Are you a member of the Trail Patrol? If so, click
here.
When you see someone riding along with one of these emblems on their shirt you can take comfort in the fact that your are in good company. In order to earn the shirt these people have to participate in at least a 4 hour training course on how to be a good samaritan out on the trail.
These patrol members come in all flavors. They are ATVers, Jeepers, Motorcyclists, and Snomobilers. They range in age from 16 to 99, or at least we hope that they last that long. What they have in common is a desire to maintain a safe opportunity to ride for themselves, their friends, family and you, their future friend.
They will help if you need it, to the extent that they are personally qualified, but don't be expecting any heart surgery, for yourself or your machine, out on the trail. Some of them are EMTs, Certified Mechanics, off duty police, or other highly skilled professionals. They volunteer their time out on the trail to aid the State Parks and Recreation, US Forest Service and BLM in maintaining safety of the trails and on the trails. Their service on these trails is what helps to keep them open for our use, as they would otherwise run the risk to be closed for lack of appropriate supervision.
A Trail Patrol member is not an authorized law enforcement officer, (unless they are otherwise thus designated by virtue of their employment) so there is no need to worry about them being there to bust you for trampling the saplings in the meadow you just plowed through. However, they are likely to offer you some literature on the principles of TREAD LIGHTLY and suggest that you consider compliance with these principles on future rides.
You are just as likely to find these folks involved in a trail improvement project. They are so concerned about the forests and deserts that they will actually get out there and do service projects, with the approval of the land management agencies, to maintain and improve the trails and protect the surrounding environment.
Should
you have any questions of what the rules are, the Trail Patrol members
carry with them a yellow book that indicates all the current rules that
apply to OHV travel in Utah. They might even refer you to this web
site for additional information.
This is not an exclusive club. You too can join the Utah Trail Patrol. Here's a link to their web site for more information on how you and your riding pals can be part of the elite good Samaritans out on the road/trail.
I think you will be impressed as I was that the leaders of this outfit have performed a whale of a lot of service to our OHV community and performed miracles in keeping trails open as well as opening new ones for our use. If we enjoy our outdoor OHV opportunities, then we should feel some obligation to put your shoulder to the wheel on this Trail Patrol.
I'm happy to say that I took the course and earned the shirt.
This page is the first of many that I offer as a service project to protect
and improve through education.