Avoiding ORV Environmental Impact

Noise

• Riding an ORV doesn’t permit riders to infringe on peaceful enjoyment by others. Our society and the courts view ORV activity as a privilege. This is an important distinction. Under our legal system, it is much easier to regulate or eliminate a privilege than it is to restrict or cancel a right.
• ORV users always must show concern for their noise level, especially when using access routes for gas, food, and lodging. The privilege of using an access route often can be eliminated by a simple majority vote of the local jurisdiction.
• It is suggested that whenever traveling on an access route, you should shift up at least one gear in order to keep RPMs and exhaust noise to a minimum.

Dust

When traveling on an access route, be concerned about the dust you create with your ORV, especially in residential areas. Adjust to a slower speed if necessary to keep dust creation to a minimum.

Speed

Protect the privilege of the access route by not exceeding the posted or legal speed limit.

Riparian Areas

Riparian areas are the green strips of vegetation along streams, rivers, and lakes. They help prevent erosion, filter sediment to protect water quality, and provide food and shelter for fish and wildlife.

• Avoid riding in riparian areas, which are damaged easily.
• If you must cross a soft or muddy area, go slowly and avoid spinning your tires.

Be a Wise Energy User

• Warm up the engine after you start it. Ride at low speeds for a few minutes.
• Avoid gunning the engine and jack-rabbit starts, which waste fuel.
• Tune the engine to get maximum mileage.
• Use trails closest to your house to minimize transportation costs.

Reduce the Spread of Noxious Weeds

Weed seeds lodge in tires and caked-on mud. To prevent the spread of weeds, wash your ORV after every ride.