ATV Florida Forum

 Well, it seems the ONF is getting some good press here, so I am asking how many of you would like to volunteer to be volunteer rangers?

This is a good program that is in danger of falling apart due to lack of volunteers. It is an education, maintenence, forest inspection program that regular folks participate in.

Mainly, what you do is while doing an "offical" ranger ride, make note of fences and trees down, and trails blocked. If you see folks violating the laws of the forest, stop and educate them on the Rules and Regulations of riding the trails.

We, mostly ATVs though, are in danger of losing a lot of trails ya'll ride. There is talk of closing off trails on un-numbered roads and limiting the ATVs to 2,000 miles of trails. We can stop that talk, and prevent any more closures if we ban together and show those controlling the ONF that we are willing to police ourselves, as well as offering to help maintain our Forest, thereby saving them time and money.

Any takers?

If I lived closer I would. Good luck finding people.

 Do you ever come up to the forest? All we are asking is for folks to donate one weekend day, not even the whole weekend. With enough folks volunteering that, it won't take but a fraction of those of you who visit the ONF.

The idea is that we get three no more than four vehicles, 4x4s, ATVs, etc. to patrol Saturday and Sunday at least. There are only 52 weekends a year, that is 104 days. 104x3 vehicles means 312, if the same ones are not patrolling over and over again.

There are that many vehicles out on a slow weekend! With all the groups in Florida that use the trails, surely we can get half that many willing to keep our trails open.

This is a pilot program that very likely could spill over into our state parks and forests. If enough interest is shown, we can be a voice to reopening our trails throughout the state. (that is my long term goal, short term, getting folks to understand this may be the only way they have to keep our National Forests in our state open to us!)

Hey if it would help keep more trails open Count me in I can help out

I will gladly give whatever time is necessary.  Where do we go to sign up.

Lisa I think you have a great idea.  It's good to see positive solutions to potential problems or issues.  I'd be willing to help out.  I live quite a distance but if someone can give me a weekend day that I'd be scheduled to patrol that'd be great.

Have you considered posting the dates needed and how many people so that people can sign up?  Is someone going to make a schedule of volunteers?  Keep me posted on the subject.  Anything I can do to help the sport out I'm all over it.

Count me in, my wife, too. We can even do weekday rides.
Kurt

If it was to be 1 day of the weekend id love to do it. Im 5hrs away !!! I would apprieciate the help finding a place to stay for those days if possible.

Count me in too!  ;)

I'm game.

Id@

I'm in too. Lisa, are you with the D.O.F?

i can do it 1 weekend a month.....if thats cool..maybe we can get ppl from miami to do it the same time..where we can come up together....i can camp out there..i dont care...but i will do it one weekend a month....

I would like to help also.

Count me in. I can do 1 weekend no problem, just let us know where to sign up and figure out a schedule.

If anything should be a sticky this one is it. I would do it for one day.

Lisa if you want we can start garthering a list of names here
http://www.flaohv.com/content.asp?sid=11&id=-1


we can generate a list of names and contact info for you....

 [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif] IM IN

 ???

I responded there. I am all for this, if it keeps them from closing trails. We were at Big Scrub 2 weeks ago and the garbage we saw was sickening. We should also do a clean-up ride soon.
Kurt

We did  a clean up ride  about two months ago and only 20 peoples show up.

That's kind of sad  [smiley=embarassed2.gif]

Grizz

I tried to show, but blew a head gasket and wouldn't do much good after that  :-/

I'd be up for another one, but from what I heard, the trail system is a definate thing and there aint no stopping it, so why should I care?

Id@

we should be willing to do what ever we can to protect our privilege to ride.I only go to ONF about every 2 months.I hope to start going more I'm looking for a few acres of land there, Let me know if i can help.

WE all need to get in this program and get involved.It might be the only shot we have of keeping ONF open, it just got 8600 acers smaller.I only go up 1 or 2 times a month but I will offer to help, just let me know

How about if they came up with a form or log for those of us that would be more then happy to help. We could take notes and get whatever info they want even in areas where they rarely go. We could sign it with valid id and they would get allot of usefull info. I'm almost 2hr and would love to do something to help.   ???

they need a way to check the bikes in and they give you a numbered flag or something to identify each bike.Then if something was going on that was not supposed to be it would be easy to report

I think it would turn into another croom's then... fee's.. reggies..titles...plus there are too many ways in to regulate.
I like the freedom.
my 2 cents

Well you can bet there going to regulate it someway or it's all going to be closed

They may decide to regulate it but it seems to me let them make the first move.  No sence in opening a can of worms.  Of course I'm sure they are already reading this, so it's too late.  Just my .02.

I don't think we are opening a can of worms.If we do not try to work with them and we leave things the way that they are then they are going to close the whole thing one day.People need to be part of the plan and not part of the problem

I'm in , have never rode at onf  if I get with other peopel  who have hopefully they can tell me the best trail

SCULCO, YOU HAVE TO GET UP THERE, YOU NEVER KNOW HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEFORE IT ALL GETS CLOSED.  I SEE THAT YOUR FROM NORTH PORT,I WANT TO GET DOWN THERE TO RIDE.I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO PARK AND STUFF.I HAVE AN AUNT AND A BUNCH OF COUSINS THAT LIVE THERE.BUT SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE ATV'S THEY DON'T HAVE A CLUE.

If you read earlier in the posts I would like to volunteer my time.  I never said I wasn't willing to work w/ them.  In fact, if you knew me you would know that I'm a positive person that does try to be part of the solution.  I don't think suggesting laws that limit us is part of the solution.  When they do become law though, I will follow them.  No sence in trying to make those limiting things happen any sooner than necessary though.

Shulco, when I get my date for volunteer work I'll give you a holler.  Also, I'm sure I'll be making another trip up to ONF in the next month.  I've got some trails marked on the GPS.  I'll get in touch w/ you so you can come.  Also, ONF (scrub) has no showers.  I have my shower replaced.  I'll be trying it out over the holiday weekend.  Have fun at Rotunda tomorrow.

Send me a message and I can let you know where to park in North Port.  We ride there all the time.

Camp Id@ could be a base of operations with a shower.?

Id@

I'll join the N Port contingent for a day, that way we can caravan up.  I've also never riden there but I do think it's important to help keep it open.  This thread should be 10 pages long already.

Take Pride in America
Volunteer Opportunities

Florida - Ocala National Forest OHV Volunteers Needed

The Ocala National Forest needs several volunteers to help with its OHV patrol. For more information, contact Bret Bush via email at bbush@fs.fed.us, by phone at (352) 625-2520 ext. 2509, or fax at (352) 625-7556.


VOLUNTEER POSITION DESCRIPTION - North End OHV Volunteers

Duties

The positions primary duties involve operation of the District's North End recreation areas and trails. The volunteer is responsible for monitoring fee and regulation compliance at Delancy East, Delancy West, Shanty Pond, and Hopkins Prairie recreation areas. The volunteer will also serve as an OHV volunteer, promoting responsible use of off-road vehicles on the North End. This position does not require on site residence but full hook-up sites are available for the volunteer provided RV at the Ocala Seed Orchard.

Operational duties include monitoring the self-service pay station at the OHV campgrounds. The volunteer will normally be required to work Friday through Sunday evening and on holidays or other busy times. The volunteer may require certification as a FS Collection Officer in order to monitor the fees at the fee stations. The volunteer(s) will monitor fee compliance daily during the primary use season and frequently during the slow season. The volunteer is required to keep an accurate record of the area usage on forms provided by the FS.

A major function of this position involves monitoring the camping rules and addressing OHV violations. The volunteer is expected to handle minor violations such as failure to pay, pets off of leash, or noise. The volunteer is expected to call for FS enforcement support or Marion County Sheriff's Office assistance when they are uncomfortable or feel threatened by any situation. In most cases the volunteer will be able to handle a majority of the situations, as they are minor incidents.

The FS will provide an orientation to each volunteer. This will include the review of some written material as well as shadowing veteran volunteers, other volunteers and FS employees.

Additional Requirements and Skills

Volunteers must have a friendly, helpful manner and enjoy dealing with a variety of people. They should have some familiarity with the natural environment of the campground, and be able to share this basic knowledge with visitors. Good communication skills, tactfulness, and patience are important. The volunteer must always remember that visitors are associating them with the US Forest Service - a public service agency funded by the taxpayers.

The volunteer must abide by the "Standards for Ethics and Conduct" for Forest Service and other federal employees. The volunteer should never discuss political issues, religion, ethnic, or racial differences or other topics that may be offensive to the public. Derogatory or offensive language must never be used in conversation with visitors.

Wear of the FS uniform will be required on weekends. The volunteer will present a clean and well-groomed appearance. The resident volunteer site will be kept clean, neat, and in compliance with all Forest rules and regulations.

Safety on the job and safety of visitors is the number one priority. Before beginning new tasks the volunteer should familiarize themselves with the safety requirements. Volunteers should consult the FS safety handbook and any pertinent Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Volunteers are required to attend monthly District safety meetings.

Operation of FS vehicles may be required to perform the duties of this position. The volunteer will be required to furnish their driving record prior to receiving a government driver's license. Additionally, the FS will perform a background screening.

Evaluations

Each volunteer will participate in a performance review at the end of each season. Long-term volunteers will receive a rating at intervals of six months. Interim reviews will be performed as needed to discuss any problems that arise.

Volunteer Amenities

The volunteer site for this area consists of:


- Water, electric, sewer hook-ups
- FS radio (hand held)
- Fuel for a volunteer provided ATV
- Use of phone at the seed orchard facility
- Use of shower facility at the seed orchard


sign up today...i already have a list of ppl...also dont forget to subscribe to our news letter

http://www.flaohv.com/content.asp?sid=7&id=18

http://www.flaohv.com/content.asp?sid=11&id=54

http://www.flaohv.com/content.asp?sid=11&id=-1

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