By Ann McCreary
Several routes for wheeled all terrain vehicles (WATVs) opened Friday (June 26) in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The routes are on roads that are already open to other motorized vehicles, but at this time no other forest roads are open to WATVs, according to an announcement from the U.S. Forest Service.
WATVs are different from ATVs in that they are designed or modified for on-road use according to regulations set by the state Legislature in 2013. The vehicles have license plates issued by the Washington Department of Licensing and drivers must hold a valid driver’s license and comply with all applicable rules of the road, according to the Forest Service.
Plans to allow the WATVs on select roads, providing about 150 miles of riding, drew objections from seven environmental organizations when the Forest Service announced them in May.
The environmental groups argued that opening the roads to WATVs violates national environmental laws. They said the Forest Service must assess the likely environmental consequences of allowing the vehicles on forest roads before opening them.
The groups also argued that it was premature to open the roads before completing the forest’s travel management plan, which is scheduled for September.
“Opening these routes honors our commitment to provide public access that meets the needs of different user groups and local communities,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken.
“We have partnered with WATV users and environmental groups to help us monitor impacts and educate visitors on the need to stay on authorized roads,” Kuiken said.
The process for identifying routes for WATVs included a review by rider groups and environmental organizations. Members of ATV clubs and environmental groups, including the Methow Valley Citizens Council, agreed to ride the proposed routes to document baseline conditions before they opened so they can compare conditions and assess impacts at the end of the season.
If the Forest Service determines that the addition of WATVs to existing motorized routes is causing unacceptable impacts or illegal behavior on or off-route, routes or access would be modified to minimize or eliminate the impact, according to the Forest Service.
Individuals who cause damage to roads, property or forest land can be cited for malicious mischief and be charged for the cost of rehabilitating damage, the Forest Service said.
Maps of the routes are available on the Okanogan-Wenatchee forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/watv.
