We want wildlife populations to stay on public lands as much as possible. Over the last three decades, wilderness areas have been closed or restricted because of potential and real damage to land by off-road vehicles. The Forest Service is working on informing ATV users to tread lightly and use designated trails to avoid closures. Forest rangers frequently issue tickets to ATV users who ride off trails said Ann Bond, spokeswomen for the San Juan - Rio Grande National Forests in Durango. Other times of the year it's more like three tickets a week.
Maps are available from land managers to explain which roads, areas, and trails are open and closed.
Most backcountry road damage occurs during the wet fall and spring seasons. Unused logging and other high-clearance roads when dry. Trails outside wilderness. Some are only open to foot or horse traffic. Others are open to ATVs.