Yellowstone Country Safety * Spike Strips *

It seems like the side-by-sides are getting larger and faster! I had several “very large” four-seaters drive by my cabin last week. Apparently even though they are as big as a car, they aren’t concerned with the speed limit because they are off-road vehicles. Anyone know where I can find a good deal on spike strips?

Yellowstone Country Safety * ATV slow down *

Speed limits apply to ATV’s and motorcycles. Go slow through residential/cabin areas. Dirt roads do not equate to off-road. 

Yellowstone Country Safety * Too many People on ATVs *

I am continuously amazed that the same people who demand that their kids are buckled into a car seat before the vehicle moves one inch will load up a four wheeler with one adult and two or three kids (including infants). There is less protection in the event of a crash on an ATV than a car. Be safe. You don’t have to take the entire family on a ride at the same time!

Yellowstone Country Safety * the ATVs Have Arrived! *

The ATVs have arrived in Island Park. There has already been one ATV related death at the Sand Dunes in St Anthony last week. Be Careful! 

Driving in the Caldera

Summer driving in the Island Park Caldera presents its special set of challenges. The road construction at both ends of Highway 20 greets visitors to the area. Compressed lanes and traffic delays require caution and patience.

Highway 20 is a three lane road, two lanes in one direction and one in the reverse. The center lane’s assigned direction alternates depending on terrain. With the heavy summer traffic, impatient drivers use the center lane as a passing lane, even if it is designated for traffic traveling in the opposite direction and it is a no passing zone. Travel in the right lane as much as possible. Two vehicles driving at speeds of 65 mph at each other leave no time to react if you are taken by surprise.

The wildlife presents an additional danger to the motorist. When they make a dash across the highway pursuing their natural migration paths, there may be little chance to avoid a collision at posted speeds. Reduce your speed as you pass though the more heavily forested areas of the caldera. A collision with a big moose, deer or elk at highway speeds will total your car and may hospitalize you as well. The reduced visibility of night makes the animals more difficult to see and makes them feel more secure while crossing the roadways. This makes dusk and dark the most dangerous time for animal/vehicle collisions.

If all these hazards weren’t enough, there are the ATVs that cross the roadways and parking lots in Island Park. Running the gauntlet of recreational cross traffic requires extreme attention, especially in the commercial areas. ATV riders’ enthusiasm to get to or from their trail ride interferes with their survival instincts. The speed limit of 45 mph is enforced by local law enforcement in these areas.

Using caution and patience while driving in the Island Park Caldera will help you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Yellowstone Country Safety * ATV and Vehicle Safety

Please drive your car/truck cautiously on Island Park’s roads. ATV operators may be inexperienced and unpredictable. And to ATV drivers, you will find yourself holding the short end of the stick if you are involved in a collision with a car or truck.

Yellowstone Country Safety * Dusty Roads *

Slow down when approaching vehicles on the dirt roads. The roads are dry and dusty, reducing visibility as you pass each other.

Forest Service Proposes Designated ATV Trails

Every year there are reports of serious injuries or deaths at the St. Anthony dunes. The accidents are usually the result of collisions between ATVs and/or motorcycles. Island Park is feeling the pressure of the increase in ATV riders. Cabin owners surrounded by the labyrinth of trails may question if they own property on the edge of the Daytona speedway, not Island Park.

The US Forest Service is in the process of evaluating the trails available to ATVs. The numbers of 4 wheelers and side by sides have exploded, as have the spider’s webs of improvised trails. These trails can damage the environment and facilitate erosion. They can also disrupt wildlife. The disorganized nature of the trails can also make collisions between unsuspecting riders more likely.

The Forest Service proposes to create a connected series of marked trails that will give riders an enjoyable and safe experience. It proposes to limit riders to the designated trails.  Those trails that are not included in the trail system will be made impassable.

I just picked up a copy of the proposal last Friday and it appears that there are a few areas that are more impacted than others.

The entire Eccles area east of Last Chance is subject to change. Many of the spurs and trails are to be removed with the exception of an expansive oval with 3 or 4 entrances.

Buttermilk to Upper Coffeepot will have a few trails constructed and many of the improvised trails taken out.

The area north and south of Mack’s Inn to Big Springs will have organized trails designated and the improvised trails will be removed.

The Forest Service is accepting written comments until approximately July 24^th. 

I would suggest that you visit their web site: www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ctnf/landmanagement/projects and look up “Island Park OHV Trails Project”. The proposal and the maps are available. You can visit the Island Park office of the Forest Service and review the proposal and maps there. The staff is very helpful.

Look up any areas you enjoy, see how this proposal will affect them and submit your input to the Forest Service in writing ASAP.

I am planning to make my own submission to the Forest Service.  I would like to see ATV rules relaxed during hunting seasons for big game retrieval.

Yellowstone Country Safety * 4-wheeler safety *

Use caution when operating motorcycles and 4 wheelers. Forest trails intersect with one another and you may not hear an approaching rider over the sound of you own machine.