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Little Rattlesnake 4WD Trail Vehicle Use Restrictions on the Naches Ranger District
This forest order implements vehicle restrictions on Trail 1501680 (Little Rattlesnake) in Township 15 North, Range 14 East, Section 32 and 33; and Township 14 North, Range 14 East, Sections 5,6, and 7; within the Naches District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Alert Start Date: July 9, 2010
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 06-17-08-10-715
Contact Information
Contact Name: Naches Ranger District
Contact Number: (509) 653-1401
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.55(d), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System Four Wheel Drive Trail 1501680 (Little Rattlesnake) in Township 15 North, Range 14 East, Section 32 and 33; and Township 14 North, Range 14 East, Sections 5, 6, and 7; within the Naches District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:
For the purpose of this order, operating a vehicle in violation of the width, height, length, or other limitations specified by this order.
(a) Vehicles are not to exceed 75 inches in width as measured from outside of tire to outside of tire; and
(b) Vehicle wheelbase is not to exceed 95 inches in length from center of axle to center of axle.
(c) Vehicles will be allowed to travel in one direction only (west to southwest) from the terminus of Little Rattlesnake Forest System Road 1501 (Township 15 North, Range 14 East, Section 32) to Bethel Ridge Forest System Road 1500 (Township 14 North, Range 14 East, Section 7).
BACKGROUND
A closure order for National Forest System Four Wheel Drive Trail 1501680 (Little Rattlesnake) is necessary for public safety and resource protection, due to the narrow trail corridor. Limited vehicle widths and lengths will protect resource damage to surrounding vegetation and soil resources. The narrow trail corridor is necessary to limit significant soil displacement into the Little Rattlesnake Creek, which is inhabited by bull trout, a Threatened Species, and to retain the desired recreational experience.
The trail has been posted as limited to vehicles less than 75 inches in width and less than or equal to 95 inches in length due to its narrow width, and open to one-way motorized traffic only due to steep slopes and lack of turn-around areas. This closure is based on the recommendation of the District Ranger, based on reports and field reviews from the district's off-road vehicle rangers, fisheries biologist, hydrologist, recreation planner, and law enforcement personnel. This closure is also based on public input from the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association and from local OHV organizations.