV’s VIN revealed it was stolen.  The driver was arrested and taken the county jail for riding a stolen motorcycle and being in possession of stolen property.  The man also admitted that one of the other two fleeing riders was his father.  An LEO and an FPO returned to the father’s campsite.  The LEO determined that the registration on the vehicle at the site was false and that the vehicle’s actual registration had been expired since 2001.  The LEO and FPO were waiting for the father to return when an unidentified vehicle drove up and the occupants, unaware they were being watched, signaled for the father to come out of hiding.  When the father did not respond, the male driver of the car and his female companion got into the father’s vehicle and commented “let’s get out of here before the cops come back” and indicated they were going to take the father’s wallet and leave.  After they entered the vehicle, the LEO interceded and detained them.  The two showed the LEO where the father had been hiding out since his son’s arrest nearly three hours earlier.  A check of the father’s hidden motorcycle showed it was also stolen.  The LEO recovered the stolen motorcycle, and ordered the father’s vehicle impounded under California state law.  In addition, numerous items of methamphetamine and associated paraphernalia were recovered.  Attempts to locate the father were unsuccessful.  The investigation continues and additional charges are pending.

 

CALIFORNIA - Sierra NF - On 2/28, an LEO was contacted by Sierra Summit Ski Resort Security regarding a man in possession of an embezzled/stolen rented snowboard valued at over $400.  He was taken into custody and turned over to Fresno SD.  The man rented the snow board three weeks prior and kept it.  The man and three friends were contacted the following day at the ski area by Fresno SD.  They were in possession of illegal drugs and under the influence.  They were also operating an OHV and a passenger vehicle in an unsafe manner.  The group bragged about embezzling the snowboard.  Sierra Summit personnel told them they were not welcome at the resort, and the group told Deputies they would burglarize mountain homes if they were not welcome at the ski resort.  The following day, the group’s vehicle was stopped by Fresno SD adjacent to NFS lands as they were returning to Sierra Summit.  The driver was arrested for reckless driving and CHP towed the vehicle.

 

COLORADO - Arapaho-Roosevelt NF On 10/13, an LEO responded with the Clear Creek SD, Gilpin SD, Gilpin County Coroner and the Central City FD to an ATV accident on an NFS Road on the Clear Creek RD.  The accident was 6 miles up a rugged 4WD road with visibility reduced to less than 30 feet due to the first significant snowstorm of the year.  The LEO was the first responder on scene and found the victim deceased.

 

FLORIDA - Ocala NF - On 11/3 - LEO’s and FWC responded to a report of a large party on the Forest and observed vehicles mud-bogging in a lake.  Several people at the party were minors in possession of alcoholic beverages.  LEO’s wrote a total of 14 citations for violations including for mud bogging, possession of marijuana, minor in possession of alcoholic beverages and supplying alcoholic beverages to minors.

 

FLORIDA - NF's in Florida - On 10/13, LEO’s received a report from Lake County SD Deputies of a mud-bogging party on the Seminole RD.  The LEO’s contacted a large group that had entered an area restricted to motor vehicles and was mud-bogging in the wetlands.  Numerous citations were issued for operating a motor vehicle in a restricted area and operating a motor vehicle in a manner that disturbs the land.

 

FLORIDA - NFs in Florida - On 9/23, an LEO responded to an OHV/motorcycle accident on the Lake George RD.  The motorcycle rider was transported to a hospital with a compound wrist fracture.  The ATV rider had a bruised shoulder and refused medical attention.  Florida HP responded to conduct an accident investigation.  The ATV rider left the scene but was later located at the Rodman Pitt parking area.

 

FLORIDA - NFs in Florida - On 7/22, an LEO went back to the scene of the Ivan Fire to further investigate and heard ATV’s in one of the nearby wetlands.  The LEO investigated and stopped seven ATV’s with eight riders.  All seven drivers were cited for driving off road in a manner that damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife or vegetation.  Six of the drivers were under 16 years of age and not wearing helmets, and were cited for those offenses under state law; one operator was also cited for having a passenger, a violation of state law.  Parents of one of the juveniles showed up but did not interfere.   The LEO escorted them all to the nearby home of one of the juveniles and warned them against driving ATV’s on public roads in the future.  A total of 14 violation notices were issued.

 

FLORIDA - NF’s in Florida - On 6/26, LEO’s and FPO’s from the Ocala NF attended Magistrate Court to address 83 new cases and 13 carryover cases.  Several people went before the Magistrate Judge and pleaded guilty to violations including DUI and possession of a controlled substance.  A 16 year-old boy pleaded guilty to having an OHV in a restricted area and was sentenced to serve 15 hours community service.  A man pleaded guilty to ATV off designated trails, ATV on public road, and failure to register his OHV.  He was sentenced to pay a $605 fine as this was his second time in court for the same three violations.  Fines were paid by 30 people in lieu of appearing before the Judge.  Two cases were set for trial at a later date.  Nine arrest warrants were issued for individuals that failed to appear.

 

FLORIDA - NF’s in Florida - Ocala NF - On 1/4, LEO’s attended two court trials that included charges for threatening and intimidating a Forest Officer.  The incident occurred on 8/20/06.  On that date, LEO's responded to a call for assistance from an FPO who had contacted a group of OHV riders to give out information.  The riders yelled, swore at, and intimidated the FPO until she left the location and contacted the LEO’s.  The LEO's contacted the riders at the same location, but they were still noncompliant.  The LEO’s issued violation notices to them.  The defendant at the first trial was found guilty of possession of alcohol where prohibited and threatening and intimidating a Forest Officer.  The second defendant, prior to his trial for threatening and intimidating a Forest Officer, operating an OHV on a public road (two counts), and failure to title an OHV, changed his plea to guilty.  Both defendants were sentenced to pay substantial fines.

 

IDAHO - Clearwater NF - A man from Stevensville, MT recently agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace after allegedly operating his motorcycle in a roadless area and assaulting a group of Sierra Club backpackers on 7/30/06.  The Clearwater County Deputy Prosecutor confirmed during a preliminary hearing that a felony aggravated assault charge against the man had been canceled after he agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge.  The incident occurred when the backpackers spotted the motorcycles on a trail in an unauthorized area in the North Fork RD.  When three of the hikers stepped out on the trail to photograph the motorcycles and riders, the lead rider accelerated down the trail and deliberately struck one of the hikers. The charges were the result of an SA’s investigation of the incident.

 

IDAHO - Clearwater NF - On 6/22, a back-country ranger/FPO contacting visitors near Fish Lake on the Northfork RD encountered five ATV riders on a trail closed to ATV's.  The FPO safely collected identification from the five individuals and forwarded the information to an LEO.  The FPO also discovered resource damage off the trail that was apparently caused by the five riders.

 

KENTUCKY - Daniel Boone NF - On 10/30, a man pleaded guilty in Federal Magistrate Court to the removal of forest products (black cohosh) without a permit and operating an ATV on a roadway on the Redbird RD.  He was sentenced to pay a $295 fine.

 

KENTUCKY – Daniel Boone NF On 10/26, an LEO attended Lexington Magistrate court on a mandatory court appearance for hitting an LEO’s vehicle while driving an ATV.  The man pleaded guilty to operating an ATV without a helmet, reckless operation, and damaging government property.  He was sentenced to pay $250 in fines and $530 restitution to repair the FS vehicle. 

 

KENTUCKY - Land Between The Lakes - On 9/15, an LEO investigated a Forest visitor’s report that someone had torn down a structure known as the “silo” in the Turkey Bay OHV area.  Approximately half of the structure, including the roof, was on the ground.  It appears that a vehicle was used to compromise the structure either with a winch or a tow strap.  The investigation is continuing.

 

KENTUCKY – Land Between the Lakes - On 9/15, LEO’s responded to a report of illegal OHV riding at night and disorderly conduct.  The LEO’s determined that one individual was intoxicated and another was in possession of cocaine.  Both were arrested and removed from the campground. 

 

KENTUCKY - Land Between the Lakes NRA - On 3/10, an LEO responded to a report of an injured rider at the Turkey Bay OHV Area.  The LEO located the injured party with the help of another rider and assisted EMS in stabilizing the rider that had sustained a severely broken arm.

 

KENTUCKY – Land Between the Lakes NRA - LEO’s and a FWCC officer responded to a call from Marion and Putnum County SD in reference to lost ATV riders on the Yellow Trail Head on the Lake George RD.  The trail is over 24 miles long, and connects with other trails.  One man had crashed his ATV and others went to retrieve their vehicle to pick them up.  When they returned, their companions, including young children and a diabetic without his insulin, were gone.  A Marion County SD helicopter located the group at approximately 0130.  Marion County Fire and Rescue responded to treat the diabetic.

 

MONTANA - Lewis and Clark NF - On 10/25, a man from Forest Green, MT pleaded guilty to construction of an unauthorized trail and agreed to pay $5,025 restitution to the FS to repair damage he caused to NFS lands during the construction.  The man rented a tracked excavator and created a trail system for his ATV through NFS lands.  In addition, he utilized his ATV to gather several cords of firewood each year, but did not possess a firewood permit.

 

MONTANA - On 7/14, a 45 year-old man from Woodbury, CT died as a result of an ATV crash on Old Snow Valley Road on the Manchester RD.  The man was traveling west on the road with four other machines when he apparently lost control and hit a tree.  He was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene of massive head trauma.  The area where the group had been riding is closed to ATV use.  The Winhall PD is leading the investigation with assistance from the District LEO.

 

MONTANA - Bitterroot NF - On 6/30, LEO's conducted emphasis patrols at the Como Lake Recreation Area on the Darby RD and issued 16 violation notices.  The LEO's also responded to an ATV accident related to illegal off-road use.  The victim, who suffered severe head injuries, was taken via helicopter to a nearby hospital.  During the course of their investigation LEO's determined the ATV riders caused resource damage and several additional violation notices will be issued.

 

MONTANA - Lewis & Clark NF - On 5/27, three LEO's and two Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Game Wardens teamed up to conduct an OHV saturation patrol in the Little Belt Mountains on the Belt Creek RD.  Nearly 600 contacts were made and 18 violation notices were issued for illegal off-road use and no OHV registration.  Numerous verbal warnings and 18 warning notices were also issued.  Every camp within a 12 mile stretch was checked and occupants were educated on responsible use of NFS lands. 

 

MONTANA - Custer NF - On 10/21/06, an LEO was notified by the Carbon County SD and Montana HP that multiple ATV's associated with a group gathering at an FS campground had caused considerable resource damage on the Beartooth RD.  Other associated incidents included littering, an unextinguished fire, and an ATV accident with injuries.  Montana HP arrested a person from the party for their fifth DUI.  The LEO determined that a local company had thrown a party for its employees and their families at the site.  The company president rented approximately 10 ATV's and alcohol was consumed during the event.  Resource damage occurred inside and around the campground, as the ATV's had driven off road, up steep embankments and on designated non-motorized trails.  The president claimed responsibility for organizing the party that caused the damages and he was issued a mandatory appearance violation notice.  On 5/25, he pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay full restitution of $874 for the resource damage and a $300 fine.  

 

NEW MEXICO - Lincoln NF - On 8/5, an LEO and FS Fire units were requested to respond with State Police and Lincoln County EMS to an ATV rollover accident in a remote area of the Forest.  The LEO arrived first on scene and provided patient care and assessment to a 59 year-old woman with possible rib fractures and other complications.  FS Fire crews assisted with transport of the victim by backboard out of the canyon to a waiting ambulance that transported the victim to a medivac helicopter on an NFS Road.  New Mexico SP is conducting the investigation.

 

NEW MEXICO - Gila NF - On 7/7, LEO’s and County Deputies responded to a report of ATV drivers under the influence of alcohol and with weapons in a recreation area.  Upon arrival, the officers saw someone throw a beer can out of a vehicle’s window and conducted a traffic stop.  Violation notices were issued for underage possession of alcohol and littering to the group that was also identified as the subject of the original complaint. 

 

NEW MEXICO - On 6/13, an LEO, along with members of the Central Oregon Combined Off-Highway Vehicle Operations (COHVOPS) volunteer group and volunteers from the Deschutes County SD conducted a SAR for a seven year-old boy lost on the Bend-Ft. Rock RD.  The young boy was found unhurt the following morning.

 

NEW MEXICO - Carson NF - On 12/8/06, an individual operating a vehicle on the Questa RD passed a clearly posted sign that stated, “Motorized Travel Behind This Sign is Prohibited” and caused resource damage.  An FPO cited the person for the violation and represented the FS in court on 10/17.  The defendant was found guilty of the charges and was sentenced to pay $1,500 restitution to the FS.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - Pisgah NF - On 11/3, an LEO contacted users at an ORV area and issued 16 citations for violations including failing to pay required fee, operating ATV’s in an undesignated area, and alcohol or drug-related incidents.  Four people were cited when they drove their ATV up an eroding bank at the parking area. Numerous ATV riders stopped to thank the LEO for being present and several reported illegal activity.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - NF’s in North Carolina - On 9/21, an LEO contacted two groups of campers at Brown Mountain OHV area on the Pisgah NF/ Grandfather RD that had driven a truck and two motorcycles past barricades into a campsite.  A father and his 18 year-old son at one campsite were consuming alcohol.  Citations were issued for vehicles being off road and alcohol in a prohibited area. Warning citations were issued for allowing underage alcohol and consuming alcohol underage.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - NFs in North Carolina - On 9/30 at 0200 hours, four people were involved in a fight on an OHV trail system on the Uwharrie NF/Uwharrie RD.  Two people sustained significant lacerations to the head and one received a laceration to the hand.  Two vehicles were damaged and a handgun was discharged during the incident. Two of the suspects left the scene on foot and were found later that morning.  Deputies, EMS, and an LEO responded to the incident.  Several people were interviewed and one handgun was seized.  On 10/1, the LEO issued mandatory appearance violation notices for disorderly conduct to three people.  Additional charges are pending.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - On 8/4, an LEO contacted three people camped at the ORV area on Grandfather RD, Pisgah NF.  A vehicle had been driven around a rock barricade into the camp and the group was in possession of alcohol in a prohibited area.  A consent search of the vehicle revealed several containers of marijuana and a container with a small baggie of cocaine.  The three received numerous citations.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - On 8/10, a Caldwell County SD Deputy witnessed two people lift two four-wheel ATV’s over a rock barricade and determined they had been riding on the closed road.  The Deputy and an LEO later visited their residence and issued citations for ATV violations and providing false information.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - Pisgah NF - On 4/7, an LEO on the Grandfather RD investigated a report that a man had been living in the remains of an old house along the Swannanoa Creek.  The LEO determined that hunters accessed the area with ATV’s and had improved the rock remains of the old house to use as a hunting cabin.  A new wood stove had been placed inside.  The remains of the house are nearly 200 years old.  This route was the original Native American Trail into a neighboring county as well as the first stagecoach route and was used until the early 1900’s.  A civil war battle also took place here and a Union Soldier’s grave is nearby.

 

NORTH CAROLINA - NFs in North Carolina - On 4/6-7, two ATV accidents with injuries occurred on the OHV trail system on the Uwharrie RD.  A 13 year-old boy sustained a broken nose when his 680 cc ATV flipped over backwards and landed on top of him.  Violations of riding double and age/cc restrictions appeared to contribute to the accident.  A 34 year-old woman sustained a temporary loss of consciousness and multiple contusions when she lost control of her 650 cc ATV when it struck a log and she fell off.  Operating outside designated trail and operator inexperience appeared to contribute to the accident.

 

OHIO - Wayne NF - On 9/1, a man from Marion, OH was apparently shot in the leg at an FS ORV area.  The victim was met by a Lawrence County SD deputy and escorted to a nearby hospital.  The man refused treatment and was released from the hospital.  The man’s fiancée later told an LEO that the shooting was the result of an altercation that took place with unidentified campers at the Hanging Rock ORV area on the Ironton RD.  The altercation involved intoxicated individuals who attempted to use a hatchet and an ATV to strike one of them.  There are no identified witnesses to the shooting. 

 

OHIO – Wayne NF - On 9/1, a female passenger was ejected off an ATV and hit a tree at the Hanging Rock ORV area on the Ironton RD.  A Lawrence County SD Deputy responded to the incident.  The woman was transported to a local hospital with facial injuries.  The driver was arrested on a warrant for a parole violation.

 

OREGON - Willamette NF  - On 8/10, two juveniles were riding an ATV on an NFS road on the McKenzie River RD when the ATV side-swiped a guardrail.  The resulting crash killed one juvenile and seriously injured the other.  One of the juveniles was employed as YCC crew member at the District.  Alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor.  Lane County SD is conducting the investigation.

 

OREGON - BLM - West Fork Evans Creek Road, OR - On 7/27, around 1900 hours, a Jackson County SD Deputy was dispatched to West Fork Evans Creek Road adjacent to BLM’s Elderberry CG regarding a motor vehicle accident between an ATV and pickup truck.  Upon arrival on scene, it was determined that a 32 year-old man had succumbed to his injuries from the motor vehicle accident.  At the request of the Deputy, an Oregon SP Accident Investigator was dispatched from Grants Pass to perform an investigation.  Initial investigation conducted by Oregon SP determined that the deceased was operating an ATV on the roadway at a high rate of speed.  A pickup was traveling on the same road, coming from the opposing direction.  Seeing the pickup truck coming from the opposite direction, the ATV operator locked up his brakes, causing the ATV to high side and roll, throwing the ATV operator onto the road. The pickup truck then ran over the ATV operator.

 

OREGON – Deschutes, NF - On 3/11, LEO’s, Fresno SD, and CHP responded to Jose Basin for a SAR for three children, ages 9, 10 and 14 that became lost after they drove their ATV’s from a subdivision onto NFS lands.  The juveniles called 911 on a cell phone after being lost for several hours.  One of their ATV’s ran out of gas and the group separated.  A Deputy was able to contact and locate the 14 year-old by using the siren on his vehicle.  A CHP Officer located the other two children approximately a mile away.  The children were unharmed except one who experienced difficulty breathing due to an asthma condition.  The children were turned over to a grandparent.

 

OREGON - Deschutes NF - On 2/17, two LEO’s and a Patrol Captain participated in an interagency OHV emphasis patrol with the BLM, Deschutes County SD, Oregon SP and COHVOPS (Combined Off-Highway Vehicle Operations – a joint BLM/Forest Service program) personnel.  The BLM utilized a contract fixed wing aircraft as the spotter to direct the participating agencies to observed violations.  The effort resulted in 102 OHV rider contacts, 24 citations and 23 warnings issued for a variety of equipment and riding offenses, including shooting from the roadway.

 

OREGON - BLM - Prineville District, OR - On 2/14, the Prineville SA received a report that a BLM employee was being intimidated and threatened.  The employee is a crew leader who was supervising the construction of a fence line and gate on public lands in the Terrebonne, OR area.  The SA and the Ranger responded to the scene and found the employee to be very emotionally upset. He had been contacted by an adjacent property owner who didn’t want the fence put up adjoining his property because it eliminated his ATV access to public lands from his property. (The area was closed to off road vehicle use based upon the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan.)  The SA and the Ranger interviewed the property owner, and the immediate situation was defused.  Upon conclusion of the investigation on 4/20, the man was charged with threatening/offensive conduct toward the BLM employee.  He is scheduled to appear in court on 7/9.

 

PENNSYLVANIA - Allegheny NF – 8/5 – 8/11 - LEI personnel investigated an ATV accident on the Marienville RD near Pigs Ear Trailhead in Elk County.  A 21 year old woman was driving an ATV at a significant speed when she encountered a water bar on the trail.  She lost control of the ATV and was thrown from the machine. Her helmet fell off and she sustained a large laceration to her skull.  She was transported to a hospital for treatment.  The accident is under investigation.

 

PENNSYLVANIA - Allegheny NF - An LEO investigated a report of shooting on an NFS Road on the Marienville RD and located three people operating ATVs illegally on the roadway.  One of the men was armed with a handgun.  Officers retrieved the handgun and found two of the men to be in possession of marijuana and associated drug paraphernalia.  Violation notices were issued for three counts of illegal ATV operation and two counts of possession of cannabis.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 11/15, an LEO responded to a motorcycle accident on the Enoree OHV trail on the Enoree RD.  The 15 year-old rider admitted that he was going too fast on the trail when he wrecked his motorcycle and suffered a broken leg. The boy was transported by his father to a hospital. 

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 11/23, an LEO and EMS personnel responded to another motorcycle accident on the same trail. The rider stated that he had lost control of his motorcycle and went off the trail.  The motorcycle hit one tree and he hit another.  He suffered a broken leg and was transported to a hospital.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 11/23, an LEO located several ATV riders riding off the designated trail near an NFS Road on the Long Cane RD.  The riders were within 15 feet of a sign prohibiting ATV’s and were riding in a mud hole near railroad tracks. The LEO issued violation notices for operating off the designated trail.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 9/29 an LEO at a motorcycle trailhead on the Wambaw RD noticed several empty OHV trailers and trucks without trailers.  The LEO also noticed several beer cans on the trailers.  The LEO later observed red lights from the OHV’s along the power lines off the designated OHV trail.  The LEO walked about a mile to their location and issued six violation notices for operating OHV’s off the designated trail, one violation notice for resource damage, and a state citation to a minor in possession of beer.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 7/7, an LEO on the Long Cane RD responded to an accident on an OHV trail.  The operator attempted to jump his ATV over a water bar and lost control of the vehicle. Another member of his group then hit him with his ATV.  The LEO assisted EMS personnel transport the victim to a helicopter and he was airlifted to a local hospital.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s On 4/7, an LEO stopped a group of OHV riders on an NFS Road on the Wambaw RD.  While questioning the group, the LEO could smell the odor of alcohol from a man who was operating an ATV.  The man was uncooperative and was eventually arrested for disorderly conduct.  During transport to jail, the man became verbally abusive toward the LEO and kicked the patrol vehicle’s cage several times.  Upon arrival, the LEO needed assistance from several jail personnel to bring the man into the booking room.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s On 4/1, an LEO on the Long Cane RD investigated a fire on a NFS Road that burned approximately 15 acres.  The fire was determined to have been caused from a warming fire possibly built by a fisherman in the area.  While on the fire, the LEO received a report of ATV riders on the road near the intersection of two NFS Roads.  The LEO located the ATV riders and issued three citations for the illegal operation of ATV’s on the roadway.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s On 4/7, an LEO on the Long Cane RD was flagged down by a motorcycle rider who worked as a volunteer and had just witnessed ATV’s in a mud hole near the Cedar Springs OHV Trail.  The LEO responded to the location and observed four ATV riders drive off the trail.  Three of the riders drove their ATV’s into the mud hole and began tearing up the area while the fourth rider watched.  The LEO contacted the individuals and issued four citations for operating ATV’s off the designated trail.  The particular area of the trail has several signs indicating no ATV operation permitted.

 

SOUTH CAROLINA - Francis Marion & Sumter NF’s - On 12/14/06, an LEO and a South Carolina DNR Officer patrolled the Cedar Springs OHV Trail on the Long Cane RD to assess the area for resource damage.  The officers contacted and stopped a hunter for riding an OHV on a closed roadway and for failure to pay trail fees.  On 12/16/06, an LEO, EMS, Abbeville County SD and Long Cane VFD personnel responded to an OHV accident on the FS trail where a 19 year-old woman suffered a broken collarbone and fractured vertebrae.  The victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover from her injuries.

 

SOUTH DAKOTA - Black Hills NF - On 7/4, LEO’s, FPO’s, and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks personnel conducted a special emphasis patrol at a high use lake on the Mystic RD.  A total of 24 citations were issued for alcohol and/or marijuana possession, littering, fireworks, blocking an NFS Road, and OHV violations.  Beach activities were halted for a group of young people that were jumping on a trampoline and then diving over a 35-foot cliff into the water.

 

TENNESSEE - Land Between the Lakes NRA - On 5/25, LEO’s were dispatched to the Turkey Bay OHV area to assist an injured ATV rider and found the man unresponsive with no vital signs.  The LEO dispatched an ambulance, put life flight on standby, and started CPR.  Another LEO arrived and the two LEO’s continued CPR for approximately 30 minutes until EMS arrived.  The man, who was camping with his wife and three sons, passed away due to his injuries.  An LEO notified and stayed with the family after EMS determined the man was deceased.  The County Coroner was contacted and responded.

 

TENNESSEE – Cherokee NF - LEO’s responded to an OHV accident on an unmarked trail off an NFS Road.  A 30 year-old male driver had apparently lost control of an OHV and had wrecked on the trail.  He seemed to have recovered from the accident and had continued to ride on the trail, until about ten minutes later when he complained of shoulder and chest pain.  His friends left him to go for help, and the man apparently lost consciousness.  Responding EMS personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.  Florida HP, Marion County SD, Marion County Fire/Rescue and EMS, and the Medical Examiner/Investigator also responded to the scene.

 

TENNESSEE – Cherokee NF - LEO’s assisted the Marion and Lake County Sheriff’s Offices with two SAR operations on the Forest.  Lake County SD Deputies and an air unit were in the area when they requested FS assistance.  Two 16 year-old males had been reported as lost in the area for close to seven hours.  LEO’s located the two in the Forest off an NFS Road.  The second incident involved three people who were reported missing while riding OHV’s near an FS OHV trail.  They had been missing for five hours when they were located by Marion County SD Deputies.

 

UTAH - BLM - Little Sahara Recreation Area, UT 4/29 – 5/5 - Over 50 law enforcement officers from several agencies were assigned to the Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA) over the Easter weekend.  Approximately 35,000 visitors were located within the LSRA administrative unit.  Officers were faced with near riot conditions on two separate nights involving approximately 1,000 people which required all available officers and over 5 hours to mitigate the situation; approximately 200 people were ejected from the main hill area and several were arrested when they returned.  Groups of partiers were blocking an area and forcing women to bare their breasts in order to leave, along with numerous incidents of unwanted fondling of women.  When law enforcement officers took action, the crowd became unruly, throwing objects at the officers.  A Utah HP Officer was struck in the head and sustained minor injuries.  Medical assistance was rendered on 37 incidents.  Over 300 incidents resulted in arrests and/or citations.

 

VERMONT - Green Mountain NF - On 7/14, a 45 year-old man from Woodbury, CT died as a result of an ATV crash on Old Snow Valley Road on the Manchester RD.  The man was traveling west on the road with four other machines when he apparently lost control and hit a tree.  He was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene of massive head trauma.  The area where the group had been riding is closed to ATV use.  The Winhall PD is leading the investigation with assistance from the District LEO.

 

WASHINGTON - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF - On 10/7, an LEO stopped three off-road motorcycle riders for riding on an NFS Road on the Skykomish RD.  The second motorcycle in the group did not have street legal or off-road registration. A computer check of the VIN indicated the motorcycle was reported stolen and it was impounded.  The rider was interviewed and released.  The case has been forwarded to the King County SD and prosecutor.  The new motorcycle, valued at about $7,500, had been stolen from a dealership while it was still in the crate on the day it was delivered.

 

WASHINGTON - Okanogan-Wenatchee NF - On 5/26-27, an LEO was assisted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Officers and an Okanogan County SD Deputy in responding to three ATV/ORV collisions with injuries on the Methow Valley RD.  One person collided head-on with a car after being advised earlier in the day by the LEO that the NFS Road was closed to ATV’s.  Multiple seatbelt citations and warnings were also given as part of the statewide emphasis being conducted by Washington SP.  Arrests were made and citations issued for various other offenses including felon in possession of firearm, violation of no contact order, warrant for escape from community custody, and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

 

WASHINGTON - Okanogan-Wenatchee NF On 6/2, an LEO investigated a report of off-road vehicles entering a prohibited area on the Nantahala RD and observed a large number of individuals operating 4-wheelers and dirt bikes up and down a ridge.  The LEO contacted the drivers and escorted them out of the area.  All were charged for being in a prohibited area and causing damage to land and vegetation.

 

WASHINGTON - Okanogan-Wenatchee NF - On 5/28, an LEO and an FPO responded to a dispersed camp on the Black Mesa RD to investigate claims of illegal OHV use and loud noise.  Upon entering the large camp, the LEO noticed several OHV's without any registration.  Checks of the vehicle identification numbers revealed that one OHV was reported stolen from California in 2004.  The LEO determined that the man in possession of the OHV had borrowed it from an elderly neighbor who had purchased it at a roadside sale in Phoenix.  The OHV was impounded and stored for the local SD to continue the investigation.

 

WASHINGTON - Okanogan-Wenatchee NF - On 6/16, an LEO/K9 team responded to an NFS road near Munds Park where two ATV riders had been ambushed and assaulted by persons previously unknown to them.  The victims were riding their ATV’s on an NFS Road when they were passed by the suspects riding ATV’s at a high rate of speed.  The two groups exchanged words, with the victims claiming they did not want to fight.  The suspects drove on, pulled into the trees at the side of the road and waited for the victims.  One rider was hit in the head with a football-sized rock, drug off the ATV, kicked, and punched.  The other rider was tackled off his moving ATV and sustained a possible broken foot.  The fight was broken-up by a bystander.  As the suspects fled the scene, they reportedly said they would be back with guns to finish the job.  Coconino County SD Deputies later identified the suspects and charges are pending. 

 

WASHINGTON - Okanogan-Wenatchee NF - On 6/10, LEO’s responded to a report of an ATV accident in the Badin Lake OHV area on the Uwharrie RD and found the victims had been moved by private vehicle to the parking lot of a nearby store.  Three brothers had been riding 4-wheel ATV’s on the Rocky Mount Loop Trail when ATV #2 reportedly experienced brake failure while traveling down hill, causing it to strike ATV #1 from behind.  The operator of ATV #1 lost control and fell off.  ATV #2 continued down hill, through a fence and struck a tree.  The operator of ATV #3 was not involved, but witnessed the incident.  LEO’s assisted paramedics with medical aid for the victims.  Both injured men were transported by ambulance to the hospital.  Operator #1 was treated for contusions and released.  Operator #2 was treated for a fractured arm, fractured ribs, fractured scapula, and a punctured lung.

 

 

-- Rangers for Responsible Recreation

 

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