West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

3.4.4.3 Off-Highway Vehicle UseUsers of off-highway vehicles engage in many different types of recreation in the MojaveDesert. These can be categorized into two general groups: (1) Where the driving of the vehicleis itself the recreational activity, and (2) Where the vehicle is a means of access to other forms ofrecreation.3.4.4.3.1 Driving OHVs for RecreationThere are various types of OHV recreation. These include general vehicular touring,motorcycle recreation, and ATV and four-wheel-drive use.General Vehicular Touring: Many people engage in recreational touring. Such touringallows visitors to see vast areas of the desert while spending less time on the land itself. OHVtouring may occur on both flat and mountainous terrain using jeeps and similar vehicles.OHV touring vehicles such as the popular SUV have four-wheel-drive (4WD)capabilities to handle off-road work and are designed to be comfortable for normal street usage.They do not have to be towed by another vehicle to particular staging areas; rather, they can bedriven on the highway and, when opportunity presents itself, they can follow a dirt trail.Vehicles that have 4WD capability have a broader range of access opportunities since they cantraverse different types of terrain features.In the mid-1980s, off-road enthusiasts, and state and local government agenciescollaborated to provide a system of interconnected roads and "jeep" trails. Today, over 600 milesof trails have been designated by the State of California as "Back Country Discovery Trails". Agoal of this trail system is to provide a backcountry opportunity for non-traditional trail userssuch as persons with disabilities, senior citizens and families with small children.The California Backcountry Discovery Trail system is one of shared-use. Equestrians,hikers, and cyclists are welcome, although the trail system is designed for off-road enthusiasts.The existing roads that make up the "principle route" network were selected with a stock, sportutility vehicle in mind. The CBDT network provides recreationists with an abundance of OHVtouring opportunities. "Alternate trails" departing and later rejoining the principle route providemore challenging experiences, and are open to greensticker vehicles.Motorcycle Recreation: Many desert recreationists engage in motorcycling andmotorcycle events. In most (but not all) cases, the motorcycles, equipment and supplies have tobe transported to the desired locations by street-legal vehicles, such as SUVs.There are many popular motorcycle events, including enduros, hare n’ hound, harescramble, European scramble, and the grand prix. These events allow participants to ride invarying types of terrain, which present different challenges and require varying degrees of skill.Table 3-54 presents a descriptive summary of motorcycle events.Chapter 3 3-246