The fifth week of Operation Dust Devil saw enforcement all over the county, with the majority of patrols happening in Apple Valley, El Mirage, Juniper Flats and Big Bear. There were 28 code citations, 13 county code enforcement citations, six vehicles towed and one arrest. Deputies also say they made an additional 760 educational contacts with OHV enthusiasts, and they assisted in one case with medical aid.
Last Saturday during a large off-road club meet, five vehicles were towed for operating on public roadways, and numerous helmet violations were issued, along with citations for operating on private property without the owner’s permission.
If last year’s King of the Hammers attendance is any indication, the off-road races could bring over 80,000 spectators, racers and riders to the Johnson Valley area from now through early February. It’s reasonable to assume that patrols near the races will increase, as well as other OHV areas such as Soggy Dry Lake and Sunfair.
Operation Dust Devil is a countywide effort to decrease illegal off-roading, along with educating riders on the laws and ordinances that can affect where you can enjoy OHV vehicles. The Hundreds of miles of BLM land specifically set aside for off-roading can border private property as well as other areas like the combat center which are completely off limits – and Operation Dust Devil aims to let riders know about the plentiful and legal places you can kick up some dirt without disturbing others.
To report illegal off-roading in your area, you can email the sheriff’s office at [email protected].
