Date: 4/16/07
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

ATV RIDERS ASKED TO STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS

The Kirch Wildlife Management Area has long been a popular destination for southern Nevada anglers. In recent years some area visitors have been bringing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) like four-wheelers to use for traveling between the campground and their reservoir of choice. Unfortunately, some operators have chosen to build their own trails in areas specifically closed to vehicular travel, and that has the Nevada Department of Wildlife asking ATV enthusiasts to please stay on designated roads.

Most of the visitors who bring ATVs to the management area stay on the designated roads and trails, and that’s generally not an issue. But when a few people ignore the closure signs and blaze their own trails they create an issue for wildlife and the rest of us as well, said Dana Johnson, area manager.

“People can ride their ATVs, we just ask them to remain on those roads and trails that we have designated for vehicle traffic,” he said.

While operating a motorized vehicle “off an interior road or trail that is designated for travel; or on an interior road or trail that is marked as closed to vehicular travel” is prohibited within the boundaries of state wildlife management areas, the agency’s overriding concern is the welfare of wildlife and public safety. At Kirch, the agency wants to protect the fishery as well.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.