OHV's Restricted in Sensitive Plant Communities at the Oregon Dunes

October 1, 2009

Corvallis, OR –The Siuslaw National Forest is implementing a Forest Closure Order that went into affect August 18, prohibiting off-highway vehicle (OHV) use from posted areas immediately adjacent to Beale, Snag and Horsfall lakes to protect plant, fish and wildlife habitat.

“We have the responsibility to provide for multiple uses, such as clean water, forest resources and recreation while managing for existing native plants and wildlife species found within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area,” said Pam Gardner, Central Coast and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area District Ranger.

The areas near dune lakes require protection because they contain uncommon plant communities, including bog blueberry shrubland, found only sporadically along the coast in Oregon and northern California. These protected areas also provide habitat for a number of unique species, such as western pond turtles, the hoary elfin butterfly, bald eagles, bog clubmoss, adder’s-tongue and endangered western lily.

The goal for these areas, identified as Management Area 10(F) in the 1994 Oregon Dunes Management Plan, is to maintain, create, enhance or restore a variety of special plant, fish and wildlife habitats.

“Other pressing management actions, such as the alcohol ban and designated dispersed camping, along with daily demands of managing such a high use area, took our attention for some time,” add Gardner

Other 10(F) areas are located outside of OHV management areas at Siltcoos, Loon, Carter, Lost, Perkins and Elbow lakes and the Takenitch Dunes.

“We’ll be using education as the first phase of implementation and then issue warning tickets, as needed,” according to Gardner. “Repeat offenders will receive citations from Forest Law Enforcement Officers,” she added.

For more information on the closure, please contact the Central Coast Ranger District/Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area at 541-271-6071.

In the News: Dune lakes off limits to ATVs

There will be no more joyriding around the Beal and Snag lakes on the south end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Off-road enthusiasts who get a thrill skirting the perimeters of those dune lakes could face a fine of up to $5,000 or six months in jail for disturbing sensitive plant communities. The Siuslaw National Forest is implementing a Forest Closure Order prohibiting all vehicles from riding near the lakes because of the bog blueberry and other sensitive plant species.

The plant is rare on the Oregon Coast and Northern California, according to a press release from the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. Forest Service officials say motorists pose a considerable threat to fragile habitats.

Dune information: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Oregon Dunes UTV Rental and Tours

Oregon Dunes UTV Rental and Tours

October 2008, Oregon Dunes RV Rentals, LLC, releases a new opportunity for family fun in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Known for transporting and setting up rental travel trailers along the Southern Oregon coast, Oregon Dunes RV Rentals has expanded into the UTV (Side X Side) tours and rentals arena.

Oregon Dunes RV Rentals offers two hour guided UTV tours from either the Horsfall or Spinreel day use areas of the ODNRA. The tours are self-driving, with customers following professional, experienced guides through the wonders of the dunes. Tours include travel through a wide variety of terrain including the open dunes, winding forested trails and a run along the beautiful and scenic Horsfall Beach. Oregon Dunes RV Rentals offers four seat Arctic Cat Prowlers and three seat Polaris Ranger XP’s for its 2 hours tours as well as its traditional UTV rental opportunities. Helmets and wrist restraints are provided and 4 point safety harnesses are installed on all UTV’s. Vehicle orientation and safety training is provided by professional staff members. Advance reservations are required and may be arranged either by phone at (541)290-0132 or by emailing your request to kam@oregondunesrvrentals.com.




http://www.oregondunesrvrentals.com/

Oregon Dunes RV Rentals, of Coquille Oregon, is the leading provider of self contained travel trailer rentals on the Southern Oregon coast. Oregon Dunes RV Rentals transports and sets up rental trailers at any campsite chosen by its customers, whether in traditional campgrounds or in ODNRA sand camping areas. Offering self contained rental trailers between 22 and 30 feet in size, Oregon Dunes RV Rentals provides unmatched amenities and service. Each unit comes fully stocked with bedding, dishes, pots and pans, towels, TV/DVD/Xbox 360 players, and other “essentials”.