Responsible Recreation
On April 27th, 2020, the County Commissioners held a meeting with various off road recreation groups. That meeting focused on responsible recreation and respectful use of public lands. Below are some of the great ideas that came out of that meeting. We want to thank all of the groups that participated and have worked so hard to help ensure responsible recreation through the “Do the Right Thing” campaign.
Do the right thing! The Owhyee front is becoming overwhelmed with the recent increase in recreation. The amount of trash, cross country travel, parking area destruction and disrespect for local ranchers is unacceptable. Please share these images to help other new users learn how to recreate responsibly.
50 inch trails are for 50 inch machines
Close Gates When Passing Through
Dry smooth 2-track road from no abuse
Go slow and allow cattle to move off the trail
Horseback riding in Wilson Creek area
Mtn biking in Wilson Creek
Mud bogging stay off trails and roads when wet
UTV damage to 50 inch trail
GET IN TOUCH
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 128
Murphy, ID 83650
Location:
20381 State Highway 78
Murphy, ID 83650
Phone: 208-495-2421
Fax: 208-495-1173
- Fences/Gates – Leave gates as you found them and pay attention to signs. Respect private lands and ranchers. Use an app like OnX to identify what areas are public and what is trespassing.
- Trails – Stay on the trail. Do not widen or create new trails. Cross country travel is prohibited. Observe closed trail signs to allow for revegetation.
- Mud – Stay off roads when they are wet.
- Trash – Pack it in, Pack it out. Secure your trash in your vehicle and help pick up any trash that may have blown away.
- Group – We’re Better Together – Share this post, share the trails, join a club, help educate others about responsible recreation and help keep Idaho public lands open, clean and beautiful for years to come.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 28, 2020
Contact: Craig Quintana, Public Information Officer, Senior
208-514-2254 Craig.Quintana@idpr.idaho.gov
PLEASE BE KIND TO THE LAND, OTHER USERS AND PRIVATE PROPERTY WHILE
OFF ROADING IN THE OWYHEES
A record number of off-road riders are hitting the Owyhees to get outdoors, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and our partners would like to remind users to recreate responsibly while having fun.
In recent weeks, a few visitors have left trash, defaced restrooms, and damaged private property while riding the backcountry. (The attached photos show some of what has occurred.)
The majority of riders are responsible but the actions of a careless few can tarnish the experience for everyone – and put access for all at risk.
The department urges riders to continue to enjoy the outdoors but to do so respectfully, leaving no trace whenever possible and being mindful of other users. Set the right example while riding and please:
• Stay off of closed, muddy roads, which are susceptible to rutting this early in the season.
• Avoid damp areas and keep to established trails.
• Leave no trash when you visit to preserve the experience for others.
• Respect private property and stay away from livestock equipment.
Idaho State Parks joins the Owyhee County Commission, the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, the Idaho State ATV Association, the Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association, Idaho Off-Road 4×4 Club, High Desert Off Road 4X4 Club, and the Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association in urging riders to be responsible.
