Last Friday night, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) hosted an enlightening event focused on responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and the importance of respecting the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem. Speaking to a modest gathering, Randy Banis, President of Friends of Jawbone and Friends of El Mirage, and Yanina Aldao Galvan, MDLT Lands Project Coordinator, delivered valuable insights.
The recent MDLT event highlighted the significance of responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use in the desert and the imperative need to preserve the delicate desert ecosystem. As the event kicked off, Randy Banis engaged the audience by asking who among them owned an off-highway vehicle. Initially, only a few hands went up. However, Banis posed a follow-up question: “Do you travel dirt roads?” This time, the response was notably different. Banis drove home a crucial point – it doesn’t matter what type of vehicle you drive; if you venture onto the myriad of scenic dirt roads in Southern California, you are an off-roader. And with that distinction comes a responsibility to adhere to some fundamental rules.
Respect road signs, Banis stressed. When you encounter an “open” sign on a back road, it signifies that it’s permissible to explore it. Conversely, if there’s no such sign, the road is considered closed. Carry maps with you – not only for your safety but also to safeguard the ecology and wildlife that call these lands home. MDLT provides a wealth of free maps highlighting designated areas. Additionally, they recommend downloading the Owlshead GPS Project or OHV Maps, California.
A cardinal rule emphasized at the event was leaving no trace. In the desert, every artifact and every feature has significance. Minimizing campfire impacts is equally vital. Utilize designated campfire rings if available, as they help mitigate environmental consequences. Staying on established trails is not just a guideline; it’s a pledge to protect the ecological and cultural legacy of the region. Watch for the Desert Tortoise, an endangered species. Drive carefully and watch for these gentle creatures. If you must assist them in crossing the road, bend low, move in their direction, and cover your hands, as they can carry diseases. Lastly, respect your neighbor, minimizing noise and lights.
Here’s a recap of the essential rules to follow:
Definition of Off-Roading: Randy Banis emphasized that being an off-roader isn’t limited to having a specific type of vehicle. If you travel on dirt roads in Southern California, you are considered an off-roader.
Respect Road Signs: Follow road signs closely. If a back road has an “open” sign, it means you can travel on it. If there’s no such sign, it’s considered closed.
Carry Maps: It’s essential to carry maps for safety and to protect the local ecology and wildlife. The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) offers free maps for designated areas.
Leave No Trace: Leave what you see where you see it. Do not disturb the environment. If you come across artifacts like arrowheads, do not remove them.
Campfire Responsibility: If there’s a designated campfire ring, use it for your campfire and minimize the environmental impact.
Stay on Designated Trails: By staying on established trails, you avoid damaging the area by creating new paths. Help protect the ecological and cultural legacy of the region.
Protecting Wildlife: Yanina Aldao Galvan spoke about protecting Desert Tortoises by moving them carefully, following their direction, and covering your hands to prevent disease transmission.
Pack Out Your Trash: Remove all trash and litter that you bring with you. Leaving trash can attract predators like Coyotes and Ravens, threatening the Desert Tortoise.
Drive Cautiously: Driving too fast in the desert can cause soil disturbance, dust emissions, and harm the bio-crust. Slow and cautious driving is encouraged to minimize damage.
General Principles: Plan ahead, bring maps or download apps, use durable surfaces for camping, respect nature by leaving it as you found it, minimize campfire impacts, store food safely, report injured animals to local authorities, and be respectful of neighbors by keeping noise and lights to a minimum.
Following these guidelines promotes responsible and sustainable off-roading and outdoor activities while preserving the fragile desert environment and wildlife.
