While there are many great riding areas in the world, they all need respect and care. In some cases it's simply a matter of treading lightly -- stay on designated trails, pack out your own trash and be responsible. In other cases, trails need serious work. Below are a few ways you can keep OHV opportunities open for current and future users.

Riding responsibly is the best way to protect your access to riding areas. Many other users enjoy the same areas as well. Here are a few tips to ensure OHV’s continue to have access:

• Know where you’re permitted to ride and where you’re not.
• Respect private property and closed areas.
• Avoid wet areas and waterways. They are a vital resource for many plants and animals.
• If you must cross water, ride carefully and only at designated spots.
• Remember, even biodegradable materials such as food scraps take time to break down.
• If you “pack it in, pack it out.” Trash is an eyesore and it attracts scavengers that endanger other wildlife.
• Maintain your exhaust system. Remember, noise doesn’t equal horsepower. Too little exhaust back-pressure can actually cause less power and engine damage.
• Always use a spark arrester. It doesn’t sacrifice power, but can save the forest from fires.
• Keep your RPMs and speed down and steady when you are around non-riders.
• Know and respect the sound limits where you ride.
• Be part of the solution. Volunteer to help maintain trails and protect our natural resources. Join an organized club in your area.
• Respect seasonal closures. They are needed to minimize damage to the trails and allow time for animals to reproduce undisturbed.
• Cutting switchbacks and taking shortcuts damages trails and causes erosion.
• Share the trails and make friends with other trail users. Respect their rights to the trail too.