Protecting the Environment

Minimizing Your Impact on Wildlife

To minimize the impact your ATV, ORM, or side-by-side may have on wildlife:

• Stay on designated routes.
• Avoid meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, riparian areas, gullies, washouts, and streams.
• Use designated stream crossings to avoid harming fish.
• Be especially sensitive to animals rearing young or suffering from food shortages.
• Keep your engine quiet to help prevent having a frightened animal jump into your path.

Preventing Wildfires

To prevent wildfires, follow these guidelines.

• Understand the travel restrictions, rules, fire regulations, and seasonal trail closures for the area where you are operating.
• Travel only on approved roads and trails.
• Make sure the vehicle’s undercarriage and engine compartment are clear of debris.
• Make sure the catalytic converter and spark arrestor are in good working condition.
• Never park an ATV, ORM, or side-by-side on dry grass or vegetation. Heat from the metal parts can start a fire.

Crossing Streams

If there is no bridge, take extra precautions when crossing a stream to avoid damaging fragile environments.

• Travel directly across from your point on the trail to the trail on the opposite bank.
• Avoid spinning your tires or losing control of your ATV, ORM, or side-by-side.

Operating Around Campgrounds

When entering or leaving a campground, push your ATV, ORM, or side-by-side or ride slowly and directly to and from your campsite.

• Operate your ATV, ORM, or side-by-side at lower RPMs.
• Follow minimal impact camping practices in the backcountry.

Respecting Artifacts

It is illegal in Oregon to damage or collect artifacts at historical, archeological, or paleontological sites.