MVUM Questions and Answers

 

Maps will be posted on this website and available through both the Rocky Mountain Region and National Forest Service websites. Paper copies of these maps will be available free of charge at each of the Forest Service offices in Boulder, Fort Collins, Granby, Greeley and Idaho Springs. Other partners and distribution locations may be developed over time to help disseminate maps.

How many MVUM's are there for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland(ARP)?

There is one map for the each of five ARP Ranger Districts.

A full-size version of the MVUM is 36" x 44" and cannot be printed on conventional home printers. A full-size version can only be printed from a large plotter. Many local copy shops, engineering and survey businesses can print the map.

To be readable, only a portion of the MVUM can be printed on 8" x 11" paper using home printers. With Adobe Acrobat, use the Print Current View function to print the view on your screen. It is recommended that the legend box be printed to aid in interpretation of the MVUM.

What does a MVUM show me?

• The map displays all National Forest System roads, trails and designated areas allowing public motor vehicle use. This is commonly referred to as designation. It also states that driving off designated roads and trails is prohibited (36 CFR 261.13)
• Motorized use includes but is not limited to Motorcycles, ATVs, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Designation details include vehicle class, time of year, and motorized access for the purpose of dispersed camping (camping in established locations other than campgrounds).
• The MVUM also shows roads where only highway-legal vehicles are allowed because of user safety considerations.

Limited motor vehicle access may occur on routes not shown on the MVUM for the purpose of administrative access by Forest Service personnel; for fire and law enforcement; for emergency purposes; and by persons authorized by a written special use permit or contract from the Forest Service.

No, a visitor map or recreation opportunity map will provide information on over-snow and non-motorized routes, including mechanized trails, hiking, and horse trails. Over-snow vehicle use is exempted from designations on the MVUM. Regardless of what other maps (including the Forest Visitor Map) may show as motorized routes, only those routes identified on the MVUM are designated as open to public motorized use and legal for public motorized travel.

• Roads open to highway legal vehicles only
• Roads open to all vehicles (licensed and unlicensed)
• Trails open to vehicles 50 inches or less in width (ATV, motorcycle, etc.)
• Trails open to all (full size) vehicles (trails may be rugged and narrow- intended for 4x4s)
• Trails open to motorcycles only (single track)

It's important to understand that routes and areas shown open to certain vehicle classes does not mean they are maintained for or suitable for travel using those vehicles. It simply means it is legal to use them. For example, many low standard roads may be open to all motor vehicles. This designation includes passenger cars, although it may not be prudent to drive this type of vehicle on the route due to the condition of the surface or during inclement weather.

What do you mean by a season allowance?

Some routes or areas may be open only during certain times of the year for various reasons such as to reduce wildlife disturbance, protect users from unsafe or impassable conditions and to reduce impacts to other resource values, like soil, water, and vegetation.

Are there road and trail route marker signs on the ground?

On the ARP our goal is to have most, if not all, of our motorized travel routes signed at primary junctions, at any given time. In some cases, a route marker may exist at the entrance of the road/trail with symbols indicating which classes of vehicles are allowed. Routes designated for motorized uses will be identified on the MVUM. The MVUM is an enforcement tool to ensure individuals are on the correct route. It is the responsibility of the user to determine if they are on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used. MVUM's will be developed for each forest nationwide. It is not only a tool for motorized users, but also a consistent and standardized law enforcement tool.

What is the USFS enforcement strategy?

The Forest Service tries to educate the public about the specifics of the regulation. A law enforcement officer contact with the public is a great opportunity to provide information education and create awareness about MVUM. However, law enforcement officers can issue a notice of violation anytime after the MVUM is publicly available.