News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > San Bernardino National Forest Releases Motor Vehicle Use Map

San Bernardino National Forest Releases Motor Vehicle Use Map

New Map Available Free of Charge

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, November 4, 2009

San Bernardino, CA – The implementation of the new Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service Travel Management Rule, has been announced by San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans.

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The new map is available to the public, at no cost, and identifies the system of designated roads and motorized trails available to the public in the San Bernardino National Forest.

The map identifies the roads and trails specifically designated for motor vehicle use. Other public roads are also shown on the map for information and navigation purposes only. The map does not display non-motorized recreational uses or facilities and attractions, so a Forest Visitor Map is still recommended for general information.

In development of the map, Forest Service staff assessed the existing Forest transportation policy and system using a series of public workshops, other opportunities for public input, and internal resource management reviews.

"Public input and internal analyses helped point out specific locations for consideration while working through this process," said Fran Colwell, Forest Recreation Officer. "Information the public shared with us helped update our road and trail data and our maps."

The MVUM will be revised and reissued annually or as needed, to accommodate future changes to the designated transportation system within the Forest.

The 2005 ruling required all National Forests to designate a system of roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use with the intent to enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation while ensuring forest resources are properly managed over the long-term.

To view and print the map and additional information about motorized vehicles on the San Bernardino National Forest, visit Motorized Vehicles

(Photo by USFS.)

Forest visitors are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.

Arrowhead Ranger Station (909) 382-2758

Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center (909) 382-2790

Lytle Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2850

Idyllwild Ranger Station (909) 382-2922

Mill Creek Ranger Station (909) 382-2881

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument (760) 862-9984

This article was first published on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm. This article has been viewed 782 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.