Photo Credit: Courtesy of Troy Scott Parker/ Natureshape LLC
Creating an environmentally friendly off-road vehicle (ORV) or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s possible to develop one with minimal impact if a few basic rules are followed. “You have to look at everything, including engineering, education, enforcement and evaluation of the trail system and users,” says Tom Crimmins, a trails consultant based in Hidden Lake, Idaho, who provides ORV trail training and planning services in cooperation with National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, and is the author of Management Guidelines for OHV Recreation.
“Usually an ATV trail is created because land managers are either trying to meet the demand for one, or they are trying to create a legal place to ride because people are illegally riding in other areas,” says Troy Scott Parker, Principal of Natureshape LLC and author of Natural Surface Trails By Design.
Designed For Success
Before blazing a trail, determine its overall purpose, such as providing access to remote camping, fishing or wildlife viewing areas. A well-designed trail also will include interpretation and unique vistas, as well as family and challenge-riding opportunities.