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Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MUVM)
Wolf Pen Gap, Arkansas
So, what is the MUVM? The MUVM is the Travel Management Rule which implements Executive Order 11644 (February 8, 1972), "Use of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands." This Executive order directs Federal Agencies to ensure that the use of off-road vehicles on public lands will be controlled and directed so as to protect the land resources, to promote the safety of all public land users, and to minimize conflicts among the various uses of those lands.
What does the MUVM mean to you? Anyone that has ridden the Wolf Pen Gap Area for the last few years or decades are well familiar with the 41 Mile Loop, known as "Wolf Pen Gap Atv Trail System", which is the designated and legal trail system. However, for those that adventured outside of WPG discovered there are a network of trails that number into the hundreds of miles of riding via logging roads, paved roads, and trails. I will refer to these trails as the "Outside Trails". These Outside Trails have been in existance since the 1970s and beyond. These trails are actually more popular to ride than the WPG Atv Trail System. If you know where these trails are you know what I mean. Trails such as the Shin Bone, Mini-Shin Bone, Wilderness Trail, Caney Creek Trail, High Line, Spyder Trail, Waterfall Trail, Colorado Trail, Church Trail, Coyote Lane, Side Coyote Trail, Hillside Trail, Blue Hole, Mother-in-law, 99, Widow Maker, etc... While these trails were never "officially" open for riding many people still road them, without fear of punishment, since there were no "official" rules in place. Well that has all changed with the May 9, 2011 MUVM. This MUVM has OFFICIALLY CLOSED THESE OUTSIDE TRAILS. Sure some of the roads my be open that lead to these trails, but do not get caught on these outside trails. The Rangers and LEOs can now actually enforce the law, something they did not do in the pass because there was no MUVM.
So, what happens if I am caught on these "Outside Trails"? "It is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on National Forest System lands on the Ouachita National Forest other than in accordance with these designations (CFR 261.13). Violators of 36 CFR 261.13 are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both (18 U.S.C. 357 (e)). This prohibition applies regardless of the presence or abscence of signs." So, for those that thought it was only going to be a couple hundred dollar fine, think again, its $5,000 or imprisonment. Guys, this is the real deal, unlike the past.
Ronnie, who is the "Official Guru" of WPG and who has uncovered every possible trail inside and outside WPG called the Ranger office in Hot Springs to seek clarification. This is what he was told, "The day the maps were published and put on the website was the day the law took effect which was Monday May 9th, 2011. If any person or business shows you a map that is different from the "Black and White MUVM Map" that is on the Ouachita National Forest Website, they are wrong, and should not use that map. If the designated Atv trail is not on the map it is off limits." So, for other people or businesses to tell you otherwise are misleading you and you will suffer the consequences should you get caught on those outside trails.
Let me add this. For those of you who do not think the National Forest Service is serious, think again. Some of those campers you see along the rivers WITHOUT atvs are the environmentlists, and when you ride in the creeks or do something stupid they are videoing and taking pictures, IT HAS HAPPEN. They also have cameras and video cameras in certain locations. They now have a SxS that will patrol both inside and outside of WPG. They are also going to monitor websites, face book pages, and forums, and will use that stuff as evidence against you. The days of riding over burms, through open gates, or I did not see a sign ARE OVER, since every trail outside of the 41 Mile Loop are now closed.
What does this mean for Wolf Pen Gap? LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR THE MAIN 41 MILE LOOP OF WOLF PEN GAP IS OPEN FOR RIDING. THE OUTSIDE TRAILS ARE CLOSED, SO DO NOT LEAVE THE TRAIL SYSTEM. SOME ROADS ARE STILL OPEN AND MAY LEAD YOU TO AN OUTSIDE TRAIL, BUT THOSE OUTSIDE TRAILS ARE OFFICIALLY CLOSED. I encourage everyone to support the local clubs, businesses, Town of Mena, and go ride the 41 Mile Loop. I highly encourage everyone to support the Ouachita Atv Club, these people are actively engaged with the Forest Service, and continuing to improve the 41 Mile Atv Loop.
What is my solution? My solution is to have a $25 or $50 riding permit. I know, I know we already pay taxes to support the National Forest, but this would be specifically used for Atv related stuff. I travel and ride the entire country, and the Arkansas National Forests are nearly the only ones that do not charge for a riding permit. That is great, and congrats to them, but those additional fees could really turn a nice trail system into something even better. The Wolf Pen Gap area could be on the level of the Hatfield and McCoy Trail System, Brimstone and Coal Creek, Piute Trail in Utah, etc... We could be the crown jewel of the South, and attract thousands and thousands of visitors.
