Even off-highway vehicle parks like Hollister Hills have to
consider resource management to provide great riding areas for the
future. Not long ago a major hill climb was permanently closed and
re-vegetated. This hill climb was called Mile Climb. Each year,
this hill climb was getting wider and deeper, not only from the
amount of off-highway vehicle traffic climbing the hill, but also
from the amount of soil that was being lost due to erosion. Mile
climb was designed at a time when a trail was made according to how
much fun it would be to ride, not how much impact it would have on
the environment. We, as land managers, have come a long way since
then. Trails are now being managed and created not only with OHV
recreation in mind, but also with what the environment needs to
continue to thrive.
Even off-highway vehicle parks like Hollister Hills have to consider resource management to provide great riding areas for the future.
Not long ago a major hill climb was permanently closed and re-vegetated. This hill climb was called Mile Climb.
Each year, this hill climb was getting wider and deeper, not only from the amount of off-highway vehicle traffic climbing the hill, but also from the amount of soil that was being lost due to erosion.
Mile climb was designed at a time when a trail was made according to how much fun it would be to ride, not how much impact it would have on the environment.
We, as land managers, have come a long way since then. Trails are now being managed and created not only with OHV recreation in mind, but also with what the environment needs to continue to thrive.
Mile Climb is a perfect example of what it takes to manage an Off Highway Vehicle Park like Hollister Hills SVRA.
Closing Mile Climb was not a popular decision, but it was one that had to be made. Closing trails is usually a last resort in resource management, but it is one that always has to be considered.
At the beginning of each trail, here at Hollister Hills, there is a sign that says, “Stay On Designated Trails.”
Now, to some that means stay on trails that have already been created. What that sign is really saying is that riders should stay on the trails that are marked and maintained. Basically, if it’s not on your map, you shouldn’t be riding on it.
According to the California Code of Regulations: Title 14 Code 4306 and the California Vehicle Code 38319, it is illegal to damage land, wildlife, habitat, or vegetation resources on public lands.
That means that each time a rider rides off the trail they are committing a crime and it is important that people know that.
The laws in place that govern the management of OHV parks like Hollister Hills are not only in place to protect park visitors, but also to protect the land that they enjoy.
The more the resources are abused, the greater the risk of having them taken away.
The best way to keep this from happening is by managing the resource.
To do this properly, we need your help. By staying on the designated trails you are helping manage the park. The trails here are designed and managed in a way that reduces, controls, and manages erosion. It also increases the level of safety.
A volunteer trail (made by riders, not the park staff) may not be ecologically sound and, even more importantly, may not be safe.
I must also mention the fact that there are protected and endangered species here in the park.
As managers, we a required to comply with the regulations established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game.
We achieve this through responsible resource management.
Most riders come to ride at Hollister Hills because it is a relatively safe and controlled area to enjoy the sport they love.
Almost all the trails here are one-way, are designed with safety in mind, and are designed by staff who are well-trained and know what they are doing.
Can we provide managed, fun Off-Highway Vehicle recreation? I think we can. That is what we have been doing and what we will continue to do.
But a major component of managing an OHV area is the proper planning and maintenance of a manageable trail system. A trail that is properly planned and maintained is manageable.
Excessive and unrestricted riding and driving up hills and through open areas is not manageable and is not responsible. It gives the sport we all love a black eye that is very visible to the average park visitor or a member of the public that does not participate in off-highway recreation.
So, once again, stay on the trails.
Remember, this is your park, but we need your help to manage it. You are all part of the solution. If we all do our part and participate in responsible off-highway recreation, the recreational opportunities will continue to get better and better with each generation.
David Dennis is a Park Ranger at Hollister HillsSVRA
