Following a number of accidents and reports of motorized vehicles driving illegally off roads and trails on National Forest and BLM lands in the Durango, Bayfield, and Silverton areas, the San Juan Public Lands Center wants to remind motorized recreationists to Tread Lightly.

"We are experiencing an overall increase in ATV and motorcycle use," said Pauline Ellis, Columbine District Ranger/Field Office Manager. "Although most people ride safely and are respectful of the land and others, some riders are creating driving hazards and serious resource damage. We're seeing vegetation in meadows being torn up by wheel tracks, and tracks cut straight up steep slopes, which will become erosion gullies when the rains come."

Problems are increasing exponentially in the La Plata Canyon west of Durango, South Mineral Canyon near Silverton, Upper Hermosa, Middle Mountain, and Alpine Loop areas. Campers staying in campgrounds north of Durango have lodged complaints that ATV riders are unsafely "joyriding" through campgrounds. ATVs should only be used to drive slowly to access campsites.

A serious motorcycle accident occurred on Middle Mountain, north of Vallecito, where motorcycle riders were not wearing helmets. In addition, illegal off-road motorized vehicles are cutting tracks up steep hills and through mud and creeks. Forest Service staff responded recently to reports of ATVs riding off road illegally in the South Mineral drainage, west of Silverton.

ATV and motorcycle riders are asked to please conduct their activities in a safe, respectful manner. Here are some tips for Treading Lightly:

• ATVs must be registered in their state of origin or in Colorado. Unregistered ATVs are not allowed on National Forest and BLM roads and will receive violation notices.

• La Plata County roads are closed to ATV use. San Juan County roads are open to ATV use. National Forest and BLM roads are open to ATV use. Some areas of National Forest and BLM lands are open to off-road travel, but most are closed. It is your responsibility to know the regulations that cover the area you're riding in. Violators face citations.

• Riders of motorized vehicles should obey posted signs and should stay on trails and in areas where motorized use is allowed.

• Riders should share trails, which allow motorized travel, politely with other users.

• In designated areas where off-road motorized use is allowed, riders should still be careful not to cause resource damage. A dirt track created by one set of tires draws others to follow, and the resulting ruts will channel water and create erosion when it rains. Driving through wet areas tears up delicate riparian vegetation and causes unsightly damage. Riding straight uphill cuts ruts that will channel water and
create erosion.

• Wearing helmets is recommended. Even if you drive safely, you can't count on everyone else doing the same.

• "Joy-riding" is not allowed in campgrounds - it creates dust and noise, which impact the experience of other campers. It is also dangerous to other campers.

• Maps showing motorized trails and areas where motorized travel is allowed are available at local San Juan Public Lands offices in Durango, Silverton and Bayfield.

For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970 247-4874.