A L E R T…A L E R T…A L E R T
PLEASE GIVE WIDE DISTRIBUTION TO ALL OHV ENTHUSIASTS
The other day OHV enthusiasts (late September, 2011) were up at Havasu Falls (also known as Bison Falls) straight up from Bison Road, Lake Havasu City area. From the water fall where the trail goes to the left, mid slope (where you need some momentum to get up the hill) the group located approximately 20-30 lbs of new 16 penny nails spread the width of the trail for 20-30 yards. The group spent a lot of time picking up all the nails that they could see. With our wheeling season getting ready to start we need to keep in mind that there will always be trail hazards out there. Whether they were placed there intentionally or not is a different story. I have passed the info to BLM to look into it.
Shane Miller, Secretary – Parker 4 Wheelers, Inc.
It’s wheeling season once again, thankfully. It’s also the time of year that our sport causes enormous resentment for those who believe that the roads and trails on public lands should not be used by motorized recreationists! They are extremely vicious in their so-called “ideology” and have gone to extremes such as stringing wire across ATV trails at neck height; putting spiked wooden planks across dirt roads and trails; shattered glass across trails, etc. These actions also pose a threat for bicyclists and equestrians. Just a warning, folks. Be alert and contact public land managers if you happen to see such actions. [Ed]LOW VISIBILITY DUST STORMS
ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety urge drivers to take extra precaution as strong winds can result in sudden periods of limited visibility due to blowing dust, especially in desert areas. The following driving tips are recommended when encountering a low visibility dust storm:
· Avoid driving into or through a dust storm
· Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway; completely exit the highway if possible
· If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down
· Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway
· Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and not close to where other vehicles may travel
· Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers
· Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake
· Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass
· Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds
ADOT, along with DPS and NWS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety. Drivers planning trips are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1-888-411-ROAD outside the state, or at www.az511.gov. The ADOT Traffic Operations Center has posted advisory messages on signboards with dust storm warning information. Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay travel plans if possible.
To: Mesa 4 Wheelers, the ASA4WDC–please forward to your contacts.
From: Mike Drawsky, M4W – July 2014
Looks like someone has a grudge against the OHV community. The Forest Service has been busy digging up spiked rebar
from forest roads around Happy Jack Lodge (read their write up below and view attached photos).
TIRE DESTROYERS AND PICTURES
FYI: On the Mogollon Rim on 7-11, the CNF LEO received two reports of rebar shaped into punji sticks and placed on or near forest roads. The rebar is responsible for damaging eight tires today. The rebar has been reported in two locations about three miles apart near Happy Jack Lodge. He recovered five of the punji stick style pieces of rebar from an OHV track near FR 702. Undoubtedly, the rebar has been purposed to puncture tires. The end of the rebar has been flattened and sharpened to a point and the exposed point has been painted to blend in with the road surface. The objects pose serious risks to walkers and animals as well.
So far it seems that the MO is for the rebar to be placed in areas frequented by OHVs at a choke point where there is a tight lane of travel.