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Thanks to today’s sophisticated multi-terrain vehicles, there is a new exciting world of adventure
available on our public lands. As sales of OHVs and sport utilities vehicles (SUVs) increases, so does
the concern for public education of rules, regulations, and principles of trail ethics.
To help off-highway vehicle enthusiasts understand land and resources ethics, the Forest Service has
developed a partnership with the OHV user groups and industry to develop an OHV Host Program.
These are the program's objectives:
· Unite all concerned in safe, sensible use of OHVs and responsible land management.
· Provide information and conservation education to OHV enthusiasts who visit the
National Forest.
· Promote the continued enjoyment of our forest, year after year, for generations to come.
OHV Hosts are a group of specially trained adult volunteers riding motorcycles, all terrain vehicles or driving
their 4X4 vehicles on designated trails throughout the National Forest. They are responsible for greeting fellow
OHV enthusiasts, handling emergencies and passing along information about backcountry travel on public land
managed by the Forest Service. Operating under a sponsored volunteer agreement, the OHV Host represents
the U.S. Forest Service. Volunteers must support and accurately represent the Forest Service policies and regulations
when speaking with the public. They become an official representative of the Forest Service, but carry no law
enforcement authority to enforce regulations beyond that of any other citizen. The Forest is responsible to enforce
regulations and the volunteers can be involved in supporting the Forest’s law enforcement efforts. Volunteers need
to be aware that enforcement of OHV regulations is a necessary and important part of properly maintaining and
managing the Forest OHV opportunities. The volunteer’s influence is felt through their knowledge, friendliness and
willingness to help others. They are a vital part of the Forest Service. The volunteer must have a high degree of
commitment to responsible use of off-highway vehicles on public lands.
OHV Host volunteers also participate in special projects identified by the Forest Service. These projects are varied
and include, but are not limited to, trail maintenance, disguise of unauthorized trails, fence repair, tree planting, youth
activities, conservation, and public education projects.
The basic functions of the OHV volunteer can be summed up as follows:
· Patrol
· Public contact
· Observation
· Trail maintenance
The OHV volunteers operate as “working patrols” which emphasizes patrolling the forest, contacting the public,
identifying maintenance and resource protection items, correcting problems on the spot when possible, or reporting
larger projects for future workdays.
Your National Forests cover many square miles of land – land that is crisscrossed with countless
miles of remote roads and trails. As OHV use becomes more popular each year, so does the use
of our public road and trail systems. Many seek the adventure of the sport before learning basic
safety or the regulations governing their travel. This can result in the inappropriate use of their vehicle,
or in some cases, create a safety hazard. Simultaneously with the increase of visitors, funds are
continually reduced each year, making it even more difficult for the Forest Service to provide an
adequate level of patrols, information, signs, and enforcement.
OHV Volunteers can provide the most important mission ingredients: Education and information.
This allows the Forest Service to concentrate on the more
difficult law enforcement problems
Everyone. OHV owners gain the respect they deserve from direct participation in improving their
sport. Other users of National Forest land benefit from increased knowledge and awareness
demonstrated by the OHV users. The Forest Service benefits because the volunteer effort serves
as an extension of its information and resource education program. OHV clubs benefit from increased
exposure and contact with prospective members. The OHV Host benefits from a responsible and fun
experience, doing what they like to do: Traveling OHV routes and meeting other enthusiasts.
More importantly, our public lands benefit from the planned use rather than inappropriate use.
Do I have to be at a particular skill level to join?
No. Our volunteers range from novice to expert. However, before patrolling on a motorcycle or
ATV, you must complete an approved rider safety course (also offered through our program).
Additional classes are held regularly for Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Are my volunteer expenses tax deductible?
The SBNFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and out of pocket expenses are generally
tax-deductible. See your tax consultant for details.
How much time am I required to volunteer?
A minimum of 90 hours per year (about 1 day a month) on the trail.
Will I be assigned to a particular Outpost or can I patrol anywhere?
You can join patrols at any Outpost.
Am I free to patrol as soon as I join?
You must first successfully complete the OHV Orientation and Host Training program.
Before patrolling on a motorcycle or ATV you must also complete an approved rider safety course.
Does this make me a "Forest Cop"?
OHV Volunteers make public contact to greet and provide maps and other information to
forest visitors as well as encouraging riders to stay on approved trails. They are not enforcement
officers. Volunteers act as the eyes and the ears of the Forest Service. Observations of dangerous
or illegal activities are radioed to Forest Service dispatch for follow-up by the proper authorities.
Sounds good to me. How do I join?
Just click the "Join Us" button at the top of this page!