Motor Vehicle Use Maps

What does the Motor Vehicle Use Map show me?

• The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows all National Forest System roads and trails allowing public motor vehicle use. Motorized use includes, but is not limited to, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows designation details, including vehicle class, season of use, and any motorized access for the purpose of dispersed camping (camping in locations other than developed campgrounds).
• The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows roads where only highway-legal vehicles are allowed because of user safety considerations.
• Motor vehicle access may occur on routes not shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map for the purpose of limited administrative access by Forest Service personnel; for fire and law enforcement for emergency purposes; and by persons authorized by a written special use permit or contract from the Forest Service.

How are these maps different from other maps that show Forest roads?

• MVUMs are printed in black and white and will not show Forest System roads and trails where motor vehicle use is not allowed. Some of these routes may still show on the visitor map.
• The MVUM shows you the most up-to-date display of roads recently added to the Forest System. These may not be current on the visitor map.
• The MVUM does not show topographic lines or streams. The design was kept intentionally simple to focus on roads and trails where motor vehicle use is allowed.
• MVUMs also show trails where motorized travel is allowed. The current edition of the visitor map does not distinguish between motorized and non-motorized use trails, and simply shows all trails as non-motorized trails.

Why do I need a visitor map, or a topographic map, when the MVUM is free?
The MVUM is intended to be a reference document, rather than a navigational tool. It also does not display all the features (waterways, recreation sites, etc.) shown on a visitor map or topographic map. The single purpose of the MVUM is to identify those National Forest System roads, trails, and areas that are open to the public for motor vehicle use.

How many MVUM's are there for the Six Rivers National Forest?
In order to show sufficient detail, the Forest will be covered by eight MVUMs, each printed double-sided on one sheet of newspaper stock. Each map’s legend includes a schematic showing the coverage of each of the eight maps. This schematic also is posted on the web site where the maps can be downloaded.

Can I still drive to my favorite dispersed campsite on the Forest?
Motor vehicle designations include parking one car length along the designated routes, and at facilities associated with designated routes, when it is safe to do so and when not causing damage to National Forest resources.

How far can I park off a designated road or motorized trail?
Motor vehicles may be parked within one vehicle length from the edge of the road surface when it is safe to so without causing damage to National Forest resources or facilities, unless prohibited by state law, a traffic sign or an order.

Can I drive off designated roads or motorized trails to retrieve big game during hunting season to cut firewood?
No. Motorized vehicle use is only allowed on designated roads and trail.

What is the motorized user's responsiblity?
Motorized users of the National Forest must comply with motorized use regulations shown on the MVUM, as well as other federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user. If you drive a highway legal vehicle on Forest roads (such as a sedan, truck, or dual sport), ride an Off-Highway Vehicle on Forest trails (such as a quad or motorcycle), or camp in undeveloped campsites, the regulations associated with the MVUM apply to you.

Will the MVUM show temporary or unauthorized routes?
No. Temporary or unauthorized routes are not designated as open to motor vehicles on the MVUM.

Does the Motor Vehicle Use Map show non-motorized trails?
No. The Forest Visitor Map provides information on motorized routes and non-motorized routes, including hiking and horse trails.

How will the Forest open or close roads, trails, and areas to motor vehicle use after the MVUM is published?
The Forest will continue conducting Access and Travel Management planning, typically on a sub-watershed basis. Any changes in public access to the transportation system will be integrated into future updates of the MVUM.

What if I believe there is an error on the MVUM?
Contact the Recreation, Planning, or Engineering staff at your local Ranger District or the Forest Supervisor’s office.

Is a wheelchair a motor vehicle?
A wheelchair or mobility device (including one that is battery powered) that is designed solely for use by a mobility impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area, is not considered to be a motor vehicle.

Will Travel Management affect private landowners' access to their private lands?
Valid access rights will not be affected. If designated Forest System roads do not reach a landowner’s property, then the Forest Service can provide one reasonable access route to private lands through the special use permitting process. For questions about permitting, contact the Lands or Special Uses staff at the Forest Supervisor’s office.

What is the fine for violations?
Violations of 36 CFR 261.13 are subject of a fine up to $5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 3571(e)).

Will you still be doing partnerships with motorized user groups?
Yes. This Travel Management Decision is the starting point for continuing efforts to improve our transportation system for all users. In addition, we are privileged in California to have the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and its statewide Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program. Through this program the Forest Service along with other federal, state and local agencies will continue to apply for grant funds to help us manage off-highway vehicles use.

How do I go about partnering with the Forest Service now?
Give us a call or stop by an office. Express your interests and inquire about opportunities. Volunteers are critical to fulfilling our mission in tight economic times. You can also join interest groups (such as OHV riding clubs) that have on-going relationships with the Six Rivers National Forest. Getting involved through group activities is fun and educational.